The pre-match feeling had Manchester United as slight favourites owing to a far superior defence and an abilty to strike in seconds, see their semi-final against Arsenal.
Suspension and injury to key defenders put paid to any defensive stability Barcelona may have had, aligned with moving Toure from a holding midfield role to central defence.
So the ball arrives at Evra's feet on the edge of the area, the next moment a wonderful cross is met with a remarkable header at full stretch from the world's best player, albeit assited by some ''shoddy'' defending, and the ball is nestled in the net.
Only, the shoddy defending belonged to Manchester United. The lack of tracking back also belonged to the champions. And when the ball arrived at Evra's feet, he panicked and his unnecessarily rushed clearance went straight to Xavi. He in turn was left way too much time and space to deliver a chipped cross which Messi expertly headed home.
Oh how Ferguson must have wished for injury-prone Hargreaves or the suspended Fletcher to have been available for this game. Their absence was sorely felt but, to be fair, United were outclassed all over the pitch and in a season of facts we are left with an undeniable one- Barcelona stand alone at the pinnacle of Europe's tree- and that's a fact!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ronaldo's top five hissy fits of 2008/09
After Ronaldo vented his displeasure at being substituted in yesterday’s Manchester derby it added to the list of tantrums from the Manchester United star this season. Here are just a few more:
1. v Arsenal, April 2009
With United looking comfortable and Ronaldo on top form, the Portuguese winger falls to the ground after a challenge from Arsenal left back Keiran Gibbs. Ronaldo illustrated his displeasure at the lack of a free kick with a ‘hissy fit’ that would’ve been more appropriate in a playground- arms flailing and feet stamping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKVD7s3HiE4
2. v Fulham, March 2009
This time it was referee Phil Dowd who saw more than he had bargained for. Ronaldo, after repeatedly being denied free kicks, decided to bare the top of his thigh to show Dowd exactly where he had been hurt. Dowd responded by showing his own leg.
3. v Newcastle United, March 2009
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor annoyed Ronaldo so much during this season’s Premier League clash at St. James’ Park that the Manchester United star reportedly accused his opponent of being a rubbish footballer. Taylor retorted by allegedly saying that at least he wasn’t ugly.
4. v Sunderland, December 2008
After taking a blow to the chest, Ronaldo proceeded to wince and complain for a few minutes before jogging off the pitch and down the tunnel, with no indication to a startled home bench. Ronaldo had substituted himself!
5. v Manchester City, November 2008
With United winning 1-0 and set for three points in the Manchester derby, Christiano concludes he’s not happy with a corner. Instead of heading the ball, he decides to catch it. Unfortunately for Ronaldo, the referee decreed it as a deliberate hand ball and a second bookable offence. Fergie suggested Ronaldo may have heard a whistle, others thought he may have been concerned with messing up his hair.
1. v Arsenal, April 2009
With United looking comfortable and Ronaldo on top form, the Portuguese winger falls to the ground after a challenge from Arsenal left back Keiran Gibbs. Ronaldo illustrated his displeasure at the lack of a free kick with a ‘hissy fit’ that would’ve been more appropriate in a playground- arms flailing and feet stamping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKVD7s3HiE4
2. v Fulham, March 2009
This time it was referee Phil Dowd who saw more than he had bargained for. Ronaldo, after repeatedly being denied free kicks, decided to bare the top of his thigh to show Dowd exactly where he had been hurt. Dowd responded by showing his own leg.
3. v Newcastle United, March 2009
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor annoyed Ronaldo so much during this season’s Premier League clash at St. James’ Park that the Manchester United star reportedly accused his opponent of being a rubbish footballer. Taylor retorted by allegedly saying that at least he wasn’t ugly.
4. v Sunderland, December 2008
After taking a blow to the chest, Ronaldo proceeded to wince and complain for a few minutes before jogging off the pitch and down the tunnel, with no indication to a startled home bench. Ronaldo had substituted himself!
5. v Manchester City, November 2008
With United winning 1-0 and set for three points in the Manchester derby, Christiano concludes he’s not happy with a corner. Instead of heading the ball, he decides to catch it. Unfortunately for Ronaldo, the referee decreed it as a deliberate hand ball and a second bookable offence. Fergie suggested Ronaldo may have heard a whistle, others thought he may have been concerned with messing up his hair.
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