Pompey 2 AC Milan 2: Deflation yet celebration

What can be said?
There are no words that can possibly do Fratton Park justice last night.

Thousands of fans around the city - and the country - will have walked into work today bulging with pride.

The superlatives have been flooding in via The News' website and, while the feeling after AC Milan's late equaliser was one of overwhelming deflation, there is also a large element of celebration.

Firstly at the performance of Pompey's patched-up team, which defied all expectations.

And secondly, at the way the fans showed the rest of Europe what they are about.

Here, in no particular order, are my highlights of an extraordinary night from my seat in the Milton end.

- Jumping up and down in delight when Younes Kaboul scored - and then jumping a foot higher in disbelief when Kanu found the roof of the net.

- Hearing Pompey fans shout 'who are ya?' at the travelling Milan brigade without a hint of irony. For 80 minutes, they were justified!

- Watching Ronaldinho counter a volley of abuse from one particular fan by blowing him an exaggerated kiss - the fan soon lost his bottle!

- Being directly behind the great Brazilian's free-kick - you just heard the net ripple as everyone gaped in admiration.

- Watching two players acknowledge the crowd in two very different ways. Despite preparing to defend a corner, Belhadj couldn't resist a couple of cheeky waves to the crowd, who promptly told him to pay attention to the game! Clarence Seedorf, meanwhile, swaggered along the touchline before regally saluting the Milton end - three Champions League wins allows you to do that!

- Seeing Richard Hughes scythe down Flamini - Pompey's resident AC Milan fan will savour that moment for the rest of his life!

- The spine-tingling, awe-inspiring 15-minute chant of 'Tony Adams' blue and white army' which reverberated all around the ground. During the performance there was a break in play and you could see the players looking around in amazement.

- Being 10 yards from Kaka as he stood at the near post.

- Sensing a degree of inevitability, having to watch Inzaghi prod home the equaliser as Pompey's backline lost their men. When Glen Johnson hammered the ball back into the net in frustration, he spoke for all of us.

- Finally, the applause from Ronaldinho directed at all parts of the ground during his warm-down. A classy man from a classy club. AC Milan's comments after the match were humble and appreciative of Pompey's players and atmosphere, capping a wonderful fixture.

There we go, a few titbits from the night, which is one of the best games I've ever had the privilege to be at.

Feel free to share your memories from the game in the comment box below and I'll be sure to pick out the best ones for publication in the Sports Mail and The News.

Make the city proud, Pompey

If there is to be a pinnacle of Pompey's current era, tonight is surely the night.

Don't get me wrong, the trips to Wembley were gloriously spine-tingling.

But earning the right to play AC Milan in a competitive fixture? That's off the scale.

Kaka (one of the best players in the world) will line up at Fratton Park with Ronaldinho (one of the best players in the world) ready to come off the bench.

The Rossoneri are taking this seriously. That's the mark of Pompey's progress in recent years.

These are uncertain times at Pompey following Harry Redknapp's departure but, for all the scale of tonight's occasion, we mustn't cower in the face of the Italians.

Pompey are a quality team in their own right.
The worry is, of course, that the spine of this side is missing.

Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra and Sol Campbell are definitely out, seemingly undermining Tony Adams' faith that his charges can still pull off a Uefa Cup shock.

The creative Niko Kranjcar is also missing, although the absence of John Utaka won't break too many Pompey hearts.

Personally, I just hope Pompey do the city proud.

Historic is an overused word, but this really is a game people will remember for generations.

After the struggles of the 90s, to see the boys in blue give it absolutely everything against Milan will be enough for me.

If Adams' team do that they give themselves a chance of getting a result. That's all anyone can ask.

To those people who seized the chance to watch the likes of Seedorf, Kaka, Pato, Shevchenko, Pirlo, Ronaldinho et al train at Fratton Park last night, I applaud you.

This is not something which you can expect to come round that often.

Obviously, the hope is Pompey will build on their recent success and Euro nights like this will be more common in the future.

The reality is this may not happen.

So join me in savouring watching Pompey v AC Milan under the Fratton Park floodlights in a crunch Uefa Cup game.

Play up Pompey.

Beck off Milan, Harry's lurking!

Sports desk: 'Was he serious or is Harry having a laugh?'

Reporter in Braga: 'He meant it.

Sports desk: 'Really? It's Beckham we're talking about and he is in talks with Milan.'

Reporter: 'Harry was serious - he really thought about putting in a bid for him.'

(Still unbelieving) Sports desk: 'Okay, I suppose we'll have to play it reasonably straight.'

And so went the conversation for a little while longer until The News sports desk were half-convinced they weren't the victim of an embarrassing wind-up.

The result is our back page today.

The Sun, somewhat understandably, had a little fun with it but they, too, played it reasonably straight.

Harry Redknapp was serious - he thought about bidding for David Beckham.

He hasn't a chance, of course. the world's most recognisable footballer is half-way to the San Siro to play for AC Milan in a loan deal.

It's easy to view the whole thing as another Harry joke. And let's be honest, the tongue must have been firmly in cheek for at least some of the press conference.

A little bit of fantasy, maybe, but then we thought that when Redknapp went after Sol Campbell and look what happened there.

Granted, big Sol cut a troubled figure at the time and didn't have a high-maintenance former Spice Girl on his arm (just imagine Posh Spice walking down Commercial Road!).

Football-wise, though, how Harry - a born self-publicist - would have loved to have talked Beckham into coming to Fratton Park. He'd give it a go, for sure.

He also knows if Campbell was a long shot, getting Becks to even consider coming to Fratton Park is mission impossible.

Redknapp's comments leave him open to ridicule.

But it's a credit to him and the progress Pompey are making that he was only half-joking.

Pompey have a gem in Crouch

Peter Crouch is unlikely to be in England's starting XI against Kazakhstan on Saturday.

But his return to the squad is the least he deserves.

Off the pitch, there is no ego with Crouchie. It's easy to think this is a result of constant teasing (sometimes abuse) over his height, but it's probably because he's simply a decent bloke.

For journalists, it's a reassuring sight to see the striker emerge from the changing rooms post-match because he's always happy to talk. No tantrums, no excuses, no pretending to make a phone call.

Liverpool and Pompey fans took to him immediately because for all his ability, he's gives everything.

He's overcome constant chants of 'freak' at grounds to become a successful international.

One, it has to be said, with a top-drawer girlfriend in Abi Clancy - the fellas who subscribe to FHM approve.

If his choice of lady suggests he's punching above his weight, that feeling is no longer the case on the pitch. He's a respected and dangerous front man.

In his second spell at Fratton Park, he's slowly got into gear as his partnership with Jermain Defoe clicked into place.

And last week saw him bag four goals in a memorable week for the club.

He's playing with verve, spirit and skill, whereas Michael Owen - despite a few goals - looks weighed down and uninterested at shambolic Newcastle. Fabio Capello got his pick right.

If Crouch gets on against Borat's countrymen, expect him to carry on him impressive England record and get goals.

Pompey fans know they've got a top-class player and character.

Play up Crouchie!

AC Milan are just the ticket

Now the enormity of the UEFA Cup draw has sunk in, the next thing we all want to know is how and when they can get their tickets.

The club have promised an announcement - most likely Friday - with all the details.

One thing is definite, though - prices will remain the same as the Guimaraes tie.

It's what chief executive Peter Storrie promised and, to be fair, it looks like he will deliver.

Twenty quid for adults and 10 quid for adults/concessions to watch seven-times European Champions AC Milan - not bad, I think you will agree.

I'm loath to praise Pompey's admin skills - usually because they display any very often - but it would appear this time they might have got it right.

Whether it's via batching games together to ensure the ground is full for the whole group stage or whether, as they are bound to insist, it's a thank you to the fans, it's a good price.

Could it be that for the club's defining fixture in recent history, on a night which will be a celebration of Pompey the team and Portsmouth the city, the club will have a fair ticket policy in place.

An all-inclusive attitude will only serve to improve what will be a special night on the south coast.

And let's be honest, if we are to stand any chance of beating the Rossoneri we all need to stick together.

AC Milan will define glorious Pompey era

Can it get any better than this?
I think not.

Pompey will play AC Milan at Fratton Park in the biggest game in the club’s history.

No-one can quite believe it - the Rossoneri at Pompey.

It’s the best outcome possible from the never-ending UEFA Cup draw and it will define this current glorious era at Fratton Park.

Ronaldinho, Kaka, Maldini, Nesta, Pato etc will descend on Portsea Island.
And, quite frankly, It’s a dream come true.

Here’s what’s in store:
Oct 23: Braga (away)
Nov 27: AC Milan (home)
Dec 4: Wolfsburg (away)
Dec 17: Heerenveen (home)

Who would have thought when Pompey beat Bradford to stay in the Championship in 1998 that 10 years later the Blues would be playing the San Siro giants?

Who would have thought when the team beat Barnsley to (once again) stay in the Championship in 2001 that seven years later we’d been preparing to take on the seven-times European champions?

Who would have thought that when we were heading for Premier League relegation just three years ago The Great Escape would lead to Pompey mixing it with one of the biggest clubs in world football?

Well, not me.

Any Pompey fan who said they did are lying.
On the south coast, we are currently basking in the warm afterglow of the greatest cup draw they will ever have witnessed.

There is a knot of excitement in my stomach at what lies in store.

If there is a tinge of (churlish) disappointment, it’s that Pompey will not run out at the San Siro.

But, having said that, watching Ronaldinho and Kaka’s playing at Fratton Park will be a treat.
A vociferous Pompey reaction awaits them.

A home tie also gives us the best chance of a result.

Dream on I hear you say.
Well, we did that a year ago and look’s what happened since.

Johnson inspires Pompey Euro glory

Pompey were never going to do it the easy way.

Just ask any Blues fan that.

But after a torrid first half against Vitoria Guimaraes, Harry Redknapp’s side proved too strong for their Portuguese opponents in the UEFA Cup first round.

Vitoria seized the initiative early doors, knowing they had to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg.

They pressed Pompey high up the field, pushing the Blues back. It was an impressive signal of intent.

It rattled Pompey who, for their part, didn’t pass the ball well and didn’t get the ball to their wing-backs.

Second half and everything changed. The inspiration: Glen Johnson.

He was exceptional. Sensing he had the beating of the Vitoria left-back, Johnson had a field day.

He was incisive and dynamic and Pompey took the lead from his attacking intent.

The blistering Armand Traore did the same down the left, but Johnson’s better final ball marked him out.

Yes, Peter Crouch got the goals. But for me, Johnson ensured Pompey progressed to the group stages.

In addition, his interview post-match in today’s (Friday) News finally revealed his desire for achieving success at Pompey.

It clearly meant something. The more he opens up like this, the less people will remember him for nicking a toilet seat from B&Q!

He is a classy player and in Portugal he took it upon himself to provide the impetus for Pompey’s recovery.

A sign he is maturing as a player and a bloke.

In the stands, what looked like being a night to forget slowly transformed into a night to remember for the 3,000 travelling fans.

It was worth the wait.

The UEFA Cup group stages and potential ties with AC Milan, PSG and Ajax await.

For proud Pompey fans, and in particular those in the Afonso Henriques Stadium on Thursday night, these are wonderful times.

Pompey's Euro Tour up and running

Pompey looked liked they’d been playing European football for years.

But then most of their players have.

Ironically, in the team’s Euro debut they had too much experience and know-how for their opponents Guimaraes.

Not that it was straight forward.

Overall, it could have been better - Jermain Defoe missed a penalty and Armand Traore was denied by a stunning save.

But crucially it could have been worse - James produced a lucky save and they also missed from 12 yards.

Basically, we’ll take 2-0. Let’s not be greedy.

The occasion was terrific and the fans lapped up their moment in history.

The supporters were determined to make their mark on Europe and they did just that.

Our back page today (Friday) sees Harry Redknapp dedicating the win to the crowd.

Traore also talks up the atmosphere as they best he’s ever played in.

Pompey - staff, fans, players, the city - were in this together.

On the pitch two players caught my eye.

Nadir Belhadj was excellent. His partnership down the left with Traore is quick and dynamic.
They both look hungry.

Belhadj looks like he’s loving it at Fratton and the crowd have responded immediately - they love him.

His cross for Defoe’s goal was as perfect as they come.

Diarra is from another level. He knows it, Harry knows and the fans know it.

Refreshingly, the supporters also acknowldege the Frenchmen will leave at some point but are intent on enjoying him while he’s here.

It’s a rare dose of realism amid the hyperbole of professional football.

Instead of feeling bitter betrayal when he does depart for Real Madrid or the like, the majority will feel a sense of pride that the classy Frenchmen pulled on a Pompey shirt.

My hope is he gives us the rest of the season at least. That will be a fair return and there’s no doubt regular football at Fratton is making him a better player.

In the first-half, especially, Diarra was too much for Guimaraes who, nevertheless, looked an accomplished side.

When they stepped it up in the second half, it posed Pompey problems.

That was a taste of things to come in Portugal.

Two-nil alone will not be enough, but I do think Pompey have more than enough to get on the scoresheet and wrap up the tie.

AC Milan then awaits. Now that really would be mind-blowing.