Friday, August 25

Haway the lads

Yesterday was a great day for Newcastle fans as they finally qualified for the UEFA Cup with a 0-0 (1-0 agg) tie over FK Ventspils. After a year hiatus (last year they failed to qualify by losing in the Intertoto Cup) they make their way back in Europe as the highest ranked team outside the Champions League sides.

Newcastle has drew Estonian side Levadia Tallinn for the first round. This is a home/home series on Sept 14th and 28th. Too bad they didn't draw Dutch team Standard Liege where U.S. National Team player Oguchi Onyewu plays. There has been plenty of speculation of his move to the Premiership this summer given his performance at the World Cup. However we will have to wait until the January transfer window now.

Also advancing yesterday was German team Hertha Berlin. With a 2-2 tie (2-3 agg) over Georgian side Ameri Tbilisi, they will also play a home/home series on the 14th and 28th with Odense.

Both sides look to be able to handle these teams fairly easily but I wouldn't be betting your house on either of these. Both teams have yet to show they have a proven finisher and if either team's defense struggle it could be a long night.

But until then....congratulations.

No comments: