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Barcelona or Manchester United????

By odi17 - 19-05-2011 16:26

[MZ]

1) Which team do you think will win? What will be the score? I think Barcelona will win 2-1. 2) What are the strengths and weaknesses of both teams? Barcelona has great possession as we all know, and create lots of chances. From what I've seen, they tend miss a few very good chances each game. They will likely dominate possession, with about 65% of it. However, with Puyol missing in defense through injury, they have given away some cheap chances. Manchester United can counter quickly, and should try to do this, as they will see less of the ball than Barcelona. They have had a solid defense, and it will have to be on the top of its game for Manchester to win. 3) Who are the key players on both teams on the attacking and defending end? For Barcelona, I think that Messi obviously will be the biggest threat. I don't think Villa has performed that well this season, and Pedro is a better option. Iniesta also has ripped apart defenses, and he will be another threat. Pique is very talented, but like I said before, without Puyol, they are shaky in defense. Manchester United will have to counter attack through Valencia. He has great speed, vision, and ball control. Ji Sung Park will be another key man, because he never gives up. Edwin Van Der Sar will have to make some big saves in order for Manchester United to win. Javier Hernandez will be there best choice as a striker. They will have to put a defensive midfielder in to break up play. Vidic will be another key man. What are your thoughts?1) Which team do you think will win? What will be the score? I think Barcelona will win 2-1.

2) What are the strengths and weaknesses of both teams? Barcelona has great possession as we all know, and create lots of chances. From what I've seen, they tend miss a few very good chances each game. They will likely dominate possession, with about 65% of it. However, with Puyol missing in defense through injury, they have given away some cheap chances. Manchester United can counter quickly, and should try to do this, as they will see less of the ball than Barcelona. They have had a solid defense, and it will have to be on the top of its game for Manchester to win.

3) Who are the key players on both teams on the attacking and defending end? For Barcelona, I think that Messi obviously will be the biggest threat. I don't think Villa has performed that well this season, and Pedro is a better option. Iniesta also has ripped apart defenses, and he will be another threat. Pique is very talented, but like I said before, without Puyol, they are shaky in defense. Manchester United will have to counter attack through Valencia. He has great speed, vision, and ball control. Ji Sung Park will be another key man, because he never gives up. Edwin Van Der Sar will have to make some big saves in order for Manchester United to win. Javier Hernandez will be there best choice as a striker. They will have to put a defensive midfielder in to break up play. Vidic will be another key man.

What are your thoughts?

 

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Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By julianegan - 19-05-2011 17:12

Hi odi. 1) I think Barcelona will win 2-0 or 3-0 'cause they 've a lot of wonderful players, you know, Messi, Villa, Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol, Pique, etc. 2) I don't watch TV all day, but the answer it's simple, Barcelona is better than Manchester United. 3) BARCELONA: The best attacker is Messi. The best midfielder is Iniesta. The best defender is Puyol. MANCHESTER UNITED: The best attacker is Tevez (J. Hernandez plays soccer badly, he sucks). The best midfielder is Ji Sung Park. The best defender is Vidic.Hi odi.

1) I think Barcelona will win 2-0 or 3-0 'cause they 've a lot of wonderful players, you know, Messi, Villa, Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol, Pique, etc.

2) I don't watch TV all day, but the answer it's simple, Barcelona is better than Manchester United.

3) BARCELONA:
The best attacker is Messi.
The best midfielder is Iniesta.
The best defender is Puyol.
MANCHESTER UNITED:
The best attacker is Tevez (J. Hernandez plays soccer badly, he sucks).
The best midfielder is Ji Sung Park.
The best defender is Vidic.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kingjaime - 19-05-2011 17:53

[BVB]

(1) I have a bad feeling Man Utd will manage a 2-1 win. (2a) Man Utd... ~Strengths~ Hard-working team - With the possible exception of Nani, most of the team are mobile, fit and determined, often Rooney and Hernandez will hound defenders and deep-midfielders. Never-say-die attitude - they've got a capacity for comebacks and dramatic late goals that I would say is beyond any other team I've ever seen. It's underpinned a lot of their success under Ferguson, most famously of course the 1999 Champions League final. Strong defence - Ferdinand and Vidic are a quality centre-pairing, Van Der Sar remains one of the world's best keepers, Evra one of the world's best left-backs. Rafael, Evans, O'Shea, Brown and Fabio are all decent. Less sure of Smalling. Explosive players - Rooney, Berbatov and Nani are all capable of a sudden moment of magic that can change a game. ~Weaknesses~ Depth of attacking quality - After Rooney, Berbatov and Hernandez, there's a large drop in quality and/or effectiveness in the form of Owen, Obertan and the quite inexplicable Bebe. I also tend to think Berbatov and Hernandez do not work all that well together, certainly compared to Rooney and whichever of them. I think they're a lot more reliant on Rooney than they were when Tevez and Ronaldo were around. Relatively poor form away from Old Trafford - A fair bit of comment has been made that in the Premier League this season, they only managed 5 wins from 19 away games (Barcelona won 13 of 18). (2b) Barcelona ~Strengths~ Passing and movement - There really is no team in the world closer to total football, their passing stats always far exceed opponents and part of the reason for it's effectiveness is just about every player is also highly skilled at positioning and movement. Goalscoring - I'm not a great fan of Pedro and Villa hasn't had his greatest season statistically, but they're a potent threat up front and of course... Messi - Having the best player in the world in your team is a definite plus. ~Weaknesses~ No Plan B - Of course usually Plan A is sufficiently effective this is not a problem, but if Plan A fails, Barca are not very adaptable. Lack of squad depth - Their First XI is one of the very best in the world, perhaps *the* best, but in defence and attack there is not a lot of strength on the bench. Afellay and Bojan are decent, but they are not Villa-class, let alone anywhere near Messi. The defence-depth problems are surely highlighted by the fact Busquets, Mascherano and Abidal have all been played out of position in central defence when Pique or Puyol has been absent. Recent form - The last 4 La Liga matches returned 1 win, 2 draws and a loss. They also struggled for goals (by their standards), with 4 scored. They haven't scored more than 2 goals in a match since the 9th of April. (3) I've wrapped that up in (2) I reckon, thankfully :) I really hope Barca win.(1) I have a bad feeling Man Utd will manage a 2-1 win.
(2a) Man Utd...
~Strengths~
Hard-working team - With the possible exception of Nani, most of the team are mobile, fit and determined, often Rooney and Hernandez will hound defenders and deep-midfielders.
Never-say-die attitude - they've got a capacity for comebacks and dramatic late goals that I would say is beyond any other team I've ever seen. It's underpinned a lot of their success under Ferguson, most famously of course the 1999 Champions League final.
Strong defence - Ferdinand and Vidic are a quality centre-pairing, Van Der Sar remains one of the world's best keepers, Evra one of the world's best left-backs. Rafael, Evans, O'Shea, Brown and Fabio are all decent. Less sure of Smalling.
Explosive players - Rooney, Berbatov and Nani are all capable of a sudden moment of magic that can change a game.
~Weaknesses~
Depth of attacking quality - After Rooney, Berbatov and Hernandez, there's a large drop in quality and/or effectiveness in the form of Owen, Obertan and the quite inexplicable Bebe. I also tend to think Berbatov and Hernandez do not work all that well together, certainly compared to Rooney and whichever of them. I think they're a lot more reliant on Rooney than they were when Tevez and Ronaldo were around.
Relatively poor form away from Old Trafford - A fair bit of comment has been made that in the Premier League this season, they only managed 5 wins from 19 away games (Barcelona won 13 of 18).
(2b) Barcelona
~Strengths~
Passing and movement - There really is no team in the world closer to total football, their passing stats always far exceed opponents and part of the reason for it's effectiveness is just about every player is also highly skilled at positioning and movement.
Goalscoring - I'm not a great fan of Pedro and Villa hasn't had his greatest season statistically, but they're a potent threat up front and of course...
Messi - Having the best player in the world in your team is a definite plus.
~Weaknesses~
No Plan B - Of course usually Plan A is sufficiently effective this is not a problem, but if Plan A fails, Barca are not very adaptable.
Lack of squad depth - Their First XI is one of the very best in the world, perhaps *the* best, but in defence and attack there is not a lot of strength on the bench. Afellay and Bojan are decent, but they are not Villa-class, let alone anywhere near Messi. The defence-depth problems are surely highlighted by the fact Busquets, Mascherano and Abidal have all been played out of position in central defence when Pique or Puyol has been absent.
Recent form - The last 4 La Liga matches returned 1 win, 2 draws and a loss. They also struggled for goals (by their standards), with 4 scored. They haven't scored more than 2 goals in a match since the 9th of April.
(3) I've wrapped that up in (2) I reckon, thankfully :)

I really hope Barca win.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kingjaime - 19-05-2011 17:53

[BVB]

"MANCHESTER UNITED: The best attacker is Tevez" Ummm..."MANCHESTER UNITED:
The best attacker is Tevez"

Ummm...

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rockstarroberts - 19-05-2011 18:46

yea.., tevez doesn't play for them anymore, hernandez dooesn't suck, he can finish, not an overall great player yet, but he will be, man u wins this oneyea.., tevez doesn't play for them anymore, hernandez dooesn't suck, he can finish, not an overall great player yet, but he will be, man u wins this one

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By julianegan - 19-05-2011 19:03

Sorry, lol He is playing in Manchester City XD Well, the best is RooneySorry, lol
He is playing in Manchester City XD

Well, the best is Rooney

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rockstarroberts - 19-05-2011 20:18

i think berbatov is the best they havei think berbatov is the best they have

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By odi17 - 20-05-2011 00:37

[MZ]

The best overall striker is Rooney, but Hernandez scores the most. Berbatov hasn't been in good for lately, so I a have to disagree with rockstarroberts.The best overall striker is Rooney, but Hernandez scores the most. Berbatov hasn't been in good for lately, so I a have to disagree with rockstarroberts.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rockstarroberts - 20-05-2011 02:23

but when he is in good form, he is their best strikerbut when he is in good form, he is their best striker

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By jamie1976 - 20-05-2011 14:38

[ENG]

Manchester United to nick it on penalties. 2-2 draw in the game with United hitting on the break with Barca playing the footballManchester United to nick it on penalties. 2-2 draw in the game with United hitting on the break with Barca playing the football

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By emirates06 - 21-05-2011 07:53

Barcelona to win 3-1. Manchester United is not as strong as last time they met.Barcelona to win 3-1. Manchester United is not as strong as last time they met.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By deleted_6285448 - 22-05-2011 19:16

Hopefully Man Utd. I'm tired of all the Barcelona bandwagoneers... hopefully doesn't happen if Man Utd wins.Hopefully Man Utd. I'm tired of all the Barcelona bandwagoneers... hopefully doesn't happen if Man Utd wins.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By georgeroth - 24-05-2011 00:55

[MZ_HUN]

I'd say Barca is the favourite, but Utd could win 1-2 times out of 10 also. And they'll have some kind of home advantage in London (will they? I ask it from you Englishmen). I wonder what Fergie has in mind, hopefully they won't play 8-1-1 like Real did, but it's hard to win against Barcelona with any other formation.I'd say Barca is the favourite, but Utd could win 1-2 times out of 10 also. And they'll have some kind of home advantage in London (will they? I ask it from you Englishmen). I wonder what Fergie has in mind, hopefully they won't play 8-1-1 like Real did, but it's hard to win against Barcelona with any other formation.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kingjaime - 24-05-2011 02:16

[BVB]

They'll have more familiarity with the venue, pitch and I suppose it might be said 'with the climate', plus travel will be easier. I shouldn't think there'll be more support for United in the stadium but there'll probably be more around outside. I have a feeling Ferguson will set a man-marker on Messi. If he's fit, Darren Fletcher, dropping back from midfield. Else maybe John O'Shea, who could either drop from midfield or might be nominal right-back. I don't think Barca as dangerous down their left side as their right (with Dani Alvez).They'll have more familiarity with the venue, pitch and I suppose it might be said 'with the climate', plus travel will be easier. I shouldn't think there'll be more support for United in the stadium but there'll probably be more around outside.

I have a feeling Ferguson will set a man-marker on Messi. If he's fit, Darren Fletcher, dropping back from midfield. Else maybe John O'Shea, who could either drop from midfield or might be nominal right-back. I don't think Barca as dangerous down their left side as their right (with Dani Alvez).

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By robtmircea - 25-05-2011 11:55

i have a strong feeling that Manchester will wini have a strong feeling that Manchester will win

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By georgeroth - 25-05-2011 12:37

[MZ_HUN]

I'm really looking forward to it. Gosh I should have gotten a ticket somehow. I mean CL final + Wembley... now all I'll get is a piece of confetti by post. Meh.I'm really looking forward to it. Gosh I should have gotten a ticket somehow. I mean CL final + Wembley... now all I'll get is a piece of confetti by post. Meh.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kabaddi21 - 26-05-2011 20:44

[XA-FED]

Being a Barca fan ofcourse id like to see Barca win. Really hope that Puyol is fit enough to play. He is so important to us and the leader in the dressing room. Another reason why im really nervous about Puyol not making it is the fact that Pep will probably play Mascherano or God forbid Busquets alongside Pique. Busquets is a fantastic midfielder but is slow and gets caught out in defence. Hernandaz or Valencia could hurt us with their pace and Puyol has shown time and again that despite not being that quick he can deal with pacey players. He's kept Ronaldo quiet everytime. Barca's game will be the same as always, pass, probe, attack. On Uniteds side i think they will mostly rely on the wingers. Valencia, Hernandez, Giggs and Nani( if he is on song) are the players i feel that can hurt us. And their two worldclass central defenders.Being a Barca fan ofcourse id like to see Barca win. Really hope that Puyol is fit enough to play. He is so important to us and the leader in the dressing room. Another reason why im really nervous about Puyol not making it is the fact that Pep will probably play Mascherano or God forbid Busquets alongside Pique.

Busquets is a fantastic midfielder but is slow and gets caught out in defence. Hernandaz or Valencia could hurt us with their pace and Puyol has shown time and again that despite not being that quick he can deal with pacey players. He's kept Ronaldo quiet everytime.

Barca's game will be the same as always, pass, probe, attack. On Uniteds side i think they will mostly rely on the wingers. Valencia, Hernandez, Giggs and Nani( if he is on song) are the players i feel that can hurt us. And their two worldclass central defenders.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By odi17 - 27-05-2011 16:02

[MZ]

24 hours away from kick off. Both teams in their respective hotels. One things for sure. Rooney is playing his Playstation.24 hours away from kick off. Both teams in their respective hotels. One things for sure. Rooney is playing his Playstation.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By leo0012 - 28-05-2011 00:56

MAn United is going to be the next Champions League champion lol barcelona doesnt deserve to win after all the bribing...MAn United is going to be the next Champions League champion lol
barcelona doesnt deserve to win after all the bribing...

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kabaddi21 - 28-05-2011 07:14

[XA-FED]

eh .. what bribing?eh .. what bribing?

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By ashleyhughes - 28-05-2011 12:12

[LEGEND]

I want United to win (as a united fan) but I just know Barca are going to break our hearts again., i'd be happy to swap that 19th premier league title and prefer a 4th european cup. Messi is far too good but united will stand a chance if they stop messi, xavi and inestia? from going forward.I want United to win (as a united fan) but I just know Barca are going to break our hearts again., i'd be happy to swap that 19th premier league title and prefer a 4th european cup.

Messi is far too good but united will stand a chance if they stop messi, xavi and inestia? from going forward.

Sv: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By makarska3ted - 28-05-2011 15:55

[MZS]

Barcelona vs Manchester 4:2Barcelona vs Manchester 4:2

Ce: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By theteamoffds - 28-05-2011 17:29

[GS]

I think Barcelona will win the match, but it is hard to guess first 90 minutes.I think Barcelona will win the match, but it is hard to guess first 90 minutes.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By nomercyurz - 28-05-2011 18:15

[BotP]

ManYoo 3-2 Barcalona - Rooney 90'ManYoo 3-2 Barcalona - Rooney 90'

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By bastonboy - 28-05-2011 21:36

Man U !!!! 4 ever !!! and rooney's goal is just too much =)Man U !!!! 4 ever !!! and rooney's goal is just too much =)

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By julianegan - 28-05-2011 21:59

Goaaaaaaaaaaal, fuck ya Manchester United.Goaaaaaaaaaaal, fuck ya Manchester United.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By bastonboy - 28-05-2011 22:43

Shit Villa's goal !!! =D I hate Barca but it's the best club there was never been =) I wanted MU win but it's so ugly to play against Barca !!Shit Villa's goal !!! =D I hate Barca but it's the best club there was never been =)

I wanted MU win but it's so ugly to play against Barca !!

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By julianegan - 28-05-2011 22:46

Barcelona champion !!!!!!! :)Barcelona champion !!!!!!! :)

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By manchesterunited715 - 28-05-2011 23:06

[ENG]

Barcelona only win coz they bribe referees before the match. It is unfair to anyone playing them, and this needs to be solved. Like Jose Mourinho said, "You can't beat Barcelona". and he is so right in saying that. Its not coz they're amazing, its coz every decision goes their way. Barcelona played better today and deserved to win but it was still so biased.Barcelona only win coz they bribe referees before the match.
It is unfair to anyone playing them, and this needs to be solved.

Like Jose Mourinho said, "You can't beat Barcelona". and he is so right in saying that. Its not coz they're amazing, its coz every decision goes their way.

Barcelona played better today and deserved to win but it was still so biased.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By julianegan - 28-05-2011 23:47

"Barcelona only win coz they bribe referees before the match." Hahahahaha, Manchester United lost 'cause Barcelona is much better. Bribe referees? hahahaha, that's a lie."Barcelona only win coz they bribe referees before the match."

Hahahahaha, Manchester United lost 'cause Barcelona is much better.
Bribe referees? hahahaha, that's a lie.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By nick_shopenko - 29-05-2011 00:11

[EU/USA]
President

Sir Alex should blame himself for losing the game. Leaving Berbatov out of the group was the dumbest decision he could ever make. Manchester United needed players with fantasy today, but what he did instead?!? He left Nani and Berbatov out of the starting eleven. Chicharito is just not ready for big games yet and honestly I don't think he will ever be. Yes, he scored 20 goals this year, but so did Berbatov and he didn't play much in the second half of the season. Bottom line - I hope Berbatov finds himself a good team where he will be respected (Bayern Munich sounds good) and Sir Alex needs to admit that he is getting old maybe it's time to think about retirement.Sir Alex should blame himself for losing the game. Leaving Berbatov out of the group was the dumbest decision he could ever make. Manchester United needed players with fantasy today, but what he did instead?!? He left Nani and Berbatov out of the starting eleven. Chicharito is just not ready for big games yet and honestly I don't think he will ever be. Yes, he scored 20 goals this year, but so did Berbatov and he didn't play much in the second half of the season. Bottom line - I hope Berbatov finds himself a good team where he will be respected (Bayern Munich sounds good) and Sir Alex needs to admit that he is getting old maybe it's time to think about retirement.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By deleted_2773482 - 29-05-2011 00:21

Well I've been watching football since the mid 1970's and I can 100% say that this Barcelona side is the best club team I've ever seen. They are majestic.Well I've been watching football since the mid 1970's and I can 100% say that this Barcelona side is the best club team I've ever seen.

They are majestic.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rivercampion - 29-05-2011 00:32

[MZUSA]

What a display of beautiful football! Only one team in the pitch!.. ManU did only attempted to play the first few minutes with dramatic pressure , but as soon as Barca woke up and took control of the ball for never let it go ...ever ... over 66% control of the ball . It was embarrasing at times. But considering that ManU was the team in front of them was an unbelievable display of superiority. Any doubt which is the best team in the world now and the last few years? Three beautiful goals . Xavi , Iniesta and Messi played awesome. For me as well , I have never seen any other team Club or National team to play like this Barcelona team , ever, even above the Netherlands National team of 1974 . It is a joy to watch them no matter what side you are . Visca el Barça!What a display of beautiful football!

Only one team in the pitch!.. ManU did only attempted to play the first few minutes with dramatic pressure , but as soon as Barca woke up and took control of the ball for never let it go ...ever ... over 66% control of the ball . It was embarrasing at times. But considering that ManU was the team in front of them was an unbelievable display of superiority.
Any doubt which is the best team in the world now and the last few years?
Three beautiful goals . Xavi , Iniesta and Messi played awesome.

For me as well , I have never seen any other team Club or National team to play like this Barcelona team , ever, even above the Netherlands National team of 1974 .

It is a joy to watch them no matter what side you are .

Visca el Barça!

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rivercampion - 29-05-2011 00:36

[MZUSA]

oh BTW on the comment above ...with Berbatov or w/out him wouldn't matter...ManU was simply outplayed in every line .... Chicharito Hernandez couldn't do anything simply because the ball didn't ever get to him. Rooney poor man was the one who run the most all over and was no doubt the best player for ManU...the rest didn't existed and Berbatov would have not existed either... Ferguson didn't lose the match...Simply Barcelona are way way above the rest, if you attack them with 3 forwards they score 5 on you....as simple as that.oh BTW on the comment above ...with Berbatov or w/out him wouldn't matter...ManU was simply outplayed in every line .... Chicharito Hernandez couldn't do anything simply because the ball didn't ever get to him. Rooney poor man was the one who run the most all over and was no doubt the best player for ManU...the rest didn't existed and Berbatov would have not existed either...
Ferguson didn't lose the match...Simply Barcelona are way way above the rest, if you attack them with 3 forwards they score 5 on you....as simple as that.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kingjaime - 29-05-2011 01:00

[BVB]

First 10 minutes United looked like they had an effective plan they might be able to impose... but once Barca hit their stride, they were just superb. But for a couple of great last-ditch defensive tackles it could've been a distinctly bigger margin. There is no better word than whins already used to describe Barca: majestic. It is certainly doubtful there was anything United could've done in terms of lineup or tactics that would've resulted in them winning but I do think selecting Giggs was a mistake. Were I a Man U fan I would've much rather seen say John O'Shea or Anderson playing and so both enhance the team's ability to hassle and press and/or man-mark Messi. I would've either done that or had Nani or Berbatov in rather than Giggs (reshuffled formation) for the flair they'd each bring. The principal of playing Hernandez was a good one, he will run and work hard so having him in to hussle the Barca defence was good thinking, but it clearly didn't work and he ended up often isolated and regularly offside. Bolder and sooner changes maybe as well... But I don't really seeing that doing much to change the result in the end, if we assume Barca would've played to pretty much the same standard anyhow. Beautiful win, class goals, excellent reaction and general conduct from Guardiola and the players. Nice to see such collective happiness and to have Abidal lift the trophy. I don't understand any football fan who doesn't love the current Barcelona team.First 10 minutes United looked like they had an effective plan they might be able to impose... but once Barca hit their stride, they were just superb. But for a couple of great last-ditch defensive tackles it could've been a distinctly bigger margin. There is no better word than whins already used to describe Barca: majestic.

It is certainly doubtful there was anything United could've done in terms of lineup or tactics that would've resulted in them winning but I do think selecting Giggs was a mistake. Were I a Man U fan I would've much rather seen say John O'Shea or Anderson playing and so both enhance the team's ability to hassle and press and/or man-mark Messi. I would've either done that or had Nani or Berbatov in rather than Giggs (reshuffled formation) for the flair they'd each bring. The principal of playing Hernandez was a good one, he will run and work hard so having him in to hussle the Barca defence was good thinking, but it clearly didn't work and he ended up often isolated and regularly offside. Bolder and sooner changes maybe as well...

But I don't really seeing that doing much to change the result in the end, if we assume Barca would've played to pretty much the same standard anyhow.

Beautiful win, class goals, excellent reaction and general conduct from Guardiola and the players. Nice to see such collective happiness and to have Abidal lift the trophy.

I don't understand any football fan who doesn't love the current Barcelona team.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By tpc1011 - 29-05-2011 03:46

I fear I am oversimplifying my analysis of the match, but Xavi, Villa, Messi, et. al are exceptionally talented.I fear I am oversimplifying my analysis of the match, but Xavi, Villa, Messi, et. al are exceptionally talented.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rockstarroberts - 29-05-2011 04:21

the counterattack doesn't work against barcelona, thought man u would have learned that from arsenal, the second goal is the defense's fault, third is all van der sarthe counterattack doesn't work against barcelona, thought man u would have learned that from arsenal, the second goal is the defense's fault, third is all van der sar

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rivercampion - 29-05-2011 05:57

[MZUSA]

Van der Sar had no chance in the third goal it was a perfect upper 90 , I'd say the only goal he could have cover or dive better was the first goal because he left completely open the closer post and waited instead of coming out and was expecting the shot to the far post... but again the third goal was like we say a GOLAZO! not many keepers could do anything against that.Van der Sar had no chance in the third goal it was a perfect upper 90 , I'd say the only goal he could have cover or dive better was the first goal because he left completely open the closer post and waited instead of coming out and was expecting the shot to the far post... but again the third goal was like we say a GOLAZO! not many keepers could do anything against that.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rockstarroberts - 29-05-2011 06:37

no, he was too far right, he shouldn't be beaten on a shot like that, it was just like the firstno, he was too far right, he shouldn't be beaten on a shot like that, it was just like the first

Sv: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By leathernecks - 29-05-2011 10:26

[BotP]

No doubt that Barcelona is well worth the title as the best team in the world. But I read an article by an Lazio fan who wrote a thing I thought about. "As an Lazio supporter you are unbelievable happy with a victory agains Lecce or Bari. But where's the fun of knowing that your team will win 97/100 matches?"No doubt that Barcelona is well worth the title as the best team in the world. But I read an article by an Lazio fan who wrote a thing I thought about.

"As an Lazio supporter you are unbelievable happy with a victory agains Lecce or Bari. But where's the fun of knowing that your team will win 97/100 matches?"

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kingjaime - 29-05-2011 11:10

[BVB]

The only thing it makes me think is "Idiot". (1) It's not "known" that'll happen, there are a lot of good teams in Spain, Barcelona's record in recent seasons is much more to do with their quality rather than a weakness of opposition (refer to Scottish and perhaps Dutch leagues for contrast). (2) They achieve their success playing supreme attacking football, are capable of attracting almost any player and making significant transfers, plus they bring through a number of their own local players and so don't just have a distinct base of Spanish players but more specifically even local Catalonian players. I wonder if this chap considers it relatively fun to be savouring victories over Lecce and Bari compared to say Lazio of 1999/00 when they won the league and cup double and had players like Marchegiani, Mihaljovic, Nesta, Pancaro, Couto, Conceicao, Simeone, Nedved, Stankovic, Veron, Almeyda, Boksic, Salas and Mancini. Perhaps the whole financial crisis was just a ruse to get into the superior fun of competing personally with Lecce and Bari rather than for Serie A and Italian Cup? I'm sure they also enjoy having hardly any Italian first team regulars, no regulars from their own youth ranks and, inevitably, no Rome natives. It says nothing so much about Barca as it does about the sad state of affairs at Lazio and their fall from prominence. ===== Regards Van Der Sar, the third goal was actually the only one where I'd say he had little or no blame. Villa placed that absolutely perfectly, it was hard to imagine anyone saving it. The Pedro goal, taking nothing away from the smartness of the placement of the finish, I wasn't too impressed with Van Der Sar's positioning and movement, felt he committed too early and too obviously. Similar with Messi's goal... a clever strike, sooner than expected and coming out of a crowd so a little surprise factor, but Van Der Sar made an anticipatory move the wrong way and, similar to Pedro goal, left more space than he should have to his left. Obviously I don't think the result would've been different with a different keeper, but if people want to assign specific levels of blame and critique the performances of individuals...The only thing it makes me think is "Idiot".
(1) It's not "known" that'll happen, there are a lot of good teams in Spain, Barcelona's record in recent seasons is much more to do with their quality rather than a weakness of opposition (refer to Scottish and perhaps Dutch leagues for contrast).
(2) They achieve their success playing supreme attacking football, are capable of attracting almost any player and making significant transfers, plus they bring through a number of their own local players and so don't just have a distinct base of Spanish players but more specifically even local Catalonian players.

I wonder if this chap considers it relatively fun to be savouring victories over Lecce and Bari compared to say Lazio of 1999/00 when they won the league and cup double and had players like Marchegiani, Mihaljovic, Nesta, Pancaro, Couto, Conceicao, Simeone, Nedved, Stankovic, Veron, Almeyda, Boksic, Salas and Mancini. Perhaps the whole financial crisis was just a ruse to get into the superior fun of competing personally with Lecce and Bari rather than for Serie A and Italian Cup? I'm sure they also enjoy having hardly any Italian first team regulars, no regulars from their own youth ranks and, inevitably, no Rome natives.

It says nothing so much about Barca as it does about the sad state of affairs at Lazio and their fall from prominence.

=====

Regards Van Der Sar, the third goal was actually the only one where I'd say he had little or no blame. Villa placed that absolutely perfectly, it was hard to imagine anyone saving it. The Pedro goal, taking nothing away from the smartness of the placement of the finish, I wasn't too impressed with Van Der Sar's positioning and movement, felt he committed too early and too obviously. Similar with Messi's goal... a clever strike, sooner than expected and coming out of a crowd so a little surprise factor, but Van Der Sar made an anticipatory move the wrong way and, similar to Pedro goal, left more space than he should have to his left. Obviously I don't think the result would've been different with a different keeper, but if people want to assign specific levels of blame and critique the performances of individuals...

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kabaddi21 - 29-05-2011 11:24

[XA-FED]

manchesterunited715 @ maybe you should have had Howard Webb officiating.manchesterunited715 @ maybe you should have had Howard Webb officiating.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By emirates06 - 29-05-2011 12:15

You guys seen my match prediction way above? I got it right, didn't it? :)You guys seen my match prediction way above?


I got it right, didn't it? :)

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kabaddi21 - 29-05-2011 12:55

[XA-FED]

Complete highlights video from last night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYZ_xRQ9bv4&feature=relatedComplete highlights video from last night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYZ_xRQ9bv4&feature=related

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rockstarroberts - 29-05-2011 16:13

van der sar wasn't in the right positions for the first and third goals, the third wasn't like a power shot, it was all curve, if he's in position, he's stopping thatvan der sar wasn't in the right positions for the first and third goals, the third wasn't like a power shot, it was all curve, if he's in position, he's stopping that

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rivercampion - 29-05-2011 18:04

[MZUSA]

The three goals here watch again Van de sar has no chance nor any other keeper has ANY chance in the third goal.... just watch it http://www.canchallena.com/1376932-barcelona-un-equipo-de-todos-los-tiemposThe three goals here watch again Van de sar has no chance nor any other keeper has ANY chance in the third goal....
just watch it


http://www.canchallena.com/1376932-barcelona-un-equipo-de-todos-los-tiempos

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rivercampion - 29-05-2011 18:06

[MZUSA]

by the way what is the 'right position' he is in the middle ..where do you want him to be... about the manU fan blaming the ref...is just ridiculous...the ref was inconsequential if anything ManU goal Giggs was off-side. as also can be seen in the video above.by the way what is the 'right position' he is in the middle ..where do you want him to be...

about the manU fan blaming the ref...is just ridiculous...the ref was inconsequential if anything ManU goal Giggs was off-side. as also can be seen in the video above.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rockstarroberts - 29-05-2011 19:27

lol. the first goal, he leaves a big gap, the second one, the defense just lets messi do his thing and the third, has like no power, just curve, he could have prevented two of the goals going inlol. the first goal, he leaves a big gap, the second one, the defense just lets messi do his thing and the third, has like no power, just curve, he could have prevented two of the goals going in

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By rockstarroberts - 29-05-2011 19:52

and you see how he's near post, and then decides to go to the middle, if he stays near post, that's not going inand you see how he's near post, and then decides to go to the middle, if he stays near post, that's not going in

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kingjaime - 29-05-2011 21:46

[BVB]

Ah but we could say that sort of thing about any goal anyone ever scored. If Van Der Sar had been near the post, Villa either aims toward a different part of the goal or plays a pass. For the first and second, his decision making and so positioning were both questionable. I don't think it was for the third, I think he was placed in pretty optimal position and he can't be blamed for not anticipating Villa would put the ball so perfectly in the extreme of the top corner. It wasn't a very powerful shot, but it wasn't weak and purely placed, he hit it solidly.Ah but we could say that sort of thing about any goal anyone ever scored. If Van Der Sar had been near the post, Villa either aims toward a different part of the goal or plays a pass. For the first and second, his decision making and so positioning were both questionable. I don't think it was for the third, I think he was placed in pretty optimal position and he can't be blamed for not anticipating Villa would put the ball so perfectly in the extreme of the top corner. It wasn't a very powerful shot, but it wasn't weak and purely placed, he hit it solidly.

Re: Barcelona or Manchester United????

By kabaddi21 - 30-05-2011 11:30

[XA-FED]

rockstarroberts you failed to mention Rooney's goal was offside ;)rockstarroberts you failed to mention Rooney's goal was offside ;)

 

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