Halftime at round of 16 - I

By: Adam | February 23rd, 2008

So we are done with 8 out of 16 matches in the round of sixteen. First half is done and second half will be played in next fortnight. Lets see how teams fared in this half and what managers need to do now.

Liverpool vs. Inter Milan
This one was most watched match of the night. There was so much media furore around this match that you felt like it was some semi/final. Rafa’s job was on the line and I think he has made it secure for few more days. I absolutely despise when ref’s spoil any matches. And in this match it was double strike for ref. Yeah, I’m talking about Marco Materazzi aka Matrix of Inter. Though for past few days Materazzi and red card have become synonyms, he didn’t deserve those yellows. Second one in my opinion is debatable but first yellow was complete joke. It changed the game in Liverpool’s favor. Liverpool started that game with some great football. But Inter started to find their feet only after initial 15 mins and on 29th min pendulum swung in Liverpool’s side. Inter defended bravely and deserved the point. Kyut got a lucky goal and to rub the salt on Inter’s hapless night Gerrard slotted one in. Rafa should take a lesson from this match. Always start with your best possible starting XI.
Enforcements at halftime:
Liverpool- No need to change the formation and starting XI unless injuries. Rafa please don’t fall into trap of 5 man midfield in order to provide defensive shield. Attack is the best form of defense and let the team attack.
Inter- One CB in place of Materazzi. I feel Viera should be started in 2nd leg. Crespo should also be given chance. And play with 4-4-2.
Man of the Match: Javier Mascherano. Surely deserves man of the match.

Roma vs Real Madrid:
I would say this game was played in parts. Sometimes extremely entertaining, sometimes extremely boring. Real started off very well and deservedly scored an early goal. Roma on the other hand failed to impose themselves on the game even though they were playing at home. They were playing much better in second half of match. First half belonged to both the teams. Robben and Mancini stole the show. Raul and Totti deserve the special mention too.
Enforcements at halftime:
None. Though Real will be boosted if Robinho going to play in second leg. Both the teams just need to keep the momentum going. Let the best team win.
Man of the Match: Difficult to choose between Robben and Mancini. I will go with Robben for his livewire display.

Olympiakos vs Chelsea:
ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…………………… What a boring match? For the first time in my football life I slept in the Chelsea’s live match. What a drab draw? First shot on target for Chelsea was on 94th minute. Mr. Grant, is this the “entertaining” football you have promised? I have already wasted 90 mins watching this one. I won’t spend much of the time now.
Enforcements at halftime:
Bring Lampard and Terry back into the team. Play 4-3-3 with Drogba spearheading the attack along with Kalou and SWP/Sheva. In midfield, please play Mikel, Lamps and Joe Cole. As far as Olympiakos are concerned, play the same team. And yes you can play for penalties with park the bus strategy.
Man of the Match: None.

Schalke vs. Porto:
I just watched extended highlights of this match. Nothing special to comment on this match. Porto are solid team in their home. Schalke should go with defensive outlook since draw will see them thru.
Enforcements at halftime:
Schalke should play with 5-4-1 formation. I doubt they will be successful if they choose attacking strategies. Porto tend to play extremely good at home and don’t give them chance to snatch the win from your hands.
Man of the Match: Kuryani just for his goal.