It Was Rio!
By: Sam | April 29th, 2008
The reason Manchester United are through is Rio Ferdinand. Titanic performance by all, but without Rio’s huge presence Barça surely would have gotten behind the United back four.
Barça commanded the midfield — again! But they were unproductive, again, around the box. The Barcelona carousel is beautiful to watch. Mesmerizing. But goals are needed.
As it turned out, hints of United’s full-on attack were bluff. Clever how Sir Alex — and even the player, Ronaldo, himself — used the press to signal that Ronaldo would seek to score. This would attract attention to him and leave others open. Until late, Ronaldo was used as the Inside-Right or -Left to feed Tevez at striker or others. Late, he coasted the left touchline to relieve pressure.
Breathless first 10 minutes with total domination by Barça. Fine strike by Scholes in the 12th minute upon a poor clearance by Zambrotta. Scholes knew he wouldn’t get another clear chance like this ball 35 yards out in central flats. His imaculate first touch popped the ball a foot high, permitting a half volley which he punched, outside-in. Starting out right at the keeper the ball ended rising into the right side-panel and roof of the net.
The rest was a bit of Messi, a few substitutions, then close of shop. Barça didn’t change their style at all.
Nothing got through the United back line.
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Comments
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I also thought Wes Brown was absolutely astondingly good. Not too often I say that.
Posted from
United Kingdom
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Probably because i would usually spell it right. Stupid drinking games.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
i thought the same – brown & ferdinand were solid. good thing too, because having vidic out leaves a MASSIVE hole in the back line.
Posted from
United States -
Brown made no mistakes. I don’t tend to notice him; and for a center-half, that’s a compliment. But I don’t see him any more than a competent utility-man riding Ferdinand’s wake.
Posted from
United States
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