Sami Hyypia Farewell

SAMI HYYPIA
1999 - 2009
464 Appearances
35 goals
10 Trophies

All the best Sami!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Last Games for 08/09

Liverpool 3 Tottenham 1
Torres 31, Hutton og 64, Benayoun 81 - Keane 77

A match without much significance as the title has been already won by Manchester United. Still, it's the last home game for the Reds and Anfield did not disappoint once again, appeared in full voices. A memorable match for Sami Hyypia who is leaving to Germany after 10 years of service in Liverpool Football Club. Robbie Keane returned to Anfield and got a goal himself too. Details of Sami Hyypia will be posted up next.

WBA 0 Liverpool 2
Gerrard 28, Kuyt 63

A match which Liverpool already knew that they are no longer in the title race. Nevertheless, the Reds put up a good game of football securing 2 goals win over WBA. Sadly for the home side, they are relegated after this defeat. Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt both increased their season's tally.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Brilliant Win At The Theatre of Dreams

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4
Ronaldo pen 23 - Torres 28, Gerrard pen 44, Aurelio 77, Dossena 90

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4. Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams. Remember this, Liverpool fans. What a famous win after so many years of suffering so many disappointing results against them. It makes it even sweeter to see Sir Alex Ferguson's face getting red to black at the end of the game.

When I checked the line-up on my computer 5 minutes before kick-off, Alonso is out injured. Darn, Lucas was the replacement. When I on the television, Arbeloa is not in the starting 11. Big Sami Hyypia replacing the Spanish fullback. It seems like Liverpool had many things to be done, even before kick off.

Pepe Reina made a mistake and caused a penalty. Ronaldo made it 1-0 and everything seemed so smooth for Manchester United. The goal somehow, came against the run of play in my opinion, and out of a sudden, the home side got a goal up.



When things were like going against Rafa Benitez's men, Fernando Torres outmuscled the ever-reliable Vidic and equalized with a cool finish past VanDerSar . What a time to score! Fantastic goal!

The goal gave the away side confidence and we controlled the tempo of the game. Passing the ball around, not allowing Rooney and Co to play their football. Right just before half time, a through ball by Torres to Gerrard was almost perfect but brought down by Patrice Evra. Penalty! No doubts about it.



Steven Gerrard made no mistakes from the spot and gave the camera a famous kiss! I'm sure all the girls watching the match went crazy. Somehow, I couldn't believe it. Leading 2-1 at Old Trafford. This is something we have not be able to do for many many years till I lost count.

Triple substitution made by Ferguson. Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Berbatov. Expected and Man United was preparing to fire all cylinders towards Pepe Reina's goal. Just when the home side was ready to execute its new formation, Vidic pulled Steven Gerrard down and he was sent off as it was a goal scoring opportunity.



A freekick just outside the area and I was screaming for Aurelio to take it. A left footed shot would be needed at that angle. Brazilian left back did not disappoint me. He struck it so sweetly that it caused VanDerSar standing on his line, helpless.

3-1 with a man down. It's really tough for Ferguson's men to comeback and I was already jumping on my seat. Aurelio's goal killed every United player and fan as they know it's almost game over. Old Trafford was only left with the Torres song, Gerrard song as well as the chants of Anfield road.

Liverpool had another in the dying seconds of the game. Andrea Dossena, once again proved that he do can score goals, crucial ones as well. A very cool lob over VanDerSar, who was looking at the ball going into his own net.



Emphatic win over bitter rivals and this meant so much for the Liverpool fans. 4-1 win over Manchester United, defending champions as well as the European Champions. Biggest win since 1923? I'm not very sure, but I know history is created and hopefully, we can finish strongly in this 08/09 season.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Riots In St James Park

Newcastle 1 Liverpool 5
Edgar 45 - Gerrard 31,66, Hyypia 36, Babel 49, Alonso 76(pen)

Just looking the scoreline, you could see why the Anfield faithfuls are celebrating being on top of the league at the end of year 2008. Of course, we would like to celebrate back in Anfied at May. Nevertheless, this has not been happening over the years. Leading the table by the end of Christmas. No matter what, it is still an massive improvement which is the most important in football. Keep improving and never be satisfied with current glory.

The 5-1 score saw Stevie G getting 2 goals, Sami Hyypia, Ryan Babel and Alonso with a penalty at the end. Rotated by Benitez, Lucas, Babel came into the team. Alonso, Riera and Keane were all left on the bench. It was no surprise to see Rafa rotated due to the fact that it was their 2nd game in 4 days.

With swift passing by the away side, it was inevitable chances were created. Without Shay Given, Newcastle would have needed a hole to hide. Given made some fantastic saves throughout the game, did everything he could as a goalkeeper. Unfortunately for the home side, defence and midifield failed to hold on to Liverpool's waves and waves of attacks.



Stevie G just love scoring against Newcastle, don't he? These 2 goals just increased his tally against them and several assists in the bag too. Sami Hyypia also joined in the fun by heading brilliantly from the Captain's corner.

Ryan Babel, who has been disappointing this season, also added the third goal. Disgusting goal and his celebration was as if he scored a Champions League final winner. Oh well, credits to him, he was there at the right there, and reacted the quickest to tap the ball in.



Xabi Alonso came in and scored the last goal from the penalty spot. This just sumed of both teams' day and the year. A emphatic win indeed and it's definitely nice to see the team creating chances and converting them. We have to keep it going, concentrate on our matches. As long as we win, we need not care what or how other teams perform.

Leaders at the start of 2009, let's see where we end.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Awful Defending Ends Carling Cup Run

Tottenham 4 Liverpool 2
Pavlyuchenko 38, 53, Campbell 42, 45 - Plessis 49, Hyypia 63

Conceding 3 goals within 6 minutes? It's probably something we seldom see in Rafa Benitez's team. Defending was woeful which allowed Tottenham to end Liverpool's Carling Cup run early. Defenders which include Dossena, Degen, Hyypia and Agger, were terribly poor in almost everything. Marking, positioning and heading first ball upon crosses.

We didn't threaten the goal in the first 45 minutes at all and we were already 3 goals down at half-time. The first attack got us a goal right after half time with Plessis scoring a header from a Babel's corner. When there was a little hope of a comeback, our defence went AWOL again and conceded another.

Failing to defend properly and losing control in mifield were just sucide in any football matches. Liverpool were just a perfect example of it. Despite Hyypia adding another header to make the scores look less thrashing, it's just somehow tells me that it's a game for players to prove themselves and improve their fitness.

It's always feels bad to lose a game, but well, it's only Carling Cup! I remember Rafa saying this phrase few years back when he was criticised of losing out in this cup tournament too. "I didn't come to England to win the Carling Cup!"

Bolton up next!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Gerrard's Penalty Enough For 3 Points

Liverpool 1 Portsmouth 0
Gerrard pen 75

Match was not telecast over here in Singapore. A Steven Gerrard's penalty was good enough for Liverpool to get the 3 valuable points. Gotta keep getting results even if the team is not playing well. White Hart Lane is next.

Goals

You'll Never Walk Alone..

07/08 Season Review - Defenders

Seeing the men in between the posts, it's time to put some time on a very important aspect of the game. The defence. Pepe Reina was able to win the Golden Glove award for consecutively 3 times is mainly due to the strong wall built in front of him.

Let's begin.

Steve Finnan
The Republic of Ireland's right back has not performed up to his standards or expectations from everyone this season. Finnan has been consistent over the years and eventually, becoming the unsung heros of the team. Unfortunately, probably due to his age and injuries, it's hard for him to sustain such form over these years and he's not been the automatic choice like before. Rafa probably noticed his poor form during trainings and hence, not involving him in the first team as much. I'm unsure about his future at Liverpool, I'm pretty sure that he has been a loyal servant to the club.

Ratings: 3 / 5

Sami Hyypia
Oh man, what else can I say from Big Sami! He's a fantastic player this season, or probably in all seasons. Despite his age, he was able to come into the team and defended superbly throughout the season. Many would have argued about his pace, however I do not think that is a problem for the Finnish international. His timing and presence in the air are still top class and he has happily signed a year extension to his contract which will see him being at Liverpool for 10 years.

Daniel Agger's injury early in the season has given Hyypia more first-team football this season. He's been a great professional and his experience in the game is valuable. Earlier in the season, he faced some criticism for the own goals he unfortunately scored. Having said that, he replied them by putting some great performances and scoring the bullet header against Arsenal in the quarter final of the Champions League. It was a crucial goal. Love his celebration as he marched back into his own half after scoring.

He's not getting any younger but his experience and reading of the game have always been spot on. He would be at the club next season for sure. Hope to see him contributing in any way next season. Well Done Sami Hyypia!

Ratings: 4.5 / 5

Daniel Agger
He's so unfortunate to suffer an injury so early in the season. I can't even remember when he got injured, but I do know that he suffered a relapse during training when he was about to come back into the team. He's definitely missed this season. His pace and ability to bring the ball forward are some of his attributes we failed to see this season. I'm pleased to hear the latest update about him that he has recovered and working towards next season's football. I'm looking forward to see him this coming August, hopefully scoring some goals as well.

Ratings: Injured for majority of season.

John Arne Riise
His name must be a popular one in the Chelsea's dressing room and fans. His infamous own goal against Chelsea on the last kick of the game at Anfield would be remembered by many especially the Anfield faithfuls. Oh boy, Riise! Sadly so, we didn't manage to see his thunderbolts this season. His poor form haunted him the whole season. He was really poor in his games which added to my frustration every time I watched Liverpool matches. Despite being versatile, Riise didn't manage to use that to his advantage. He's not being first choice in majority of the games as well. I do not what happened to him, but like Finnan, he didn't performed to expectations. His future in Liverpool is much in doubt at this very moment. I will not be sad to see him go though.

Ratings: 2 / 5

Fabio Aurelio
I've always like this Brazilian left back. Despite the fact that he's not the best defending full back around, I still admire his left foot and the way he strike the ball. Probably the fact that he's from Brazil, his individual skills are one of the top in the team. His distribution to the midfield and strikers proved to be crucial as I knew many of these became assists of goals. A team player and hard working player. He got his first goal for the club against Bolton with a nice volley just outside the area. It's always so unfortunate for him as he got injured at the crucial time. Against Chelsea, he got injured without touching anyone and replacement Riise scored the own goal right at the end. I'm pretty sure that if Aurelio is still on the pitch, the own goal wouldn't be scored. His only weakness is being injury prone. Other than that, he's a decent player for us.

Ratings: 4 / 5

Álvaro Arbeloa
This fellow here was bought last season and it proved to be a reliable transfer. The ability to play both right and left back, is a useful tool for Rafa to utilise. Not a bad defender who loves to attack. He always get me worried when he attacks and can't get back in time to defend. Carra has to cover up for him many times! Still, Rafa seems to like his Spanish defender and Arbeloa has been playing plenty of football this season especially important ones as well. Having said that, he has not prove, at least to me that he can be a permanent and strong full back for Liverpool. He's gonna play harder and move up to the next level. Still, I do like him and he's been selected in the Spanish squad for the Euros'. Good luck Alvaro, see you next season!

Ratings: 3.5 / 5

Jamie Carragher
Oh Carragher! There's nothing much to say about this lad. He's been brilliant every season, week in week out. Unbelievable defender which many don't recognise his efforts and performance. His retirement for England proved to be a wise decision as he was able to concentrate on club football. (He was not appreciated in international level though) Jamie has been no-nonsense at the heart of the defence, guiding the rest of the team. Played right back in several occasions and it was top class. He's always hungry for success and hopefully, he is able to get what he has been waiting for before he retires. Enjoy your holidays, Jamie.

Ratings: 4.5 / 5

Martin Skrtel
The new signing in the January proved to be a very essential and right one. Due to injuries, Rafa has only Carragher and Sami Hyypia in the centre of the defence. Skrtel was brought in to add depth and cover. He didn't have the best debut, did he score a own goal? I do not remember. However, this killer-looking defender has showed the world that he can be the toughest man around. Pacey and strong, Skrtel has grown into the game and showed that there's a reason for breaking the record of being the most expensive defender for Liverpool. I like this fellow as the season commenced despite of his scary face. Like Carra, no nonsense at the back and he gel really well with Reina and the rest of the back 4. Good first season performance, Martin. :)

I guess we need some reinforcements for our fullbacks. I do hope to see some quality signings in the summer for the backs. With strong 4 centre backs, Rafa would be more than delighted to have this headache of who to choose.

Up and coming, the middle of the park. Stay tuned.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Semi-Finals, Here We Come Again!

Liverpool 4 Arsenal 2
Hyypia 30, Torres 69, Gerrard, 86, Babel 90 - Diaby 13, Adebayor 85

As the famous scoreboard of Anfield showed, Liverpool 4 Arsenal 2. Yes! We've overcame the mighty Arsenal which I always admired for their beautiful passing and style. Credit to Arsene Wenger's men, they really pushed us to the wire.

With an away goal advantage in the first leg, Arsenal needed to score in order to have any chance of advancing, which is something not difficult for the team like Arsenal. Their fast paced one-twos, off the ball runs were extremely devastating for any teams and they did punish us early on with a goal by Diaby.

With an 2-1 aggregate and conceded an away goal, I knew that Liverpool had to work hard for it. Arsenal ain't giving up so fast. The home side was struggling. They couldn't control the game early on and the forwards from London were very fast in attack. Fortunately, we managed to defend well and conceded a goal based on early poor performance.

Just like in 2005, Sami Hyypia scored an crucial goal again in the quarter-finals, bringing the sides on level terms with an stunning header. A corner from Steven Gerrard was headed off the post by the Big Finn, who has just recently signed an extension to his contract.

By seeing his celebrations, I could know that Sami was geared up for this. His experience in the game was just valuable, something which you can't buy with money. Good goal, my man!

Liverpool were better in the second half, creating more and gave Arsenal defenders some work to do. They were pressing high on the pitch, not allowing Fabregas & Co to play their passing game. That was something the Reds failed to do in the first half. If you let Arsenal play their football, you are asking for trouble.

With a 1-1 score, we might be heading to extra-time or even penalties. There's one man who just don't allow it to happen. Who else? Who else? The lad from Sunny Spain! Fernando Torres!

What a goal my boy! Totally world class which took everything out of Arsenal defence and goalkeeper. He made it so simple didn't he?

With just 6 more minutes to go, Arsenal prodigy kid, Theo Walcott dribbled from his own half, past 4 red shirts, crossed perfectly for Adebayor who didn't fail to silence the Anfield crowd at that point of time.

Self shocked! I really thought we were heading out. I was shaking my head in disbelief! How can you allow Walcott to dribble past just like that, it seemed to me that he dribbled past the 11 players!

Just about I was still sighing upon seeing the replay of the goal, I flew off my seat and shouted PENALTY! I guess the ref heard me! YES! Babel went down and I don't care whether it's a foul or not, I just want them to score!

Up step Captain Stevie. So much pressure. The entire Anfield stadium were on their feet, including mine at home. Heavy responsibilities on his shoulders once again, he made no mistake from the spot! I FELT FUCKING GOOD! We just came out from hell. I could sense that Arsenal players were totally shocked.

A minute ago, they were celebrating, but now, the Anfield crowd had came alive again! I was screaming and shouting at my television, instructing the defenders to defend properly. Arsenal came attacking again. They had to give their everything they have in them.

However, Ryan Babel made it totally impossible right at the end. A high ball cleared by fellow countryman, Dirk Kuyt, left no one else with only Babel and Fabregas. Supersub Babel was too fast and strong for Fabregas, whom had played all the 90 minutes of the triology matches. Finished off the game which gave Arsenal no more turning point.

What a game of football! One of the best European nights to be remembered! Rafa's adventure into Europe will continue.

Credits to the 12th man, to the players, to Rafa and of course, it's not over yet. Chelsea, Here We Come Again!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Fancy Dress Night 2007

Managed to get some time out and share these awesome pictures of the Liverpool players in their Fancy Dress Party recently. They can really dress up!

Captain Stevie Gerrard as a Pensioner in a Motorised Scooter

Vice-Captain Jamie Carragher as X Factor's Rhydian

Xabi Alonso as Del Boy

Sami Hyypia as Grey Skull from Heman

Daniel Agger as Punk

Steve Finnan as Beetlejuice

Jermaine Pennant as Rabbit

Peter Crouch as a Penguin

Harry Kewell

John Arne Riise as Batman

Dirk Kuyt as Elvis

Fabio Aurelio in Ladies' dress

Xabi & Pepe Reina as the Queen

Charles Itandje (L) as Ali G and Momo Sissoko as Osama Bin Laden

I guess there are some who didn't get the message! They were in their plain clothes.

Fernando Torres

Ryan Babel

Mascherano & Voronin

Thanks Koptv, LadyLaLa for the pictures. :)

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Reds Showing Christmas Love

Got these pictures from Kop-tv, showing that the Liverpool team went to show some love to these homes, sharing the Christmas festive mood. :)

Momo Sissoko & Fabio Aurelio

Rafa Benitez

Rafa again

Harry Kewell. "Aww! He has such a sweet smile.

Dirk Kuyt and Kewell.

Sami Hyypia and Pepe Reina

Xabi Alonso, Martin, Leto, Fernando Torres & Voronin

Xabi Alonso & Martin

Look how Rafa cares for the kids!

Signature on a cast

Peter Crouch, Arbeloa, Lucas & John Arne Riise

Lucas, Crouch, Arbeloa

Big Sami

Oh yes! Javier Mascherano, what a smile!

It's great to see the lads doing such meaningful outing together as a team. I guess it's part of Rafa's plans of bonding the team and at the same time, helping the society. It's still better than PARTYING with drinks and girls! Hahaha!

You'll Never Walk Alone..