Showing posts with label Leo Messi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leo Messi. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Messi Master Class sees Barca meet Inter in the semi's
Leo Messi scored 3 goals in 21 minutes in the first half to end Arsenal's Champion's League dream this year. To be honest, Barca were poor in the first half and Arsenal rightly took the lead in the 18th minute. Barca seemed uninterested and lazy at first but Messi saved them. To be fair, Arsenal were unlucky on Messi's first two goals as the ball didn't bounce their way but the class with which Messi finished was second to none. The first bounced around the top of the box, landed on his left foot and then was rocketed into the back of the net. The second came a few minutes later as Messi played Abidal in on the left who then crossed, poorly, into the box. The ball was deflected then nudged back by Pedro to Messi who took one touch around a defender then finished cooly with his right. Arsenal continued to press and, though having less possession they looked the more controlled side. However, Vermaelen went for a header he shouldn't have as there was no cover behind him. The ball fell to Keita who headed Messi into space. Messi then performed his best finish as he cheekily chipped Almunia for his third and for a 3-1 Barcelona lead. The second half showed a more controlled Barca as they held the lead and kept Arsenal from having any real threat on goal. Then with 2 minutes left Xavi played Messi through again, and then he beat 2 defenders before having his first shot saved right back to him and then put it between Almunia's legs for his fourth. I would have preferred to see him play Keita through on this play but it is the strikers perogative to go to goal as he did. Barcelona will face Inter in the next round as Jose Mourinho's men won 1-0 in Moscow through a Wesley Sneijder goal (I believe Real Madrid are wishing they had not sold him).
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Arsenal Grab 2 Late Goals to Square the Tie
Barcelona and Arsenal played to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Champion's League Quarterfinal. Barcelona came out from the start pressing hard and nearly scoring within the first minute. Almunia had four great reaction saves to keep Barcelona out. Barcelona had 70% of the possession in the first half and should have been 3 up at half. However, the half ended nil-nil. William Gallas and Andrey Arshavin were both forced out in the second half thru injury and Gallas definitely looks like he had the more serious one and wont be playing in the second leg. The other big story was Cesc picking up a yellow for a silly challenge though it was a harsh yellow which will see him miss the next leg.
The second half start brilliantly for Barcelona with Xavi finding Zlatan Ibrahimavic in acres of space and Ibra cooly floating the ball over Almunia into the net. Almunia can definitely be blamed for this one as he started to come out then decided to stay in and was caught in between but it was a brilliant finish from the Swede. Barcelona continued to control and Xavi found Ibra in space again in a nearly identical play with Ibra finishing in the top netting for his double and a Barcelona 2-0 lead. The game and entire tie seemed over as Barcelona had the 2 away goals. However, Theo Walcott was introduced and had an immediate impact causing problems down the right and finally finishing to get Arsenal back in the game. Arsenal started to gain confidence and took control and leveled the game at two after Cesc was brought down in the box by Puyol. The cross came in from Walcott and was deflected to Bedtner who headed to Cesc who was then impeded by Puyol. Puyol received a straight red for this and will miss the return leg as well. Pique will also miss the next leg due to his yellow which also looked harsh. Cesc finished the penalty and looked to hurt his knee. He hobbled on the rest of the way but will be out for a while it looks like.
Personally I would have to say Barca deserved better but in the end didn't finish well enough to get the win. This tie could have been over 20 minutes into the game if not for Almunia. Arsenal took their chances well and finished them.
The return leg will be on Tuesday at the Camp Nou. I fully expect Barcelona to move on since Arsenal have to win or score at least 2 in the Nou Camp which is difficult to do. However, both Pique and Puyol will miss out and Iniesta looks to miss the next match as well. Cesc and Gallas will both be missing for Arsenal and Arshavin may miss as well. Seeing how much Barcelona dominated the game and controlled the game I expect more of the same.
I do want to say that I am disappointed in Messi. He looked uninterested most of the game and only had 2 good chances both in the first 20 minutes. After that he had touches but nothing that looked dangerous. I expect better from him in the second leg. I also have to say that Barcelona would have much preferred this game to end 2-0 for more reasons than advancing but also because they play Real Madrid on the 11th. Winning 2-0 at the Emirates would have allowed Barcelona to possibly rest some players before that clash.
In other news, Wayne Rooney has a sprained ankle and will with next weeks game against Bayern Munich
The second half start brilliantly for Barcelona with Xavi finding Zlatan Ibrahimavic in acres of space and Ibra cooly floating the ball over Almunia into the net. Almunia can definitely be blamed for this one as he started to come out then decided to stay in and was caught in between but it was a brilliant finish from the Swede. Barcelona continued to control and Xavi found Ibra in space again in a nearly identical play with Ibra finishing in the top netting for his double and a Barcelona 2-0 lead. The game and entire tie seemed over as Barcelona had the 2 away goals. However, Theo Walcott was introduced and had an immediate impact causing problems down the right and finally finishing to get Arsenal back in the game. Arsenal started to gain confidence and took control and leveled the game at two after Cesc was brought down in the box by Puyol. The cross came in from Walcott and was deflected to Bedtner who headed to Cesc who was then impeded by Puyol. Puyol received a straight red for this and will miss the return leg as well. Pique will also miss the next leg due to his yellow which also looked harsh. Cesc finished the penalty and looked to hurt his knee. He hobbled on the rest of the way but will be out for a while it looks like.
Personally I would have to say Barca deserved better but in the end didn't finish well enough to get the win. This tie could have been over 20 minutes into the game if not for Almunia. Arsenal took their chances well and finished them.
The return leg will be on Tuesday at the Camp Nou. I fully expect Barcelona to move on since Arsenal have to win or score at least 2 in the Nou Camp which is difficult to do. However, both Pique and Puyol will miss out and Iniesta looks to miss the next match as well. Cesc and Gallas will both be missing for Arsenal and Arshavin may miss as well. Seeing how much Barcelona dominated the game and controlled the game I expect more of the same.
I do want to say that I am disappointed in Messi. He looked uninterested most of the game and only had 2 good chances both in the first 20 minutes. After that he had touches but nothing that looked dangerous. I expect better from him in the second leg. I also have to say that Barcelona would have much preferred this game to end 2-0 for more reasons than advancing but also because they play Real Madrid on the 11th. Winning 2-0 at the Emirates would have allowed Barcelona to possibly rest some players before that clash.
In other news, Wayne Rooney has a sprained ankle and will with next weeks game against Bayern Munich
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The greatness of Messi
Well it has come to the point that I just have to say something. Messi is absolutely amazing. In his past 3 games he has scored 8 goals (3 v. valencia, 2 v. Stuttgart, and 3 v. Real Zaragoza). And these goals are not just tape ins or lucky goals. Most of these are purely brilliant spectacles that only a few players in the world could replicate. I have added a couple of youtube links which show some of these goals. The first is the game against Valencia and it is a highlight tape of the entire game and in Spanish but Messi's brilliance starts at the 2 minute markwith some of his first half stuff and then moves to his second half brilliance but his best goal starts at 2:35. Enjoy...
The next video is of Messi vs. Stuttgart and his brilliance in that game. This video is also a game highlight and in Spanish. Messi's first goal is almost right away, the second goal if you notice is orchestrated by Messi and finished by Pedro. The man is amazing and is so influential...
The last video is the most recent game against Real Zaragoza. Messi once against scores a hat-trick and is pulled down in the box which lead to Ibrahimavic's penalty shot goal. The second goal is the one you want to watch.. over and over and over again...
This last video is not commentated by anyone but has music in the back round and is a highlight of the game..
The first goal is a nice headed finish but the second is amazing. Takes the ball from a defender about midfield then beats one player and then races toward the goal before beating two more and clinically finishing. It is reminiscent of Maradona in '86 and Owen in '98
Is Leo Messi the best player in the world?? At the moment I would have to say yes (though I am admittedly biased) and the only person who is even close to him would be Wayne Rooney. But at the moment there is not a more influential player, for his club team, on the planet. Lets hope as Barca fans his form continues and that is does so in the World Cup as well
The next video is of Messi vs. Stuttgart and his brilliance in that game. This video is also a game highlight and in Spanish. Messi's first goal is almost right away, the second goal if you notice is orchestrated by Messi and finished by Pedro. The man is amazing and is so influential...
The last video is the most recent game against Real Zaragoza. Messi once against scores a hat-trick and is pulled down in the box which lead to Ibrahimavic's penalty shot goal. The second goal is the one you want to watch.. over and over and over again...
This last video is not commentated by anyone but has music in the back round and is a highlight of the game..
The first goal is a nice headed finish but the second is amazing. Takes the ball from a defender about midfield then beats one player and then races toward the goal before beating two more and clinically finishing. It is reminiscent of Maradona in '86 and Owen in '98
Is Leo Messi the best player in the world?? At the moment I would have to say yes (though I am admittedly biased) and the only person who is even close to him would be Wayne Rooney. But at the moment there is not a more influential player, for his club team, on the planet. Lets hope as Barca fans his form continues and that is does so in the World Cup as well
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Barca run rampant
I was unable to watch the first game today, Bordeaux v. Olympiacos, but Bordeaux won the game and the tie and are into the quarters.
I did get to watch the Barcelona-Stuttgart game (of course) and what a beauty it was, for Barca fans. Unsurprisingly, Henry started the match with Messi and Pedro flanking him. The game started out just how Barca wanted, taking control and possession early and finding the net early. Another wonder strike from the best player in the world and Barca were off and running. Messi looked like he was out of space but somehow got the shot off and beat Leahmann. Barca got their second soon after with Messi the creator this time and Yaya Toure sliding it across for Pedro to tap home. Barca continued to push and came close a couple times in the first half but were unable to score again.
Stuttgart looked completely over matched and were unable to do anything to stop the Barca onslaught. Messi found the net again with another superb move. Pedro down the right slotted it back to Dani Alves who back heeled to Messi. Messi let the ball slide across him as he turned the defender and then wrong footed Leahmann. The only worry for Barca the entire game came when Sergio Busquets had to come off due to some sort of shin injury. However, when he comes off and you are able to bring Zlatan Ibrahimavic in, it is hard to say its a bad thing.
Ibra looked good and involved even if he didn't manage a goal of his own. It is positive to see him back in the lineup healthy and looking good. Ibra also finished the game with a brilliant thru ball between the legs of the defender to the on rushing Bojan Krkic who took one touch in the entire game and it ended up in the back of the net.
Fun game to watch for the casual observer or any Barca fan as they completely dominated and found the goals too. They join Bordeaux, Lyon, Bayern, Man U, Arsenal, CSKA Moscow, and Inter Milan in the final 8. The draw is Friday to see who plays who in the next rounds!
I did get to watch the Barcelona-Stuttgart game (of course) and what a beauty it was, for Barca fans. Unsurprisingly, Henry started the match with Messi and Pedro flanking him. The game started out just how Barca wanted, taking control and possession early and finding the net early. Another wonder strike from the best player in the world and Barca were off and running. Messi looked like he was out of space but somehow got the shot off and beat Leahmann. Barca got their second soon after with Messi the creator this time and Yaya Toure sliding it across for Pedro to tap home. Barca continued to push and came close a couple times in the first half but were unable to score again.
Stuttgart looked completely over matched and were unable to do anything to stop the Barca onslaught. Messi found the net again with another superb move. Pedro down the right slotted it back to Dani Alves who back heeled to Messi. Messi let the ball slide across him as he turned the defender and then wrong footed Leahmann. The only worry for Barca the entire game came when Sergio Busquets had to come off due to some sort of shin injury. However, when he comes off and you are able to bring Zlatan Ibrahimavic in, it is hard to say its a bad thing.
Ibra looked good and involved even if he didn't manage a goal of his own. It is positive to see him back in the lineup healthy and looking good. Ibra also finished the game with a brilliant thru ball between the legs of the defender to the on rushing Bojan Krkic who took one touch in the entire game and it ended up in the back of the net.
Fun game to watch for the casual observer or any Barca fan as they completely dominated and found the goals too. They join Bordeaux, Lyon, Bayern, Man U, Arsenal, CSKA Moscow, and Inter Milan in the final 8. The draw is Friday to see who plays who in the next rounds!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Surprise!
Well I wasn't expecting to have anything to talk about today but I turned on my TV and surprise surprise Barcelona were on ESPN2. Unfortunately, I missed the first half but from the sounds of it I didn't miss much (at least as a Barca fan). Needless to say I saw the much more exciting half and got to see exactly why Messi is with out a doubt, unquestionably the best player in the world! Virtuoso performance, great finishing, amazing control, unequaled exuberance. A natural hat-trick.
Now, not all can be attributed alone to Messi. His first goal was largely a solo effort (and quite the effort if i do say so) but his second and third had a helping hand from Thierry Henry. Henry has been out of form and out of favor of late and he was actually a second half sub coming on for a, as I'm told, ineffective Bojan Krkic. It is wonderful to see Henry play so well and make the most of his opportunity (Zlatan Ibrahimavic suspended). Henry played his more natural role of central forward which he rarely gets to play at Barca but with this game he is making a case for more playing time and I wont be surprised to see him mid week vs. Stuttgart.
I was told that Valencia played Barca very tight in the first half and pressured high to give Barca little time or space with the ball. The second half was not the same case. Barca had time and space and got into their natural rhythm quickly with Iniesta, Xavi, and Busquets working well in the midfield together and controlling possession. And then came the first goal. Messi taking the ball on the right, dribbling toward the left between two as he cut to his right then just stops on a dime as a defender moves right past him and then Messi tricks the keeper and looks far post before slotting it home near post. Absolutely brilliant individual work and goal. He was then showing off his undershirt which I can only assume said something but I was unable to see.
Barcelona controlled most of the rest of the game except for one instance when Zigic got behind the defense and looked primed to level the match but was superbly denied by Victor Valdes. It seemed to me a chip over Valdes was obvious but Zigic chose to try to slot it far post on the ground and Valdes was able to deflect it.
While Barca were in a comfortable position with possession and control the game was still in doubt at only 1-0. There were a few chances from Henry, Xavi, Pedro, and Maxwell (hit the net but was offside). Then a Valencia defender was shown his second yellow and Barca completely took over. Henry crossed to the right side and Messi took the ball down perfectly with his first touch. He ran at the defense then cut inside (as he always does, force him outside you morons) and curled past the keeper into the far netting to make it 2-0. Then 2 minutes later a poor clearance landed to Henry who pushed the ball into space for Messi. He picked it up took a couple dribbles the finished with his right foot (holy shit he can use that one?!?!?!) just over the keepers outstretched foot.
I was very excited to see the game actually on TV as ESPN2 usually shows crap games, but was pleasantly surprised. And, of course, as a Barcelona fan I was very happy to see the team playing well and grabbing the 3 points. Also, Messi's hat-trick puts him five clear of the next highest scorer in la liga this year!!!
Now, not all can be attributed alone to Messi. His first goal was largely a solo effort (and quite the effort if i do say so) but his second and third had a helping hand from Thierry Henry. Henry has been out of form and out of favor of late and he was actually a second half sub coming on for a, as I'm told, ineffective Bojan Krkic. It is wonderful to see Henry play so well and make the most of his opportunity (Zlatan Ibrahimavic suspended). Henry played his more natural role of central forward which he rarely gets to play at Barca but with this game he is making a case for more playing time and I wont be surprised to see him mid week vs. Stuttgart.
I was told that Valencia played Barca very tight in the first half and pressured high to give Barca little time or space with the ball. The second half was not the same case. Barca had time and space and got into their natural rhythm quickly with Iniesta, Xavi, and Busquets working well in the midfield together and controlling possession. And then came the first goal. Messi taking the ball on the right, dribbling toward the left between two as he cut to his right then just stops on a dime as a defender moves right past him and then Messi tricks the keeper and looks far post before slotting it home near post. Absolutely brilliant individual work and goal. He was then showing off his undershirt which I can only assume said something but I was unable to see.
Barcelona controlled most of the rest of the game except for one instance when Zigic got behind the defense and looked primed to level the match but was superbly denied by Victor Valdes. It seemed to me a chip over Valdes was obvious but Zigic chose to try to slot it far post on the ground and Valdes was able to deflect it.
While Barca were in a comfortable position with possession and control the game was still in doubt at only 1-0. There were a few chances from Henry, Xavi, Pedro, and Maxwell (hit the net but was offside). Then a Valencia defender was shown his second yellow and Barca completely took over. Henry crossed to the right side and Messi took the ball down perfectly with his first touch. He ran at the defense then cut inside (as he always does, force him outside you morons) and curled past the keeper into the far netting to make it 2-0. Then 2 minutes later a poor clearance landed to Henry who pushed the ball into space for Messi. He picked it up took a couple dribbles the finished with his right foot (holy shit he can use that one?!?!?!) just over the keepers outstretched foot.
I was very excited to see the game actually on TV as ESPN2 usually shows crap games, but was pleasantly surprised. And, of course, as a Barcelona fan I was very happy to see the team playing well and grabbing the 3 points. Also, Messi's hat-trick puts him five clear of the next highest scorer in la liga this year!!!
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