Rangers 4 vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv 0 Feb. 22 2007
“FOUR”MIDDABLE
I’ve read and heard a lot over the last while about what Rangers are all about as a footballing side and as a club in general and about what makes us so special. Well, the package that was delivered tonight, epitomised, for me, everything that Rangers stand for and more!
From the moment the team hit the pitch until Charlie Adam swept the ball majestically into the back of the net I was in awe. The atmosphere was electric, the football was first class and the goals just iced the cake.
The inclusion of Thomson and Bazza back into the starting line up boosted confidence from the word go, and how the Israelis must have wished that there underhand ploy to get Baz banned had worked as he tore their side apart with a superb leading role. The under cast weren’t too shabby either as for the first time in a long time we looked like a good footballing side. Don’t get me wrong, there was the very occasional blip where we let our guard down but frankly, who cares!!
It was a performance that the fans had been waiting on and the timing of it was second to none as the last 16 of European football will hit Ibrox again, and as a slight twist, the first ever game on European soil for our next opponents, Ossasuna was against Rangers.
Today’s Team :-
McGregor: - Only one real talking point for our keeper but unfortunately it wasn’t for any great saves. Was sent off for….em something that nobody is quite sure of. I’m willing to put money on, though, that the Tel Aviv player has been to acting school.
Rmed Verdict :- 6
Hutton: - Becoming more accomplished over the last few games. Didn’t commit himself too much and defended solidly. Even his crossing wasn’t too erratic!
Rmed Verdict :- 7
Hemdani: - Slipped back into defence again and proved once more that it is an easy move for him. Neat and tidy and read a lot of the game. He also gives us better possession at the back as he can play the ball around very comfortably.
Rmed Verdict :- 8
Weir: - His first European as a blue and was the rock in the heart of defence. Didn’t put a foot wrong all night and organised those around him with all the experience of his years.
Rmed Verdict :- 9
Murray: - Struggled a bit in the first half with the trickery of their little winger. Got more to grips with things in the second and will be happy to come away with a clean sheet
Rmed Verdict :- 6
Burke: - Started on the right but switched back and forwards. It didn’t matter what side he was on though, he scared the living daylights out of them with his pace and trickery. Faded a bit in the second half but it was great to see the wee man putting on a show for us again.
Rmed Verdict :- 8
Rae : - Again took the place of Adam for a Euro tie. Looked nervous and edgy, especially in the first half as he more often than not gave the ball away. Came more into the game in the second and made some incisive runs.
Rmed Verdict :- 6
Thomson: - Another European debut for Rangers and he passed with flying colours. Tracked back, tackled strong and never wasted a pass. He gave every ounce of energy to the cause and in no way looked out of his depth at this step up in level.
Rmed Verdict :- 8
Novo: - Like Burke switched back and forward from right to left. Made some good runs down the flanks and set up Baz’s first goal on a platter. Another who fell out of the game a bit late on, but never shirked his responsibilities.
Rmed Verdict :- 7
Bazza: - Wow. Don’t know what else to say. To say he led by example is an extreme understatement. By the time the game had finished, he didn’t have another ounce to give. Strength, vision, passing, creation and to top it all off, finishing. Made this the complete performance for me.
Rmed Verdict :- 10 (MOTM enough said)
Boyd: - The great debate will continue as he once more served the cause by bagging the second, what hand ball!, but didn’t seem to get into the rest of the game. Did look slightly isolated at times, but for me his goals are an invaluable commodity which are too easily overlooked.
Rmed Verdict :- 7
Prso (On for Boyd): - Didn’t look quite match fit, but who can blame him. Set up Baz for the crucial third goal.
Rmed Verdict :- 5
Klos (On for McGregor) :- Might still have the saves but somebody is going to have to teach him to kick a ball, and quick.
Rmed Verdict :- 4
Adam (On for Novo) :- Played 1 minute, scored 1 goal. Can’t ask more.
Rmed Verdict :- 5
Smith :- Some say he can’t do Europe, but this result puts a bit of that ghost to rest. Got the tactics spot on and must be over the moon with the outcome. Showed his passion on the touch line as well, much to the officials dislike.
Rmed Verdict : - 8
An excellent night to be a Ranger as from top to bottom, fan to player, every man showed the passion and commitment to the overall cause. Now we move onto the next challenge but if we produce games like this, then we should fear no one.
WATP
Baz.
I’ve read and heard a lot over the last while about what Rangers are all about as a footballing side and as a club in general and about what makes us so special. Well, the package that was delivered tonight, epitomised, for me, everything that Rangers stand for and more!
From the moment the team hit the pitch until Charlie Adam swept the ball majestically into the back of the net I was in awe. The atmosphere was electric, the football was first class and the goals just iced the cake.
The inclusion of Thomson and Bazza back into the starting line up boosted confidence from the word go, and how the Israelis must have wished that there underhand ploy to get Baz banned had worked as he tore their side apart with a superb leading role. The under cast weren’t too shabby either as for the first time in a long time we looked like a good footballing side. Don’t get me wrong, there was the very occasional blip where we let our guard down but frankly, who cares!!
It was a performance that the fans had been waiting on and the timing of it was second to none as the last 16 of European football will hit Ibrox again, and as a slight twist, the first ever game on European soil for our next opponents, Ossasuna was against Rangers.
Today’s Team :-
McGregor: - Only one real talking point for our keeper but unfortunately it wasn’t for any great saves. Was sent off for….em something that nobody is quite sure of. I’m willing to put money on, though, that the Tel Aviv player has been to acting school.
Rmed Verdict :- 6
Hutton: - Becoming more accomplished over the last few games. Didn’t commit himself too much and defended solidly. Even his crossing wasn’t too erratic!
Rmed Verdict :- 7
Hemdani: - Slipped back into defence again and proved once more that it is an easy move for him. Neat and tidy and read a lot of the game. He also gives us better possession at the back as he can play the ball around very comfortably.
Rmed Verdict :- 8
Weir: - His first European as a blue and was the rock in the heart of defence. Didn’t put a foot wrong all night and organised those around him with all the experience of his years.
Rmed Verdict :- 9
Murray: - Struggled a bit in the first half with the trickery of their little winger. Got more to grips with things in the second and will be happy to come away with a clean sheet
Rmed Verdict :- 6
Burke: - Started on the right but switched back and forwards. It didn’t matter what side he was on though, he scared the living daylights out of them with his pace and trickery. Faded a bit in the second half but it was great to see the wee man putting on a show for us again.
Rmed Verdict :- 8
Rae : - Again took the place of Adam for a Euro tie. Looked nervous and edgy, especially in the first half as he more often than not gave the ball away. Came more into the game in the second and made some incisive runs.
Rmed Verdict :- 6
Thomson: - Another European debut for Rangers and he passed with flying colours. Tracked back, tackled strong and never wasted a pass. He gave every ounce of energy to the cause and in no way looked out of his depth at this step up in level.
Rmed Verdict :- 8
Novo: - Like Burke switched back and forward from right to left. Made some good runs down the flanks and set up Baz’s first goal on a platter. Another who fell out of the game a bit late on, but never shirked his responsibilities.
Rmed Verdict :- 7
Bazza: - Wow. Don’t know what else to say. To say he led by example is an extreme understatement. By the time the game had finished, he didn’t have another ounce to give. Strength, vision, passing, creation and to top it all off, finishing. Made this the complete performance for me.
Rmed Verdict :- 10 (MOTM enough said)
Boyd: - The great debate will continue as he once more served the cause by bagging the second, what hand ball!, but didn’t seem to get into the rest of the game. Did look slightly isolated at times, but for me his goals are an invaluable commodity which are too easily overlooked.
Rmed Verdict :- 7
Prso (On for Boyd): - Didn’t look quite match fit, but who can blame him. Set up Baz for the crucial third goal.
Rmed Verdict :- 5
Klos (On for McGregor) :- Might still have the saves but somebody is going to have to teach him to kick a ball, and quick.
Rmed Verdict :- 4
Adam (On for Novo) :- Played 1 minute, scored 1 goal. Can’t ask more.
Rmed Verdict :- 5
Smith :- Some say he can’t do Europe, but this result puts a bit of that ghost to rest. Got the tactics spot on and must be over the moon with the outcome. Showed his passion on the touch line as well, much to the officials dislike.
Rmed Verdict : - 8
An excellent night to be a Ranger as from top to bottom, fan to player, every man showed the passion and commitment to the overall cause. Now we move onto the next challenge but if we produce games like this, then we should fear no one.
WATP
Baz.
posted by RangersMedia @ 6:38 AM
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