Ful' of joy

Fulham struck a blow for the old UEFA Cup last night – a once proud competition whose integrity was ripped apart when the blazers reduced it to little more than a consolation prize for Champions League drop-outs.

It was always a distant second to Europe’s premier tournament. Even in the old European Cup days.

But the Europa League (even the silly name serves to diminish the competition) has seen its appeal slide to an all-time low in the eyes of the wider football supporting public.

Placing the old UEFA Cup right below the Champions League trap door sends out all the wrong messages about this formerly great tournament.

All the cash and prestige is in the Champions League and that’s where all eyes are on.

Until the odd occasion, that is, when we get results like Fulham’s incredible 4-1 win over Italian giants Juventus.

Roy Hodgson’s side qualified on account of their seventh placed finish in the Premier League. Juve were dumped out of Group A in the Champions League – finishing behind Bordeaux and Bayern Munich.

And after Friday’s draw they’ll be forced to do it all over again in the quarter-finals, after they were drawn against another bunch of Champions League losers.

German champions Wolfsburg finished third in Manchester United’s group – losing home and away to Alex Ferguson’s men. So Hodgson won’t fear them.

As for the Champions League draw, it was this time last year that I predicted a Barcelona-Manchester United final – and once again the two sides are destined to meet in the showdown.

Barca were drawn against Arsenal and the winners of that tie will face either Inter or CSKA Moscow in the semis.

As for United, if they defeat Bayern Munich they will face one of two French sides – Lyon or Bordeaux. If Messi and Rooney perform like they have been up to now it’s going to be a repeat of last year’s brilliant final.

Barcelona are 15/8 to retain the trophy and that’s a long-term tip.

As for Saturday’s action Birmingham may come away from the Stadium of Light with all three points (5/2), while Wigan (4/5) should overcome Burnley.

Categories: Soccer