Monday, December 19, 2011

FIFA Club World Cup : Barca 4-0 Santos


Stroll In The Barcelona Park



This was the game that I've been waiting for. A game between two champions with great histories and achievements.  Brazilian flair and elegance football facing Spanish skills and artistic kind of play surely would made the game explosive. In Barca lies Messi while Santos had Neymar. In fact many dubbed it as Messi against Neymar.

Well we seen much of Messi so it was Neymar that I really wanted to see in action. Both in the contention for Fifa Goal Of The year and this made thing more interesting to watch. Neymar had given me the same feeling as the emerged of Phenomenon or Ronaldo. A lot of things been said but little had been seen. Ronaldo was my favourite player. His speed, skills and finishing were superb as second to none. I got to watch Ronaldo live on TV for a first time when Barcalona beat Paris St Germain in 1997 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1-0. Ronaldo scored the winning goal from the penalty spot. The Brazilian had captured the world when he played for Barcelona from 1996-1997 where he scored an incredible 47 goals in 49 games in all competitions for Barça. Althought just a season with Barca he also won Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España and top scorer award after scoring 34 goals in 37 games.

Neymar had given me the same feeling as Ronaldo did. He was hailed as new Pele. His talent had brought attention to many biggest clubs in the Europe especially. He is now had scored 81 goals in 159 games for Santos in all competitions.

But the game was not as expected. It was much one sided match. If you saw the Barca game against Al  Sadd in semi final, many would agree it was one traffic game. And you hope that against Santos it would not be the same case.  Santos is a big club in Brazil and South American. They should match the mighty Barca. But again it was false hope.

Barca came to the game with perfect game plan. They stopped the South American club from playing their game right from the start. They control the midfield superbly allowing no room for the Santos to have the ball. Neymar was alone. Borges and Ganso could not give the support that Neymar need.  While Barca enjoyed the lion’s share of possession where Xavi, Iniesta and Basquest rooming and controlling the field without much resistant. Barca actually played without out and out striker. Messi more to creative forward and he was backed by Febragas but still managed to score 4 goals. And Messi what can I said about him. He is truly talented and in the different class. Cristiano Ronaldo said the be near him but I believed Fifa Ballon d’Or is Messi to keep.

Santos was simply had no idea on how to stop Messi and Co. Barca kept the ball with many passing among them while Santos been in frustrated side. Just watching the Barca passing the ball around. No much attempts by Santos as they struggling to get the ball. And if they did get the ball Barca player will quickly converge Santos player. In this game Barca seemed to have more than 11 players as they were anywhere.

United had to be in great shape to beat Barca. Much to do to beat them.  

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