With the score deadlocked, perhaps deservedly, at 1-1 at the full time whistle a penalty shootout was ordered to decide the winner although both sides scored four and missed one of their spot kicks with the penalty shootout called to a halt after five spot kicks each.
It was the final straw of what was a bizarre night all round. From Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba being rested and pulled from the substitutes bench in the moments prior to kick-off, to the tough tackling from the Greeks and some bizarre decisions from the referee, to a penalty shootout that doesn’t have a winner. Ultimately it’s one great big advertisement for why pre-season games can’t be taken too seriously.
Newcastle started off brightly and could have taken the lead inside ten minutes although Roy Carroll managed to dive to his left and tip Shola Ameobi’s goalbound header wide. That was about it as good as it got for Alan Pardew’s men though who then struggled to mount any meaningful attacks until they took the lead half way through the first half. Steven Taylor was in the right place at the right time to sweep home after the ball bounced off Gabriel Obertan and found the back of the net in his first start for seven months.
Chances were hard to come by for both sides with Olympiakos only really testing Tim Krul from long range although one shot in particular seemed to cause the Dutchman some problems as he cleared it with his legs.
Perhaps the most notable part of proceedings was the tackling of the Greeks. The word “friendly” may have been applied but their approach to challenges was anything but friendly and Newcastle players were on the end of some “robust” challenges on more than a few occasions. Amazingly Olympiakos even had a player sent off when Francois Modesto received his second yellow card of the night following a late challenge on Romain Amalfitano on 73 minutes.
That was to spark Olympiakos into life and they equalised six minutes later as Kostas Mitroglu stroked the ball home from the edge of the box. Newcastle could have regained the lead through Papiss Cisse who connected with Romain Amalfitano’s cross only to see Carroll scramble the ball back into the path of Cisse who then hit the post with Romain Amalfitano’s follow up finding the side netting.
So penalties it was and Papiss Cisse stepped up first casually stroking the ball way over the bar. Olympiakos responded by scoring their first four penalties before Tim Krul saved their fifth to deny the Greeks victory before Mehdi Abeid restored parity with the final penalty of the match.
Final score: Newcastle 1-1 Olympiakos (4-4 after penalties)
Of course we play again this evening, and if we beat SC Braga it will mean we will win a piece of meaningless pre-season silverware. It’ll do though…
We do need to start getting a bit more fluidity in our play though. We have three pre-season games remaining so the time for testing is coming to an end and we need to now start working towards our first league game of the season against Tottenham in three weeks time.
Howay the lads!
Newcastle United: Tim Krul, James Perch, Steven Taylor, Mike Williamson, Davide Santon, Gabriel Obertan, Gael Bigirimana, Dan Gosling, Romain Amalfitano, Haris Vuckic, Shola Ameobi
Subs not used: Steve Harper, Fabricio Coloccini, Paul Dummett, Danny Simpson, James Tavernier, Ryan Taylor, Jonas Gutierrez, Mehdi Abeid, Cheick Tiote, Sammy Ameobi, Sylvain Marveaux, Papiss Cisse
Olympiakos: Roy Carroll, Tasos Papazoglou, Fejsa, Djebbour Rafik, Giannis Fetzatzidis, Siovas Dimitris, Dielna Claude, Vlahodimos, Marinaldo da Silva, Diogo Luis Santo, Torosidis Vasileios
Substitutes: Balazs Attila Megyeri, Maniatis, Francois Modesto, Marko Pantelic, Kostas Mitroglou, Jose Holebas, Andreas Tatos, Manolas Konstantinos, Likoeannis Ch, Karagounis Vasileios, Giannis Potouridis, Djamel Abdoun
How strong was their line up? Pretty good result against a CL team considering our starting eleven.
Brendan(Quote)
Love the two big lads at the end of the video. Meaningless friendly, but they’re still getting the fist pump on when the ironig bored saves the last penalty!! Propper fans!!
Doug(Quote)
Some were raving on about Sammy last game. How was he last night?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy, I was hoping you would have watched the game.. I was looking for some insight to the negative aspects of our performance and you are normaly good at seeing the bad in everything.. oh well next time maybe 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
I was well chuffed for young Abeid as he must have felt a bet of pressure on him taking the last pen,
But as you say it was a bit scrappy with the tackles flying in.
Troy for me anyway Sammi was back to sammi, anc it was good to see Saylor back and shouting out orders and just generally givingit all he’s got, to me he is my ideal captain.
Big Dave(Quote)
Agree on Taylor Dave. He’s that vocal leader we’ve been missing on defense. He and collo should handle business this year. Willo was himself unfortunately
MDS(Quote)
Sammy was a bit hit and miss one nice bit of skill and couple of decent runs but he wasnt on long enough to make an impact like the other day and some of the passing into him was *****.
He was the stand out against fenerbache for me when he got some decent game time, I hope he gets the full 90 tonight…
CC(Quote)
By the way what did everyone think of bigirimana? Small but veyr quick, not afraid to get stuck in and has an eye for the pass. He impressed me.
MDS(Quote)
MDS Willo is always Willo it seem strange for a pro footballer to be **** scared of the ball, never passing it to a team mate just hoofing back to the other side 99% of the time, I also noticed he must be giving Strolla lessons on grabbing hold of peoples shirts and trying to wrestle.
Funny watching Strolla I can’t help but think if we have to rely on Strolla if/ when the Demba’s are away we’ll be fuked.
Some of the younguns looked well again but again the prem is a lot different to a friendly but they are looking good.
Big Dave(Quote)
@aussie
I know you learn so much from my constructive criticism. 😉
As I’ve always done. I give a balanced view and offer praise in equal proportions.
I hate it when people see everything thru rose tinted glasses. Who’s wearing them today Aussie? You or Wolfie. 😛
@Dave
I haven’t seen enough talent from Sammi yet to convince me he’s good enough. Mind, I’ve said that about Shola for 12 years and he’s made a good living from us. 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Willo got abused on their goal. He’s alright for depth but not as a #3 CB, especially when it will need to be all hands on deck this year with the schedule
MDS(Quote)
Ive just bought one of those rocket back packs for £10k. Absolute class!
I’m hovering owa the Tyne bridge noo texting this!
My cape went up in flames when I started it up but it looked good like as it created a nice tail of smoke as I jetted owa Blaydon. 😎
Troy Stavers(Quote)
The Ba and Cabaye thing is a bit puzzling like?!
How can you be too unfit to sit on the bench 😕
I know it’s another draw and just a friendly but it was good to see Saylor back in their and while it’s a game dismissed as ‘not serious’, I bet he’d beg to differ!.
I’d still like to see Marv feature alittle more in these games tho, but I like that the newbies are getting plenty game time.
I also watched the Milk Cup Final the other night as well and while we are beaten by the better team, who had some really talented young uns – there were afew of our young ones that stood out for me aswell.
I was particularly impressed with the goalkeeper Woodman, the CB – Satka, CM – Smith and although he had a quite final, CF – Campbell won player of the tournament.
It looked like a very strong spine to the team, and there were some other decent players around them. I was really pleased to see Pards and Pedro out there and look forward to seeing how the young lads progress. If 2 or 3 come through it would be great for the club I think.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Troy, Suns out over here at the moment so I have shades on mate…. oh hang on, your not going to know what I’m talking about with all this sunshine talk 😉 .. It must be hard for you with that big black cloud floating above your head.. 😉 And now your trying to hover above if with the rocket stuffed in you **** 😆 😆 😆 😆
Hope your well this morning Troy 😉
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Sharpy, I think Pardz has his starting 11 locked away and he is seeing who is willing to put there hand up for a go should one of them get injured. I can’t imagine Cabaye being too unfit, I think he is being wrapped in cotton wool.. The young’uns have had a real chance to show their wares so it will be interesting to see who makes the bench come first game of the season..
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Troy I bet a few thought it was a stunt for the olympics 😆 but remember your not in complete control if your using your phone 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
Well im gonna have to rely on you guys to see how we played last night
Tables got turned …As of course i wanted to watch match and she who obviously must be obeyed wanted to watch the Olympic thing, conflict was always inevitable.
It lasted about 30 seconds lol
Because as soon as i started protesting i got asked what my answer was when she moaned about the world cup. ” It only happens every 4 years ”
“Exactly …BBC1 please” 👿
Gary(Quote)
You need two tv’s Gary 😉
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Ah she had that covered too.. because i would have happily let her toddle off upstairs
As kids wanted to watch Olympics too i was being anti social if i went on lappy in kitchen
Gary(Quote)
Gary, I feel for you mate 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Disgraceful Journalism, Lets hope the club follow through with the threat:
http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/335765
“Having read this article in direct comparison to the full article, we would sincerely advise Express Newspapers to either a) remove this article from the web page b) print the full interview and amend your extremely scurrilous ‘headline’.
Failure proceed with either of this recommendations will result in legal advice being sought.”
Lee Charnley
CC(Quote)
Those of you out there who have watched all the games, who would you say has impressed enough to earn a place on the bench come the first game of the season?
I have watched youtube hi-lites etc but it doesn’t really give a good reflection of the general play.
Do tell…. 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
AMF – I think Bigirimana has been a bit of a revelation. I didn’t expect much of him but he looks almost ready for a more improved role now 😯
Also think Abeid has done well, and Gosling. Marveaux has shown some nice stuff too but I want to see more of him and see how his fitness is personally
toonsy(Quote)
Just because Saylors a loud mouth doesn’t make him a good captain. The fact is he is a moderate footballer with a brain the size of a pea. His decision making is rash on an individual tackle basis – so how is expected to be sound when organising a whole defence. Those who have played at any level at the back know there’s nothing worse than a loud mouth shouting a load of gash – to make themselves look and sound good.. Saylors not even close to Colo who is a fine Captain – he leads by example and is our most gifted player. Saylor won’t even be in the first team if we get another CB.
Stardust(Quote)
Cheers Toonsy, it seems like Vuckic’ has slipped down the pecking order a little..
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Gosling and Tavernier have stood out for me
CC(Quote)
Aussie – but why withdraw them?, why couldn’t they be on the bench but Pards not play them if that was the case. I’m not reading anything into it, it just seems a strange thing to do.
I think of everything I’ve saw pre season so far, Williamson needs replacing, and we need another CF because as Dave says, we can’t rely on Shola for 90mins. A FB would be 3rd on the list of priorities for me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Yeah, Willlo is a cause for concern Sharpy… I guess a part of my original question was around, who would also be ready to fill a place on the bench against Spurs? As we all know the PL is played at a break neck pace and is very physical.. Bigi seems like a smallish lad, would he mix it with the big boys?
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Bigirimana looks a superb player, Sammi Ameobi has looked more of threat, Vukic and Amedi have shown glimpses of promise, quite pleased overall of what we have in the squad.
Disappointed with Obertan, he has the pace and ability but can Pardew restore his self confidence as he looks shot to pieces.
Love the match report and the comments about the referee, bizarre decisions and some awful challenges from the Greeks as well as some shameful attempts to get our players red carded but I suppose its a taste of whats to come in Europe.
Robert(Quote)
Stardy your right mate, Colo is a top player except when we’re under the gosh and his heed drops.
nice to see you got your heed outta Jabba’s *** long enough to grace us with your vast knowledge of the game.
I suppose you still think Willo is a better player than Saylor 😳 😆 now run along Jabba will be waiting for you.
Aussie For me gosling has looked like a different player, Bigi and Abeid have done well.
Big Dave(Quote)
See Terry has been charged by the FA which means he will probably be banned for our game at theirs, touch of double jeopardy there and as his court verdict proved, it should have been dealt with by the FA disciplinary in the first place and should never have been in the Public Courts.
Robert(Quote)
AMF- for me Vucick looks great with a bit of space but struggles in close quarters. Loan please…
Agree on Golsing. He’s going to play a big part this year, perhaps as the new Guthrie. We are absolutely loaded in the midfield
MDS(Quote)
Cheers BD, Rob & MDS. Gosling was highly rated at Everton so it is nice to hear he is getting his mojo back.. Hope he shines this season as we will need him..
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Gosling pulled up injured last night though didn’t he? Anyone know how bad it is?
Jon R(Quote)
I think Amalfitano looks like an excellent prospect, he has all the assets to grow into a top player. Well done to the scouting staff for picking the lad up.
His dead ball delivery also sems to be excellent, something which we have lacked since Barton left.
The emergence of so many talented youngsters is the big highlight of the close season so far for me. Keep all of our big hitters, and bring in a couple of good seasoned defenders and I’ll be well happy.
It’s a real pity that the money clubs like Man City and Chelsea can buy there way to success, it makes our task infinitely more difficult.
Howay the lads
Munich Mag(Quote)
Jon don’t know for sure but I think he’s just felt a twinge, there was no one near him when he pulled up. So fingers crossed.
Big Dave(Quote)
Dave – yeah, it looked like his back I thought, but was hard to see cos the stream was blurry? 😛 Could have been his hamstring?
Jon R(Quote)
Dave – can’t believe when we are under the cosh you look the blame the best player in the back line. Sure you know what you’re on about – seemed like a clueless comment to me (and others – Troys text me laughing at you) 😆
Stardust(Quote)
Stand out for me to far has been Bigi, think he has been excellent so far…real talent there me thinks.
EvilFranky(Quote)
Was Gosling a GM experiment to see if it was possible to create a human being by using Amir Khan’s chin as a template? Fucking puff!
Morning all 🙂
jay jay(Quote)
Evilfranky, I agree, I think young Bigi will be a great player for the toon sitting just in front of the central defenders
Munich Mag(Quote)
A real surprise about Bigi in my opinion apart from how good he’s played is the ammount of leadership he’s been showing, for a young lad and new at the club it’s really quite impressive 😎
jay jay(Quote)
Stardy as I said Colo for me is a cracker and one of the best CB we have had but I like my Captains like Big Al and I can’t remember ever seeing him allow others to drop their heeds and give up never mind letting his own heed to drop.
I have said before during games that Colo seems to find it easier to try to cover for others than shout at them and tell them to sort their **** out.
I noticed you never answered if you still believe that Willo is a better player than Saylor ?? Whats up do you not want to answer that one 😀
Big Dave(Quote)
Jay Jay I was at the Monaco game, and witnessed at close quarters what a great team spirit we have at the toon. That is also one of the main reasons why the new bairns feel they can come in and show there stuff.
Munich Mag(Quote)
£55 for Chelsea 😯
jay jay(Quote)
Obertan ran our game. He was the outlet with Shola and when Cisse replaced him, we fell apart. Obertan is never going to get a fair run with our fans.
Even Pardew has said Obertan was the best last night but that’s not good enough apparently.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Young players always develop much better in a team that is winning games.. Team spirit aside it helps give them a bit of added confidence. I reckon that is why Man U and Arsenal have done so well for so long. When a new talent gets a start, they feed off the winning mentality of the players around them.. You can’t underestimate how important the period of time is for our developing players, give them game time while we are knockng up wins. I am not saying that we put 4 on at one time but one here and there.
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Afternoon all, Had to watch the match this morning as we had company last night and the opening thing was on for them to watch.Anyway I recorded it. I thought Saylor looked good and the goal was good too,Bigi impressed again as did Amalfitano and Obertan looked much better this game. Also liked the look of Gos and Tavs as well .Vuckic seems to be dropping back in form and Willo is still a worry for me. Sammi was so so and can’t believe Cisse skyed that pen 😯 of all people 😳 .Nice pens from Vuckic ,Abeid and Amalfitano but Perch pen was gash .Good pen save from Tim 😀 Over all I was really impressed with Bigi and he’s close to a first team contender imo.
What time is the next kickoff?
kimtoon(Quote)
CC@21 ,I saw that as well ,it’s disgusting they get away with printing that and should be took to task the sh*t stirring gets. 👿 😡
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim
8.45 pm kick off tonight.
Sadly its the sort of article that perfectly sums up journalism in the 21st century.
CC(Quote)
@Big Dave
Just tuned in cos I’ve been hovering over Aussies bounce for a couple of hours. I can’t decide whether it’s my rockets burning a bald spot on the crown of his heed or it’s a natural monks saucer! 😛
As far as texting the rat dusty, take no notice. He has no allies and loves to divide to conquer.
He’s a scurrilous deviant that is better ignored.
His judgement on football and business most be the funniest and thickest that has ever been posted. 🙄
Dusty you are absolutely clueless. Can you remember the compliments you were dishing out to Saylor last season?
Would you like me to repost them. 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
CC,Thanks 😀
kimtoon(Quote)
1664 time I think, anyone got their season ticket yet or know when they’re due?
jay jay(Quote)
I will now refuse to buy the express! 😈
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy, how’s the ****? Can’t be too comforble with that rocket wedged tight.. still it makes a change from having your head up there 🙂 🙂 🙂 woo hoo hoo
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
@aussie
Woo hoo hoo hoo 😛
Come on then? Is it a natural monks saucer or have my rockets scorched your napper? 😛
I tell you what. Has anybody been doon muscle quayside next to the millennium bridge?
It’s a nice feeling pumping iron and the drinkers at the pitcher & piano cheer you on!
It’s nice to warm down with a game of beach volley ball at the quayside seaside section !
Oh how tyneside has changed in the last 20 years! Anyway I’m for a dip in the seaside riverside. Bloody diving board off the Tyne bridge is a bit scary like leek like! 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Triple somersault, side flip and belly flop!
10 10 10 10 10 perfect!
The crowd are loving Troys trunks leek like leek! 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I hope you have waited an hour after earpting before you went swimming Troy. Hate to see you cramp up and drown 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
*Eating* wtf is earpting 🙂 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Been a disappointing pre season results wise, but then again so was last year and we didn’t half have a good season!
Some of the youngsters look very promising indeed
Newkie(Quote)
@aussie
There’s a huge barbie here on the quayside seaside. I’ve just eaten some strange Australian type of roasted vegetable. Awful taste, ugly looking thing and smells like pap!
How’s you by the way? 😯 no offence 😳
(hope Aussie didn’t think I was talkin aboot him 😳 )
Quickly change the subject;
Hi Aussie. You smelling good today. ? Noo! I’ve done it again. 😳
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy 🙂 🙂 you can be mildly humorous at times 🙂 …. now Is not one of them 🙂 🙂
Right, its time to stare at the back of my eyelids for a few hours.. nighty night Troy 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
What times it owa there like leek like? 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Watching southampton vs ajax on 5, Anita does look a tidy player.
Newkie(Quote)
wish i knew that was on 45 minutes ago 😆
jay jay(Quote)
Jay Jay 😆
Apparently Carroll is now willing to go out on loan, but only to an English club in Europe….Basically meaning us then.
Sorry but who the **** does he think he is, demanding Europe 🙄 😆
Newkie(Quote)
On The Express article. I opened up Newsnow this morning, saw the title, rolled my eyes and just ignored it 🙄
toonsy(Quote)
What was the article about toonsy?
jay jay(Quote)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcDdAy1HaZE
Great video of Tiote
BigPapa(Quote)
Was it the article with the headline “Cisse Prepares to Murder Pardew Over Olympic Row,” which, when you read the actual quotes, actually says something like “I’m a little disappointed and would like to play for the Olympic team, but I completely understand and support the manager’s position,”?
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
BigPapa …….well done, brilliant vid…..
Munich Mag(Quote)
BIGPAPA@69 😎 😀
kimtoon(Quote)
JayJay – two things on the Carroll story: first, I don’t see a quote, so it’s all made up. Second: given that he’s considered one of the top three English strikers, I don’t think it would be an unreasonable request anyway! He may not be worth £35m, but he’s definitely of a quality that should expect European football.
Anyway – what time’s kickoff?
Whumpie(Quote)
whumpie, 8.45pm
kimtoon(Quote)
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/photos/week-in-pictures-27-07-2012-slideshow/#crsl=%252Fphotos%252Fweek-in-pictures-27-07-2012-slideshow%252Flioness-photo-1343395792.html
Super mum
andymag(Quote)