Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: dinho on April 15, 2008, 02:09:22 PM
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Barca backed to beat 'long-ball' United[/b]
http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8032316/Barca-backed-to-beat-'long-ball'-United
Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff believes his former side can pull Manchester United apart when the teams meet in the Champions League semi-final.
Cruyff, who now acts as an official adviser to club president Joan Laporta, denies there is any reason to be pessimistic, however, and says that Sir Alex Ferguson's men have as much to fear as anyone.
The Dutchman coached Barcelona to their first European Cup triumph back in 1992, and he believes he knows the way to beat the English champions.
He told El Periodico: "They run a lot. Their style of football, and that of all the English teams, gives the false sensation that they run more than anyone.
"That's because despite having a majority of foreigners in their squads they maintain the philosophy of long-ball football and sprinting 60 yards.
"That is how they exploit spaces in front of the midfield. If they played in the other team's half more often those spaces wouldn't exist.
"Despite recognising their effort, you can disarm an English side that presses and looks for the long ball by keeping possession and moving the ball around quickly.
"And if you know they will expend all their energy on closing down and chasing long balls, then you know where to beat them: by playing the ball horizontally.
"However badly Barca is doing we have at least the same chance of progressing to the final as United.
"They are very good, that's true. Of the three English teams in the semis, for me Manchester is the best.
"But I'm absolutely convinced that they're thinking exactly the same about Barca. That of all the semi-finalists, the Blaugranes are the strongest."
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:rotfl:
sorry barca no trophy for allyuh dis year either.
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Cryuff making sense.
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f**k off... Every team uses longball ...i dont understand why its always the English play long ball.. bullshit
United and Arsenal use the ground more than some teams in Europe...So Cruyff once again..yuh talking shit...
There's only one Jordi Cruyff...the true Legend
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wat he says, whether u agree or not does not take away from the fact that he is a footballing legend. the fact that barcelona's midfield doesnt lend much help to a struggling defence especially at left back opens them to be carved up by some long balls .
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Cruyff mabe a legend but I disagree.
Barca may have more skillfull ball men, but they also play plenty long ball. As to United running a lot. Barca runs a lot. Cruyff use to run a lot Any team Cruyff played on, the team was stuctured around him. he use to run all over the blasted place. Now I wonder if he was on steriods in his days. Psych game he playing.
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f**k off... Every team uses longball ...i dont understand why its always the English play long ball.. bullshit
United and Arsenal use the ground more than some teams in Europe...So Cruyff once again..yuh talking shit...
There's only one Jordi Cruyff...the true Legend
Whey boi how u gettin on so? If allyuh is a long ball side den allyuh is ah long ball side....ent it working for allyuh? Everybody know that english brand is ah traditional long ball side and even though side like arsenal and Chelsea and even Man U starting to play more football and knockin the ball more (mainly cause ah dem imports). United playing real football now but i still backing Barca cause i just eh really respect dah English "long ball brand"
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Zambrotta: Barcelona can't go toe-to-toe with Man Utd
tribalfooball.com - April 14, 2008
Gianluca Zambrotta says Barcelona cannot go toe-to-toe with Manchester United in their Champions League semifinal.
Italy World Cup-winning defender Zambrotta believes if Barca must not adopt a gung-ho approach against the English champions.
Zambrotta said: "To eliminate Manchester United we will have to adopt an Italian style. English teams are not comfortable against a side that can retain the ball and wait for openings.
"We can't afford to make defensive mistakes. Stopping United from scoring an away goal in the first leg is imperative."
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wat he says, whether u agree or not does not take away from the fact that he is a footballing legend. the fact that barcelona's midfield doesnt lend much help to a struggling defence especially at left back opens them to be carved up by some long balls .
cryuff and pele,2 legends and 2 shit talkers.
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Cryuff making sense.
stueps you must say tht, la liga lover ::)
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Allyuh men gettin on like ManU is a perfect side with no weaknesses. Like if men like Eto'o and Messi is not BIG BIG Big players in this game. Steups !! Ronaldinho or no Ronaldinho. Barca still has enough quality to get past Man U. Ferdinand , Evra,Wes Brown et al not exactly rock solid.
But Cruyff talk shit there. Man U is one of the few English teams that play proper technical football.
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f**k off... Every team uses longball ...i dont understand why its always the English play long ball.. bullshit
United and Arsenal use the ground more than some teams in Europe...So Cruyff once again..yuh talking shit...
There's only one Jordi Cruyff...the true Legend
Whey boi how u gettin on so? If allyuh is a long ball side den allyuh is ah long ball side....ent it working for allyuh? Everybody know that english brand is ah traditional long ball side and even though side like arsenal and Chelsea and even Man U starting to play more football and knockin the ball more (mainly cause ah dem imports). United playing real football now but i still backing Barca cause i just eh really respect dah English "long ball brand"
Man/woman shut yuh rarse! United aint just starting tuh play football or 'real football! How dey arse long you been watchin dem play? Because you tink the 'English brand is ah traditional long ball side' does not mean dat has been United's way of playin. Go rent some tapes/DVDs and then come back and post, see if yuh post dey same sh!te!
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Allyuh men gettin on like ManU is a perfect side with no weaknesses. Like if men like Eto'o and Messi is not BIG BIG Big players in this game. Steups !! Ronaldinho or no Ronaldinho. Barca still has enough quality to get past Man U. Ferdinand , Evra,Wes Brown et al not exactly rock solid.
But Cruyff talk shit there. Man U is one of the few English teams that play proper technical football.
where we say we are a perfect side.... we just defending our side... and yes Barca are a great team and are very dangerous....no1 is underestimating them... but let Cruyff talk his usual shit...
"Ferdinand , Evra,Wes Brown et al not exactly rock solid.".. that had to be one of your stupidest posts... Our back 4 with Brown..Vidic..Rio..Evra is probably the most solid back line rite now...
may the best team win
I declare War..
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Allyuh men gettin on like ManU is a perfect side with no weaknesses. Like if men like Eto'o and Messi is not BIG BIG Big players in this game. Steups !! Ronaldinho or no Ronaldinho. Barca still has enough quality to get past Man U. Ferdinand , Evra,Wes Brown et al not exactly rock solid.
But Cruyff talk shit there. Man U is one of the few English teams that play proper technical football.
where we say we are a perfect side.... we just defending our side... and yes Barca are a great team and are very dangerous....no1 is underestimating them... but let Cruyff talk his usual shit...
"Ferdinand , Evra,Wes Brown et al not exactly rock solid.".. that had to be one of your stupidest posts... Our back 4 with Brown..Vidic..Rio..Evra is probably the most solid back line rite now...
may the best team win
I declare War..
I respect Vidic he is no nonsense. De ress a dem due for a Spanish lesson.
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Allyuh men gettin on like ManU is a perfect side with no weaknesses. Like if men like Eto'o and Messi is not BIG BIG Big players in this game. Steups !! Ronaldinho or no Ronaldinho. Barca still has enough quality to get past Man U. Ferdinand , Evra,Wes Brown et al not exactly rock solid.
But Cruyff talk shit there. Man U is one of the few English teams that play proper technical football.
where we say we are a perfect side.... we just defending our side... and yes Barca are a great team and are very dangerous....no1 is underestimating them... but let Cruyff talk his usual shit...
"Ferdinand , Evra,Wes Brown et al not exactly rock solid.".. that had to be one of your stupidest posts... Our back 4 with Brown..Vidic..Rio..Evra is probably the most solid back line rite now...
may the best team win
I declare War..
I respect Vidic he is no nonsense. De ress a dem due for a Spanish lesson.
The only sh!tehound and liability is Wes, he is a damn own goal watin to happen!
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Tell Cruyff to haul he cudders month... Barca beating who.... not with that defence...
He just jealous that Jordi never turned out to be a United legend... ;D
(I confess I have a green and yellow Cruyff Man U shirt, doh know if it authentic though)
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f**k off... Every team uses longball ...i dont understand why its always the English play long ball.. bullshit
United and Arsenal use the ground more than some teams in Europe...So Cruyff once again..yuh talking shit...
There's only one Jordi Cruyff...the true Legend
Whey boi how u gettin on so? If allyuh is a long ball side den allyuh is ah long ball side....ent it working for allyuh? Everybody know that english brand is ah traditional long ball side and even though side like arsenal and Chelsea and even Man U starting to play more football and knockin the ball more (mainly cause ah dem imports). United playing real football now but i still backing Barca cause i just eh really respect dah English "long ball brand"
Man/woman shut yuh rarse! United aint just starting tuh play football or 'real football! How dey arse long you been watchin dem play? Because you tink the 'English brand is ah traditional long ball side' does not mean dat has been United's way of playin. Go rent some tapes/DVDs and then come back and post, see if yuh post dey same sh!te!
First of all English brand IS mainly a traditional long ball brand...if u watchin english football longer dan me and eh see that den i doh kno wah u watchin. And musbe eh watchin Man U play as long as u but i use to watch dem play when Eric Cantana was there cause he was one of my favorite players....allyuh actin like if someone sayin ah long ball brand is ah inferior brand....ManU perfect dem brand thru the genius of fergie but it still remains a brand that depends on strong wing play and a lot of long balls...yes dem have the ability to knock the ball short and they DO THAT MORE NOW, as do many other english teams who realise that dem was gettin dem tail cut wid the brand dem was playin...but ManU brand of football have evolved and i doh have to be a die hard fan to see that....if u want to take offense den tote all the feelins u want...the english brand is trying to evolve because it has been failing due to defences learnin how to counteract dem...relax nah man all dis hostility and ting back yuh side and chill yuh pokes
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you know how long mi n hear ah man say chill yuh pokes :rotfl: :rotfl:
1994-95
Manchester United 2–2 Barcelona
Barcelona 4–0 Manchester United
1998-99
Manchester United 3–3 Barcelona
Barcelona 3–3Manchester United
well this tie always seems to bring goals, and by the way manu never beat us yet
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(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o122/nigbcn/ronaldorooney.jpg?t=1208184911)
dont bring this shite in the nou camp eh :rotfl:( ah jus using the pic that was provided with the article)
Last season United were favourites to beat AC Milan in the semi finals as Milan were not performing well in the Italian league. United took an early lead in the first game at Old Trafford through a Ronaldo goal but Kaka shocked the crowd with two sensational goals before half time. United rallied in the second half and Rooney scored twice to give the English team a narrow 3-2 advantage to take to San Siro. In the second game Milan destroyed United with goals from Kaka, Seedorf and Gilardino to win 5-3 on aggregate. Milan then went on to win the trophy beating Liverpool in the final.
As favourites the pressure will be on United who despite their excellent domestic record have not reached a European final since 1999. Only Neville, Giggs,Hargreaves and Van Der Saar have experience of a Champions League final whereas Barça have ten first team squad players with that experience.
According to Cruyff the key will be in not losing possession in dangerous positions, of course this is logical as United like to attack quickly when they get the ball. Barça will need to maintain a very high level of concentration and keep moving the ball quickly to avoid this, but surely for such a game the players will have the motivation to be focused enough. After all it is one thing to be motivated for a trip to Almeria or Recreativo and another to face the best team in Europe in a semi final.
Many of Barça’s hopes will lie with Leo Messi and Samuel Eto’o, and it should be remembered that when the two of them play together Barça’s attack works so much better. Unfortunately this season they have hardly coincided at all which is another of the reasons for Barça’s erratic league form. If they can both perform at their best then Barça will certainly cause United’s back four some problems.
Of course it will not be easy but one of the beautiful things about football compared to many other sports is that the best team doesn’t always win, and one little bit of luck or one moment of individual brilliance can make the difference between success and failure. Many of the recent winners of the Champions League were not the best team that year and there are plenty of examples of winners who did not win their domestic league in the same season. In fact, of the last twelve winners of the Champions League only four have won the domestic league in the same season (Barça 2006, Porto 2004, Bayern Munich 2001, Man United 1999). For all the pessimistic culés out there, you should remember this.
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ManU has a very mobile team with alot of outside players on their team. Barac can beat them but they have to come good
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Cruyff obviously still bending from losing the Cup Winners Cup to United in 1991. He had a side with Laudrup, Koeman and Bakero and they get beat by a United side that was playing in Europe for the first time after the 5 year ban.
Cruyff sounding like he ent watch United play for 10 years. To characterise them as a long ball team is ridiculous.
Traditional English longball football is to knocking it forward to a "big man" who knocks it down to the midfield. Who would then knock it out to th ewing or back to the forward. It is a style that kills English teams in international games because they give up too much possession.
United's football isn't even remotely like that, especially in Europe where Ferguson tries to have his team keep possession.
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Its not about the long ball or the short ball...its about the right ball....not my words
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ManU plays a very good brand and mixes the best of everything - technical football, short passes, long passes, individual skill and flair, as well as hard running and tackling. They have their weaknesses, but they also have a little bit of everything. And they have depth. I felt sorry for Arsenal when I aw fergie make dat double sub of Anderson and Tevez. Talk about pressure..two very skillful, young fellas who are also absolute pitbulls. You cannot shake them off the ball and they never say die. I cannot imagine being bun and looking up and seeing that is who coming on. Dat is a big side. As for the long ball....when they use it, it is usually an attempt at an accurate pass with deadly intent...not a hit and hope hoofer.
Cruyff just playing mind games..and in case nobody ever notice, he does diss current Barca players more than anyone else. This is a welcome surprise to hear him actually big up the Blaugrana. I find he does move like a bitter ex-player who wishes he was still in the limelight.
Barca / ManU will be a huge game. I counting on Barca to continue their Cup run. They still have a lot of quality and they are wounded. The Cuip represents the most realistic chance at silverware and we all know that Cup form and League form can be two different things. It will really come down to individual matchups I think. But not only am I a fan of Barca football, but the worse Champion's league finals I've ever watched were Real madrd V Valencia and Milan v Juventus. Whenever the finalists come from the same country = boooooooring. Barca is the only team left to give this a true European Cup feel. I watch enough EPL..doh need to see two EPL teams in the final. Sad things is I like ManU better then Liverpool and Chelsea, so I wish this was the final. Oh well...fasten yuh seatbelt. This will be good.
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I find he does move like a bitter ex-player who wishes he was still in the limelight.
I was going to make that point, the man does remind me of Alvin Corneal. Even when Barca winning he does have something to stay, he call for Ronaldinho head many a time and he seems to have the ear of all the Barca presidents.
This match up going to be a tough one, I have been waiting for it since 99 and when I finally get it R10 ups and gone.
Barca needs to take the lead in the Nou Camp and defend it out at Ole Trafford in the 2nd leg. We need to go with the strongest back four and share blade and on top of which Puyol suspended for the 2 most dotish red cards I ever see.
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Puyol suspended for the 2 most dotish red cards I ever see.
Overrated
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f**k off... Every team uses longball ...i dont understand why its always the English play long ball.. bullshit
United and Arsenal use the ground more than some teams in Europe...So Cruyff once again..yuh talking shit...
There's only one Jordi Cruyff...the true Legend
Whey boi how u gettin on so? If allyuh is a long ball side den allyuh is ah long ball side....ent it working for allyuh? Everybody know that english brand is ah traditional long ball side and even though side like arsenal and Chelsea and even Man U starting to play more football and knockin the ball more (mainly cause ah dem imports). United playing real football now but i still backing Barca cause i just eh really respect dah English "long ball brand"
Man/woman shut yuh rarse! United aint just starting tuh play football or 'real football! How dey arse long you been watchin dem play? Because you tink the 'English brand is ah traditional long ball side' does not mean dat has been United's way of playin. Go rent some tapes/DVDs and then come back and post, see if yuh post dey same sh!te!
First of all English brand IS mainly a traditional long ball brand...if u watchin english football longer dan me and eh see that den i doh kno wah u watchin. And musbe eh watchin Man U play as long as u but i use to watch dem play when Eric Cantana was there cause he was one of my favorite players....allyuh actin like if someone sayin ah long ball brand is ah inferior brand....ManU perfect dem brand thru the genius of fergie but it still remains a brand that depends on strong wing play and a lot of long balls...yes dem have the ability to knock the ball short and they DO THAT MORE NOW, as do many other english teams who realise that dem was gettin dem tail cut wid the brand dem was playin...but ManU brand of football have evolved and i doh have to be a die hard fan to see that....if u want to take offense den tote all the feelins u want...the english brand is trying to evolve because it has been failing due to defences learnin how to counteract dem...relax nah man all dis hostility and ting back yuh side and chill yuh pokes
You made a blanket statement about English football being a traditonal long ball type of football. You also said that United football has evolved and even they playing more ball and knocking ball. United did not JUST start knocking ball or playing football. They have always had skillfull players and have made an effort to play entertaining and attractive football. The team's philosophy has always been to entertain. You don't have a quarter of a billion fans playing 'long ball'! You don't play long ball when you had Charlton, Best, Law, Duncan Ferguson, Giggsy, Jesper Olsen, Sharp, Konchelksis, Coppell, Whiteside, Mc Clair, Joe Spence, Sammy Mc Ilroy, Jack Rowley to name a few. So bust out the tapes pre Cantona so you can stop posting sh!t!
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Puyol suspended for the 2 most dotish red cards I ever see.
Overrated
not more than Salgado, Woodgate and the rest ah dem goats floundering around in the back for Madrid.
Zambrotta------Thuram--------Millito------Abidal
Thuram go have to walk with he jumping boots because those crosses will be whipped in fast and furious and it's no sceret that Barca not good in the air.
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Its not about the long ball or the short ball...its about the right ball....not my words
:applause: :applause: This is the best line i read all morning on this topic but is one question i would like to ask,can any one tell me what is wrong with the long ball in Football?some people talk about it as though it's a crime,this game is about tactics and teamwork,Man U has always been a team that everyone respects regardless of what league they from,why they respect them is because they play a good brand of Football,they are always in contention for everything,is that why people hate them?their brand of Football creates problems for other teams because of the nature of their game,it's a mixture of long ball/short ball/possession and individuals who can change the outcome of a game at any given time.
Like or hate them no one on here misses a Man U game,that makes them special,it's entertainment from start to finish because anything can happen at any time,Ronaldo stop diving and like he scoring more goals,any how lets look forward to the next Man U game.
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Its not about the long ball or the short ball...its about the right ball....not my words
:applause: :applause: This is the best line i read all morning on this topic but is one question i would like to ask,can any one tell me what is wrong with the long ball in Football?some people talk about it as though it's a crime,this game is about tactics and teamwork,Man U has always been a team that everyone respects regardless of what league they from,why they respect them is because they play a good brand of Football,they are always in contention for everything,is that why people hate them?their brand of Football creates problems for other teams because of the nature of their game,it's a mixture of long ball/short ball/possession and individuals who can change the outcome of a game at any given time.
Like or hate them no one on here misses a Man U game,that makes them special,it's entertainment from start to finish because anything can happen at any time,Ronaldo stop diving and like he scoring more goals,any how lets look forward to the next Man U game.
To me the long ball implies hit and hope, you hope somebody latch on to it. Booom kick football, the sh!t boring. Compared to when you build up the play by passing the ball. Imagine watchin sides like Bolton, all season?
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Its not about the long ball or the short ball...its about the right ball....not my words
:applause: :applause: This is the best line i read all morning on this topic but is one question i would like to ask,can any one tell me what is wrong with the long ball in Football?some people talk about it as though it's a crime,this game is about tactics and teamwork,Man U has always been a team that everyone respects regardless of what league they from,why they respect them is because they play a good brand of Football,they are always in contention for everything,is that why people hate them?their brand of Football creates problems for other teams because of the nature of their game,it's a mixture of long ball/short ball/possession and individuals who can change the outcome of a game at any given time.
Like or hate them no one on here misses a Man U game,that makes them special,it's entertainment from start to finish because anything can happen at any time,Ronaldo stop diving and like he scoring more goals,any how lets look forward to the next Man U game.
To me the long ball implies hit and hope, you hope somebody latch on to it. Booom kick football, the sh!t boring. Compared to when you build up the play by passing the ball. Imagine watchin sides like Bolton, all season?
What i'm trying to say is, if the long ball is used at the appropriate times or for tactical reasons it's a beautiful ball,further more if you can win with it why not use it even if it's ugly,but i understand how people feels about it and your logic is correct.
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Puyol suspended for the 2 most dotish red cards I ever see.
Overrated
not more than Salgado, Woodgate and the rest ah dem goats floundering around in the back for Madrid.
Zambrotta------Thuram--------Millito------Abidal
Thuram go have to walk with he jumping boots because those crosses will be whipped in fast and furious and it's no sceret that Barca not good in the air.
Disgruntled, scratch Abidal from that line up. After seeing that he'll be facing Ronaldo or Nani he is begging not to be played. Man start having sleepless nights already.
Regarding the crosses, remember, that Tevez and Rooney are short, the only person high crosses are whipped for, excepting corners, is when Ronaldo is in the box.
At the point Frank scratching him head trying to figure what cards Fergie gonna deal.
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Its not about the long ball or the short ball...its about the right ball....not my words
:applause: :applause: This is the best line i read all morning on this topic but is one question i would like to ask,can any one tell me what is wrong with the long ball in Football?some people talk about it as though it's a crime,this game is about tactics and teamwork,Man U has always been a team that everyone respects regardless of what league they from,why they respect them is because they play a good brand of Football,they are always in contention for everything,is that why people hate them?their brand of Football creates problems for other teams because of the nature of their game,it's a mixture of long ball/short ball/possession and individuals who can change the outcome of a game at any given time.
Like or hate them no one on here misses a Man U game,that makes them special,it's entertainment from start to finish because anything can happen at any time,Ronaldo stop diving and like he scoring more goals,any how lets look forward to the next Man U game.
:o
Talk fuh yuhself!
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lol @ these mancunians..
all this talk not dissimilar to de banter prior to the AC milan semi final last year when they got their asses properly handed to them.
The image of Gattuso sending CR7 pelting into the advertising hoardings with the shoulder of a champion is still very fresh in memory.
Lets not forget that this game qualifies as a "big fixture" so we can pretty much nullify Ronaldo's influence on the tie; unless they get a penalty of course.
Ya Ya Toure in he mc!
Is only Rooney to worry about.
Cant wait for next week.
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Why Cryuff eh hul he cuddas munt!!! :devil: :rotfl:
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Its not about the long ball or the short ball...its about the right ball....not my words
:applause: :applause: This is the best line i read all morning on this topic but is one question i would like to ask,can any one tell me what is wrong with the long ball in Football?some people talk about it as though it's a crime,this game is about tactics and teamwork,Man U has always been a team that everyone respects regardless of what league they from,why they respect them is because they play a good brand of Football,they are always in contention for everything,is that why people hate them?their brand of Football creates problems for other teams because of the nature of their game,it's a mixture of long ball/short ball/possession and individuals who can change the outcome of a game at any given time.
Like or hate them no one on here misses a Man U game,that makes them special,it's entertainment from start to finish because anything can happen at any time,Ronaldo stop diving and like he scoring more goals,any how lets look forward to the next Man U game.
:o
Talk fuh yuhself!
I doh know what happen to dem nah.
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lol @ these mancunians..
all this talk not dissimilar to de banter prior to the AC milan semi final last year when they got their asses properly handed to them.
The image of Gattuso sending CR7 pelting into the advertising hoardings with the shoulder of a champion is still very fresh in memory.
Lets not forget that this game qualifies as a "big fixture" so we can pretty much nullify Ronaldo's influence on the tie; unless they get a penalty of course.
Ya Ya Toure in he mc!
Is only Rooney to worry about.
Cant wait for next week.
the difference between the Milan and the Barca game is both Rio and Vidic got injuried and Vidic had to be rushed back to play the Milan leg. Vidic is currently recovering and is said to be ready to play this Saturday. I don't see any Empire represenatives aka Manu fans dissing Barca ... but if Barca had a choice I'm quite certain they'd have chosen either Livafool or the Russians.
As far as the Empire is concerned .... to be the best ... we simply have to beat the rest.
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Its not about the long ball or the short ball...its about the right ball....not my words
:applause: :applause: This is the best line i read all morning on this topic but is one question i would like to ask,can any one tell me what is wrong with the long ball in Football?some people talk about it as though it's a crime,this game is about tactics and teamwork,Man U has always been a team that everyone respects regardless of what league they from,why they respect them is because they play a good brand of Football,they are always in contention for everything,is that why people hate them?their brand of Football creates problems for other teams because of the nature of their game,it's a mixture of long ball/short ball/possession and individuals who can change the outcome of a game at any given time.
Like or hate them no one on here misses a Man U game,that makes them special,it's entertainment from start to finish because anything can happen at any time,Ronaldo stop diving and like he scoring more goals,any how lets look forward to the next Man U game.
To me the long ball implies hit and hope, you hope somebody latch on to it. Booom kick football, the sh!t boring. Compared to when you build up the play by passing the ball. Imagine watchin sides like Bolton, all season?
What i'm trying to say is, if the long ball is used at the appropriate times or for tactical reasons it's a beautiful ball,further more if you can win with it why not use it even if it's ugly,but i understand how people feels about it and your logic is correct.
The key thing is, the tactics as you mentioned. A lot of people are not fans of the long ball because it bypasses the midfield where the action is, but the thing is, the long ball when played with accuracy is deadly. Remember the 1998 world cup quarterfinal game between Argentina and Holland. In the last few minutes of the game it was a pin point pass from the back (may have been from Reizeger..cyar remember) straight to Berkamp, who proceeded to beat Ayala on the trap and finish in the top corner!
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This tie will be extremely difficult for United and for my money Barcelona are favourites, despite United’s form in the CL this year.
Fcat is that Barcelona were finalists and Champs as recently as two years ago whereas United have not won the BIG GAME in Europe for almost 10 years. Year after year they have just not got it right.
This year does seem different though. They have confidence. The players young but experienced and they have last year fresh in their memory.
The key is in how well they defend. That has always been the problem in Europe. Always failing to win away from home and giving up goals at home. Ferguson will play the first leg like Liverpool and try to get an away goal without exposing the team. As long as they don’t get caught out by a piece of skill from Messi, Henry etc. they will be all right.
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lol @ these mancunians..
all this talk not dissimilar to de banter prior to the AC milan semi final last year when they got their asses properly handed to them.
The image of Gattuso sending CR7 pelting into the advertising hoardings with the shoulder of a champion is still very fresh in memory.
Lets not forget that this game qualifies as a "big fixture" so we can pretty much nullify Ronaldo's influence on the tie; unless they get a penalty of course.
Ya Ya Toure in he mc!
Is only Rooney to worry about.
Cant wait for next week.
:devil:
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not more than Salgado, Woodgate and the rest ah dem goats floundering around in the back for Madrid.
Salgado wasn't overrated - Everyone knows he was shite..... Funny thing is he was the weak link when Madrid used to run things, and a big player when Madrid was struggling :D
and Woodgate? Well I doh really consider him a Madrid player... He mus' be play more game for Spurs already than he played for Madrid
But Puyol eh better than Cannavaro or Sergio Ramos....Puyol is wild hairy animal whose hyperness, charisma & perceived intensity manages to compensate for his propensity to spend quality time scrambling or on on his a$$ against a skilful attack... ok ah exaggerating, but I doh really rate him.
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Puyol suspended for the 2 most dotish red cards I ever see.
Overrated
The Spanish John Terry!
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Puyol overrated? nah allyuh n knw what allyuh saying.
anyways barca problem is defending, toure not the same since the injury to his back, abidal woefully out of form , frank have no confidence in anyone else at that position so abidal is going to start. i really see him conceding ah silly penalty.
one thing i am very sure of is that the fatwoman will be very nervous about singing. this is going down to the wire
and as a barca fan the team i fear the most in this last for is liverpool, cause torres always was and will always be ah thorn in we side
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Barça have decided that one of the players they most want for next season is Lyon’s Karim Benzema. Txiki Begiristain travelled to Lyon yesterday where he met with Lyon’s Director of Sport, Bernard Lacombe, and he watched Benzema score in the 1-0 win over Metz in the French Cup.
According to newspaper reports this morning Barça are prepared to bid €3o million for the 20-year-old Benzema who recently extended his contract at Lyon until 2013. Lyon are not a club to sell cheaply, but despite their efforts their best players such as Essien or Diarra, are eventually allowed to leave.
I think Benzema would be an excellent addition to the squad. He is young and hungry, he scores with both feet, is very quick and is also good in the air. The signing, however, is not going to be easy, and I feel that if Barça really want to sign him, they will have to increase the offer in the end. With Eto’o and Bojan, Barça have the centre forward position well covered, perhaps if they want to spend a lot of money it would be better spent on reinforcing other positions.
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Barça have decided that one of the players they most want for next season is Lyon’s Karim Benzema. Txiki Begiristain travelled to Lyon yesterday where he met with Lyon’s Director of Sport, Bernard Lacombe, and he watched Benzema score in the 1-0 win over Metz in the French Cup.
According to newspaper reports this morning Barça are prepared to bid €3o million for the 20-year-old Benzema who recently extended his contract at Lyon until 2013. Lyon are not a club to sell cheaply, but despite their efforts their best players such as Essien or Diarra, are eventually allowed to leave.
I think Benzema would be an excellent addition to the squad. He is young and hungry, he scores with both feet, is very quick and is also good in the air. The signing, however, is not going to be easy, and I feel that if Barça really want to sign him, they will have to increase the offer in the end. With Eto’o and Bojan, Barça have the centre forward position well covered, perhaps if they want to spend a lot of money it would be better spent on reinforcing other positions.
Barca need to check in on Flamini. He stalling on signing a new Arsenal contract.
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THe most set ah shit buys does happen when other teams realise Barca have money to spend.
It has happened time and time again. When Barca sold Figo they went out and spent exorbitant amounts of $ on waste ah time players.
Moral of the story we end up with Rochemback, Litmannan, Giovanni, Overmars and a host of other players that was a waste of time.
I frighten to see what going and happen this summer.
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THe most set ah shit buys does happen when other teams realise Barca have money to spend.
It has happened time and time again. When Barca sold Figo they went out and spent exorbitant amounts of $ on waste ah time players.
Moral of the story we end up with Rochemback, Litmannan, Giovanni, Overmars and a host of other players that was a waste of time.
I frighten to see what going and happen this summer.
I thought Overmars was decent player with us. Christianval is probably the worst player I've seen in a Barca shirt.
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THe most set ah shit buys does happen when other teams realise Barca have money to spend.
It has happened time and time again. When Barca sold Figo they went out and spent exorbitant amounts of $ on waste ah time players.
Moral of the story we end up with Rochemback, Litmannan, Giovanni, Overmars and a host of other players that was a waste of time.
I frighten to see what going and happen this summer.
i eh think dem bad transfers was so much about money than Van Gaal trying to Hollandize the barcelona team and also the president at that time (Gaspart?) who didnt have a clue..
Remember that keeper Ruud Hesp??
And wha bout Reiziger, Cocu on de downside and also they had a central defender name Okoronwo i think who was ah waste too.. Where is he now?
And yes Christanval come with a big reputation but he was de worst.
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Barcelona on the verge of an exodus
Jon Carter
Archive
With all the furore surrounding the future of Brazilian star Ronaldinho, it's easy to miss the fact that the Blaugrana have had yet another disappointing season in La Liga.
Nine points off current leaders Real Madrid, Barcelona have been shockingly inconsistent in this campaign, especially for a side who have such a wealth of talent at their disposal.
In serious danger of missing out on second spot to an in-form Villarreal side, the next few weeks could decide the future of head coach Frank Rijkaard and many of the players at the club for next season.
Not only do Barcelona have a crucially important pair of fixtures against Manchester United in the Champions League to contend with, they also have the potential turbulence of the El Clásico with Madrid in May. The result may be of little consequence as the title could quite easily be decided by then, but a poor performance against their biggest rivals could precipitate a clear-out of gigantic proportions.
Ronaldinho, the club's marquee player in recent years, has found himself constantly sidelined and the subject of transfer speculation for most of Europe's elite (and Manchester City too). Now the Brazilian seems to have his heart set on a move to Milan, although whether it's Inter or AC remains to be seen; and, for the first time since his arrival in Spain, Barca are happy to let him go.
The money they get for the twice named FIFA World Player of the Year will almost certainly go towards rebuilding the squad, but the Brazilian will not be the only high profile name leaving the Nou Camp.
Gianluca Zambrotta's inability to adapt to the Spanish game could see him return to Italy, with AC Milan and former club Juventus showing interest. The full-back is one of the most talented defenders in the world game on his day, but after failing to settle, a decent chunk of his transfer fee could go towards a deal for the highly-rated Daniel Alves, who Barca are keen to steal away from under the noses of Madrid.
Midfielder Deco may also have played his last game in the famous shirt, as his rapidly expiring contract looks no closer to getting an extension. Blunted by the emergence of Andreas Iniesta, the Portuguese is second choice behind the likes of Xavi and Yaya Toure and has been used sparingly in the current campaign. He'll have no shortage of suitors.
Up front, having got Thierry Henry on the cheap from Arsenal at a mere £16million, Barca wasted little time in making the Frenchman unhappy by playing him out on the left instead of as a central striker. As a result, it would seem that a bid of around a similar figure would pave his way out of the club, with Newcastle ready to bring the once prolific striker back to England.
And the list doesn't end there. A host of players look unlikely to earn new deals at the Nou Camp, with a combination of age, poor form and money playing a part. The forgotten man of the club, Santiago Ezquerro, is certain to leave, while Brazilian midfielder Edmílson has done himself no favours by revealing a rift in the dressing room and is out of contract soon. Oleguer, who formed part of the solid defence of 2005/06, is also out of favour and could move on, along with Lilian Thuram and Sylvinho.
Undoubtedly, a spine of Carlos Puyol, Xavi, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o suggest that Barcelona will still be challenging for honours next season, but in handling what could be a squad-sapping exodus, there will have to be some high-profile replacements coming in.
Johan Cruyff's influence could see Ajax striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar arrive, while Barca director Txiki Beguiristain has already been seen scouting Lyon's young star Karim Benzema, who penned an extra year's extension to his current deal at the Stade de Gerland last month. Both players would make great replacements for Henry and, with youth on their side, could embody a shift in the club's reliance on experienced stars.
Already pointing to the future with the likes of Bojan Krkic and Giovani Dos Santos, Barca have also been linked with Valencia winger David Silva. With Los Che failing so miserably in the league, the 22-year-old could be part of a migration of his own and with Barca in need of a left-footed wideman, could fit the bill perfectly.
To firm up the defence, Racing Santander's Argentine Ezequiel Garay seemed on the verge of sealing a move to the Nou Camp before the Catalans pulled out and could still be set on a move. Creating a stir around Europe with his dead-ball skills and towering defensive performances, Real Madrid and Man Utd are now rumoured to be interested in the 21-year-old. Certainly, the defender has outgrown his current surroundings and Barca would do well to replace the likes of Thuram and Oleguer with younger blood.
What is clear is that something has to change and, with Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez linked with the club, the biggest loss of all could come in the form of Rijkaard. Viewed as a scapegoat for the team's inconsistent performances over the past year, Rijkaard has come under continual fire for his treatment of key players and his position is not safe by any means.
With speculation over the future of Avram Grant at Chelsea, Rijkaard could end up at Stamford Bridge next season, which would be a step in the right direction for many of the Barca fans who have booed their boss' decisions in recent games.
For Rijkaard himself, a move out of the Barca hotseat wouldn't be the worst move for his career. There is a feeling that he is stagnating in his current role and taking his attacking football philosophy to England could enhance a reputation which would take a blow after another trophyless season.
Even Champions League success this campaign may not save him. With the winds of change ready to blow through the club over the summer, the Catalan hierarchy may feel it's time to cut the cord. They have shown ruthlessness with a declining Ronaldinho and Rijkaard seems likely to follow a host of other names out of the club.
If the board back up their decision by loosening the purse strings as well, a new, youthful, vibrant Barcelona side could be a worrying proposition for the rest of Europe next season. Another year left trailing in the wake of Real Madrid just doesn't bear thinking about for the Catalans.