OT-Champion's League Final
I've seen it mentioned that there are a few Premier League and European football fans amongst the mgobloggers, so I thought I'd determine if anyone else here shares my enthusiasm for, in particular, the Premier League , which I watch almost every weekend. Additionally, will anyone be following the Champion's League final on Wednesday? My prediction: Manchester United 1, Barcelona 0. Other Predictions?
I'm a Barca fan, The Premier League is legit though. I think Barca will win 2-1. Goals by Messi and Eto'o for Barca, Rooney scores for Man U
Man U wins 3-2.
Yeah Man U takes it. Barca is limping into the final and seemed to have peaked about 2 months ago. Plus Ronaldo is like Lebron in that he can just take it to another level when he wants to. Hopefully an entertaining final with lots of goals though, these two sides can certainly provide that.
3-1. Man United do not have anybody, now with Fletcher out, that can control the short passing game of Iniesta and Xavi. In response to the obvious questions about Barcelona's defense, well, Barca plays defense by having 65% of the possession. Man U lies back in Europe and waits to counter attack. They can try it and they'll get their chances, but they won't get enough.
Henry will be back, which will force Evra to actually defend. And I am not sure Ferdinand will be able to cope with Messi, or anyone else in the world for that matter.
Ronaldo will be marked out of the game by Yaya Toure, and he will cry, moan and whine, at minimum, 15 times about the man-marking.
despite their possession edge I didn't see them create many quality scoring chances against Chelsea in either game, and I think Man U is better defensively than Chelsea. Also I think it's hard to debate the EPL as the best league in the world given their representation in the Champion's League the last two years, and IMO that level of competition gives them an edge as well.
....Chelsea hacked them around like crazy and should have had players sent off.
In the second leg, Barca got lucky, yes. But that doesn't matter - Barca advanced, without Henry in the lineup. That's the equivalent of removing Rooney out of Man U's lineup.
I'm a Manchester United fan so obviously I'm biased but basically it comes down to how many Barca can score. Barca need at least 2 goals I believe because they have no defense in this game. Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez/Berbatov will be able to get a few on a weaker than usual Barca defense.
Manchester United have a great defense. Ferdinand has been hurt but hopefully should be back, although he isn't playing today against Hull (not a good sign). Regardless, Vidic and Evra are world-class defenders, often labeled the best in their respective positions in the world. It will be interesting how Evra handles Messi, particularly if Ji Sung Park is in the game. Last year in the semi's, they both did a great job of taking Messi out of the game.
For Barca, they keys to winning, like usual, are how Iniesta and Xavi do and I think that their central midfield is better than ours. I figure Carrick will start but i'm still unsure who will partner with him (Anderson? Giggs? Scholes?). Either way I still think Iniesta and Xavi have the slight edge. And if they can dictate the game and get the ball to Messi, Eto'o and Henry then they have a good chance of taking the game.
However, in the end I really feel confident about United's chances of winning this game. Although Barca have been great this year, they don't play in the EPL which is the best league in the world (I understand this is debatable but in my eyes its not even close). They barely escaped beating the 3rd best EPL team (Chelsea) in the semi's. And since then they will have a weaker team (in their defense). And also it will be the seasoned vet in Sir Alex Ferguson vs rookie coach Pep Guardiola. Though Guardioala looks to have a great future ahead of him in the coaching ranks, SAF definitely has the edge here.
My prediction is 2-1, Manchester United. I really think that the overall team of Manchester United is better than Barca since they don't have the services of their first team defense. And even though people like to bash Ronaldo, he is still the POY and will likely rise to the occasion just like last year. I expect a lot out of Rooney and hopefully Tevez as well.
Please. Barca has the best midfield in the world. Their midfield just won Euro 2008 last year.
Didn't Ronaldo miss a penalty in the shootouts? That seems to cancel out his goal to me. I still predict some great play and a few crying incidents.
thierry henry technically is a midfielder in their team and he doesn't play for spain. same with Messi who can be argued as midfielder on their system (though he obviously plays more as a forward). Also, I understand that you're a huge Barca fan but you have to appreciate Manchester United. They're champs of England, Europe, and the World. This is ManUtd vs Barca, not ManUtd vs Spain.
also, not sure how you can justify CR's shootout miss as canceling out his previous goal. if it wasn't for his previous goal ManUtd wouldn't have been in the shoot-out.
.....Barcelona plays with one forward (Eto'o)? I don't think so. Their positioning normally ends up with Henry and Messi dropping back, but they play as three forwards. Barca has played with a 3 (when healthy, Alves, Puyol, Marquez or Abidal) - 4 (Xavi, Iniesta, Toure, Keita) - 3 (Henry, Eto'o, Messi) formation for decades, since Johan Cruyff played there.
Um, I realize Henry and Messi aren't Spanish. But Xavi and Iniesta are, and they were and remain the fulcrum of the Spanish team.
Of course I "appreciate" Man U. They augment their youth team with great foreign players, just like Barcelona. They are the two best teams in Europe. There will be no shame in either team losing.
As for last year, chicken or egg? Man U changed their tactics to account for the one goal lead and the torrential rainstorm. If they had gone in down 1-0 at half, I'm pretty sure they would have pressed for the equalizer instead of the classic "hold on for penalties."
Bottom line - good game this Wednesday. Let's debate it once it's over. There are many good arguments for both teams to win.
yeah, it is definitely the final i was hoping for. hopefully it will be as good as advertised.
Should be Man U v. Chelsea, semi-finals was bs. I for one hope man u puts a beat down on barca. lamest aggregate result i have ever seen in semi's. premier league pwns noobs from the rest of the world.
I doubt anyone will actually believe me but I will be attending the Final in Rome. I am leaving from New York on a direct flight to Rome tomorrow afternoon. I entered the ticket lottery and was shocked to recieve a ticket. I am a Liverpool supporter so I will be rooting for Barca. However, I think Man U wins 2-1. United would be wise to slow the game down against Barca although they may be determined to show that they can beat Barca at their own game. It's great to see an interest in the Champions League on MGOBLOG.
I believe Puyol is out for the game. If that is so, ManU wins 2-1.
I have a feeling United's defense won't let Barca get anything going.
marquez definitely is out. isn't alves and abidal out too? i don't know why i'm blanking on this..
yes actually abidal and alves are out and puyol already served his ban so he is going to play. regardless, my prediction still stands.
I'm a huge Man U supporter and I think they'll pull through, but it really could go either way. I just hope it doesn't go to penalty kicks. I hate it when huge games are decided by PKs.
How did you guys form your European soccer allegiances? (Not knocking it - I'm curious. I imagine there must be some stories behind these.)
i started following the epl and champions league closely in 98 when i was young. the 98/99 season was when manchester united won the treble and still that win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final was the best finish I have ever seen. Since then i've been hooked on the Red Devils.
After the 98 WC I couldn't just wait another 4 years for the next one, so I began following club soccer. I enjoy Champions League the most since it is the soccer powers in Europe playing one another, and while I do not have a favorite team, I tend to like the powerhouses whose teams are comprised of the best players from different continents and countries(i.e. Chelsea, AC Milan, Real Madrid...).
...transferred for work to Amsterdam from 1994 to 1999. The first team I followed was the undefeated Ajax team with Rijkaard, Overmars, Kluivert, Finidi, Kanu and Litmanen.
I've always liked European soccer in general. And then back in high school I became really good friends with a kid who had just moved from England. Well, he was a big Man U fan and eventually he got me to start cheering for them and I've liked them ever since.
For casual fans like me it's easier to follow the Champion's League because it's on espn regularly. Following something like the Premier League or the Spanish League is tougher unless you have satellite or the fox soccer channel or something. I ended up a Liverpool fan just because they weren't Man U or Chelsea (who kind of have a Red Sox-Yankees vibe going it seems like) but they're still in the Champion's League every year so I can see some of their games. Plus that epic comeback a few years ago in the final against AC Milan got me hooked.
....you're going to have to sign up for Fox Soccer Channel next year to watch the UCL because they have the rights to it starting in the fall.
to get Setanta, which gets me EPL games that Fox doesn't cover, and they also show rugby which I really like, that made me cough up the dough. It is kind of a pain though, as their coverage isn't great outside of the game itself.
Pretty worried after how much trouble Chelsea was for them. Chelsea played rough, but great defense, and took Messi out of both matches, no small feet. Man U has an even better defense, and with Abidal and Alves out things could get rough. Even though Abidal's red card was a joke, and Alves played like shit the last match. Puyol will return so the defense will be good, but not great.
I am eager to see the best two players in the world, Ronaldo and Messi, go at it. I think Messi is the greatest, and really want him to send Ronaldo home crying. Seriously is there a less likable international sports star than Cristiano?
Unfortunately, I would have to predict a Man U win in a low scoring contest. I will be surprised if there are over 3 goals total.
I like Barca because their style of play is beautiful. Its truly amazing to watch, especially with Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta. They always put out exciting, great teams to watch, and the Catalan pride runs strong.
I like PSG (Paris St. Germain) because I live in Paris, and I go to a their games occasionally.
I like Tottenham Hotspur because they have an awesome history, and they're not the GIANT bandwagon EPL teams that Man U, Arsenal, and Chelsea are. Plus they use a Shakespeare character's name. Too bad they played like shit for the first half of the season.
filippo inzaghi. if you think CRonaldo is bad then just watch him for a few games.
Wow, lucky guy. I lived in Paris for a summer a few years back, and I miss it. I do own a PSG jersey, although I'm not really a fan of the team (I feel like rooting for them would be like rooting for the Yankees).
F#%# Lion -
While Alves did play awfully, his cross in the last minute against Chelski (not a typo) was the catalyst for Iniesta's goal. John Terry couldn't deal with it, it went to Eto'o, then to Messi, then to Iniesta. yeah, he stunk it up, but that cross was WICKED. Check it out on Youtube. A small point but it was crucial.
Also, is Bordeaux about to win the title this year? Doesn't that break a 7 year streak for Lyon? Geez.
It was a great ball movement and teamwork on that final goal. I literally went nuts; it was the most exciting sports moment I've seen in a while. And I agree that Alves' cross was quite nice, but he played poorly overall in the match. But really that goal, and the simultaneous elation it elicited from everyone in the bar, that is why you watch soccer. Simply beautiful.
And yea surprisingly enough I think Bordeaux might well win (Marseille still has a chance). The French league hasn't been that strong for a while now, and its too bad. Lyon has actually won 6 in a row, and Benzema is most likely on his way out so it could be even harder on them next year. Seems many Parisians are just waiting for Ribbery to sign with Barca to Champions League team for which to root. With Abidal and Henry they might not have many French players, but the ones they have start so they're a well liked club here.
Since Arsenal has been more of a develop-younger-talent than buy-older-talent squad can I cheer for them and it not be a bandwagon thing? I honestly am entertained by their style.
@jg2112:
Man ESPN is killing me. No NHL, now no Champions League? I guess they needed to make room for another 2 hours of Brett Favre coverage???
...I've read murmurs online that ESPN is heavily pushing to get the EPL coverage away from Fox Soccer, but I haven't heard any additional news on that front. But yeah, I don't get why "The Ocho" couldn't carry the Champions League. Makes me wonder what Tommy "Onion Bag" Smith will do with his time next year.
im a fan of Fulham FC in the premier league (Europe!), but i took the day off work to watch the final.
i just hope the game lives up to its epic billing. with barcelona fielding 25% of their 1st-choice defense, and midfield stopper Toure probably having to move back into defense, i dont think they'll be able to stop united. hopefully Iniesta and Henry are fully recovered and can give as good as they're likely to get.
And I plan on closely following soccer next year. However, before doing so I need to pick an EPL team. It can't be a team that is currently good and would make me feel like a bandwagon fan for liking, but I would like to see them not get relegated in the near future and maybe win something at some point. Who should I go with?
Fulham - owned by Mohammed El Fayed (owner of Harrod's, father of Dodi, who was dating Princess Diana at time of death), team is about a mile away from Chelsea in London, nice little stadium on the River Thames, Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra played there, and Clint Dempsey and Eddie Johnson play there.
Tottenham - Good team, annoying coach. This is the team the Sports Guy decided to adopt two years ago. He hasn't written a thing about them in a year. In a sense, they are very similar to Michigan as they have not beaten their eternal rivals (Arsenal) in something like 20 straight games.
Everton - my choice for you. The "little club" in Liverpool. Fantastic coach in David Moyes. Star midfielders in Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill. Good former Man U striker in Louis Saha. American goalie in Tim Howard. A scrappy side that is a "sum beyond parts" kind of team (think Northwestern when they're good). I recommend them. They play for the FA Cup against Chelsea on Saturday.
Tottenham Hotspur has truly aggravating management and coaching. It is not really the best run team, but they have good character, history, and a chance to do well because the team really is good just not Champions League quality. Cool fact (if your a literature nerd): takes name from character of Hotspur, based on Sir Henry Percy, of Shakespeare's Henry IV.
Arsenal is very good but they are perhaps the largest bandwagon team for any American newcomer to the EPL. They do very well, have an aggressive style, and are literally loaded with young talent (not just many of the best 18 year-olds, but many of the best 16 year-olds waiting behind them). They often lose their players to bigger clubs that can bid more, for example they're best player, Cesc Fabregeas, will probably leave soon.
Arsene Wenger is the best coach in the game. They play a brand of Soccer that is the most entertaining to watch (speed and quick passing). Man U is kind of fun with Ronaldo breaking ankles, but 3 or 4 one touch passes in a row for an open goal is more entertaining to my eye.
Arsenal does have quite a large budget, but it isn't nearly as much as Man U's or Chelsea's so it wouldn't be like cheering for the Yankees or Red Sox.
...the "I need to roll it into the net" phobia. The team just won't shoot the ball. Plus, their players aren't strong enough in possession and Wenger has some sort of steadfast disgust in spending the board's money to the team's detriment.
Plus, the guy asked for a team that isn't "currently good." Arsenal won a title going undefeated in 2003-04, made the Champions' League final in 2006, were semi-finalists this year, and have been in the top 4 every year since 1998. I think they qualify as a "bandwagon" team.
Manchester City because they have Robinho (my favorite player) and it would be nice if they add a couple more pieces and start to challenge Man U.
My favorite part about the Champions League final is that someone will inevitably post the score of the game.
Then people will bitch and moan that they had DVR'd it and were waiting to watch when they got home.
It happens every year and it makes me laugh because people still aren't smart enough to avoid sports forums until they watch the game.