UEFA Cup
Last updated 10/13/2008 10:36:37 AM
UEFA Cup
The complex and complicated UEFA Cup is, quite rightly, derided as less than a second class citizen to the rich and much followed Champions League – but don't tell the fans of Aston Villa, Manchester City, Spurs and, especially Portsmouth that it doesn't count.
It may be a long and convoluted journey to the final in Istanbul on May 20 but the draw for the group stage has shown just how much Everton, beaten in the previous round, are missing out.
But, first of all, the rules. The two legged round has now morphed into the league, encompassing the early losers from the Champions League preliminary rounds and form the EIGHT groups of five teams , the top three will progress where they will be joined by the third placed teams from the Champions League, playing home and away ties for the right to play in the final.
Pay attention – I will be asking questions later.
But it hardly matters to the optimists from England who will be looking forward to their two home matches and two journeys into Europe, especially if you happen to support FA Cup winners Portsmouth who have had to overcome a 6pm kick off at Fratton Park against Vitoria Guimaraes and, even dafter, a 9.45 pm kick off in the away leg in Portugal which meant the players returning to their hotel at 2.30 am after extra time and penalties.
The reward is immense. Pompey have drawn the plum tie of the entire round – home to seven times European Champions of Europe AC Milan, the favourites for the competition.
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp was delighted but called upon a traditionally timed kick off of 7.45 – 8pm , saying: " We are looking for a memorable night. AC Milan in a European competition is a one off occasion. It should be a fabulous night."
Peter Crouch will be a popular boy around the Portsmouth training ground having appeared for Liverpool as a substitute in the 2007 Champions League final against Milan.
In Italy it will be Andriy Shevchenko and Mathieu Flamini relating their experiences of the South Coast side from the days when they played for Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.
The stars of Milan do not end there, with the likes of Dida, Paolo Maldini, Gennaro Gattuso, Felippo Inzaghi, Clarence Seedorf, Alessandro Nesta, Kaka and Ronaldinho to name just a handful of the world stars.
The way this round works Portsmouth will be at home to Milan on November 27 and Dutch side Heerenveen on December 17 and away to Braga in Portugal on October 23 and Wolfsburg on December 4 and, Milan or not, they have every chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
There is no reason why Portsmouth cannot continue their European adventure, particularly with Redknapp happy to pick a full strength team.
There is enthusiasm as well as optimism, too, in Group F of the competition where Aston Vila are one of three former European Champions, joining Ajax and Hamburg in a group which also includes Slavia Prague and MSK Zilina of Slovakia.