Friday, August 28, 2009

Matchday 8 25/Jun/09





Dani Alves saved the day for the five-times World Cup winners in a thrilling night at Johannesburg. For times the Brazilian side was so pressured and so out of shape that the recurrent and energic African team nearly scored twice. The Bafana Bafana and their supporters must be proud at the way they got out of the tournament: few teams can play at such a high tempo and resilience against Dunga's men.
Next stop for the Brazilians is Bob Bradley and his team in the great final. Certainly the previous match in the group stage set a standard but, regarding the Americans, one never knows if they are really imposing a threat or a current danger. Still, the final of the tournament will clear all expectations since the Americans are the second ever team from CONCACAF to qualify to the final match; obviously second to Mexico.



South Africa v. Brazil 0-1







Ramires and Gaxa, within fifteen minutes, set the high tempo of the highly-rated match between the organisers and the Brazilians. The Bafana Bafana attacks were cheerful and lively among many attempts from the wings. Offside chances by Robinho and Luis Fabiano were denied by headers from Booth. Mokoena nearly scored from a set piece as the south American defense stood wide open to let the African solely head.
While the Brazilians created several chances, the home team exposed the opposition in a quite unexpected way. Certainly things were supposed to get better for them, but the half whistle denied more attempts, such as Julio Cesar's deviation in the 43th minute. Kaká shot and Pienaar's response ended the fist part.







Julio Cesar's reflexes were becoming a factor to Brazil's game. The defense led by Lucio was inevitably mistaken in many chances that Modise spawned from the midfield. Whilst for large parts of the match the Africans kept possession and distance from each of the sectors from the midfield towards the forward, the south Americans retained any attempt.
With three minutes to finish the game, Alves stunner silenced the Ellis Park; a perfectly taken freekick from the left part of the box, in a 20m distance, shocked Khune's goal. There was no way to stop the terrible driver as it drove further from the sight of the keeper.
The eventual late lead gave the Brazilians a suffered yet, valuable ticket to face the Americans in the final. The host's dreams were shattered as Alves and company celebrated from the distance in a match that, if South Africa would have prove their chances effective, in any case the battle could have been even more harder for Dunga's boys.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Matchday 7 24/Jun/09





It seemed a rather strange and familiar sight, at the same time for Mexican fans to watch the stuporous defeat of Spain. I say defeat of Spain and not US win due to a simple relation which Raúl Sarmiento made today throughout the transmission of the match here on the other side of the Atlantic: "Más error de España que acierto de EU" [more of a mistake from Spain than a US hit]. The same story over the past ten years of Mexican defeats on US soil was repeated again, just that the victim this time was La Madre Patria. I agree that the Americans are in the finals for a few shots of luck and a lesser part of talent in a strange mix. Just the group stage, let alone, the entire display at the tournament, confirm my position.

And it is as equally strange and unfamiliar the scoresheet as the game. Paco Villa's words couldn't do more than summarise it for us: "Esta historia ya me la sé, cambien los nombres" [I already know this story, just swap names]. As if it were a question of pronouns in a pre-established formula the Spanish team lost today against a lucky yet strangely talented American side. What stroke me the most is the fact that, tomorrow, we will see the second best attraction of the tournament: Kaká.

Again, in Soccernet, the fanatical comparisons and understated, fairly analytical responses, took just minutes to go online. Again we will see what happens in this rather strange tournament. But remember dear reader, that the state of the current American team, achieved by their performance, could give them a higher rank in the FIFA chart, thus giving them a top seed in the World Cup. Strangely enough, Mexico went in that same process four years ago, and in that sense it could be stated that the Mexican team is way too far from the American side. Just remember Germany's 2006 Confederations Cup.



Spain v. USA 0-2




A storming beginning from the Spanish side saw a couple of deflected shots from Cesc and a Torres, to edge the Americans in the first minutes. Even when the possession was exchanged throughout large parts of the game the Americans lost many balls as well as poor challenges in the midfield. Their defense was the landmark and probably what saw them through, aside form Demspey's overall performance.
The unexpected lead came after a really flaw-plagued Spanish marking; Demspey set Altidore who shot cross Casillas who, despite the effort, could not deviate the powerful driver. Again Spain went all to attack and created some plays not just worth of a goal, but of prize: Ramos chance at 42th as well as an innumerable amount of passes by Cesc.







The typical case-scenario for the American team was perfectly sorted out with the Spanish siege beginning as close as the 53th minute. Shots from Villa, Riera, Xabi Alonso, Ramos and Cesc went all either wide, to Howard's hands or to the woodwork. It was as if there was no way to score for the EURO champions since no other team in the world could have created ten clear chances of goal in five minutes.
Bradley's son was another central defender and with the OCNCACAF team playing the part of a tricky stand off team, the second lead came in the seventy fourth minute. Dempsey's goal was a little gift from the Spanish poor defending, particularly of Ramos. It was clearly obvious that a set of defensive mistakes led the Americans to a strange, rather ludicrous win.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Matchday 6 21/Jun/09




With things settled in the Group A of the Confederations Cup, the difficult and struggled results appeared to be one of that dreamy utopian Mexican scenarios when, suddenly, three teams could qualify due to a bizarre combination of results. The Americans won in an outstanding match against the Pharaohs while Brazil faced the world champions in their second clash this year, with the previous one played at the Emirates.
The clashes for the semifinals will eventually see the hosts play against the Brazilians and the Americans against the Spanish. It should be interesting to see how things develop and maybe a little surprise could be hatched since anybody, and I mean ANYBODY, could win this wretched, yet fascinating tournament.



Italy v. Brazil 0-3




And yet again the Brazilians showed the class and the finish as in the first half of the commented match at the Emirates. In Tshwane the south Americans gave a class of style, and above all, of how a properly counter-attack works. It all began with several chances wasted; Ramires' shot in the 7th, Kaká chance at 13th to name a few.
The rhythm being all too rushed mainly by the Brazilians, with many affordable options well entered into the match. It was not until seven minutes before the break that the machinery led by Kaká began to roll. Three consecutive goals came from Luis Fabiano in two occasions and Dossenna making an own goal. The match was pretty much finished before the half time whistle, it just took seven minutes of inspiration from the three forwards to see the end of it.

For the next half not much could be taken to analyse. Gilardino's introduction and Simone Pepe shot were among the most dangerous plays from the World Cup holders. With De Rossi and Rossi making some long-distance attempts the match ended. Dossenna's final wide shot just exemplified the horrid state of the European team. Much should Lippi work on to, it will be a hard task no to get this sort of performances in the last phase in UEFA qualifiers.



Egypt v. USA 0-3




Simultaneously, in Rustenburg, the Americans achieved the miracle. Impressively the 'Yanks' pulled out an impressive, yet troubled display, after not having won in the tournament. Goal difference and a combination of results were the key for the Americans to dream of a semifinal against Spain.
With that same luck, the American defense nearly gave a goal when the Egyptians had a clear chance in side the box: three shots and four rebounds. Bradley's men, full of tribulations and mishaps, took the initiative when Davies scored to give the lead and hope for the semifinal dream. Only Lord knows how and why the striker scored when El Hadary's contribution to save the goal was beyond waggish.
The Pharaohs attempted incompetently to regain possession and the Americans, as usually, gave nearly 80% of possession reaching the 30th minute. This in order to accomplish their lethal counter attacks. Strangely enough the African champions accomplished several shots, all wide.

The following forty five minutes, were among the most enthralling and mercurial of the tournament (Jesus, among so many, I can't really choose one!). Fifteen minutes after the beginning, the son of the US national team, scored when Landon Donovan set him from the left wing. The 'American dream' was about to come true, and with news coming from Tshwane, Bradley was relieved to hear of the Italian defeat. The following minutes were tougher for the 'visiting' side than for the Pharaohs, due to the fact that the pressure relied on one more goal against them.
Talking about statistics, Salcedo was making the numbers when Dempsey headed to give the Americans their first semifinal in the Confederations Cup.
From dismal, horrid and awful the north Americans turned to magnifique with a grotesque scenario in the next match against the European champions.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

The Arsenal Pledge

Each time appears that Nike makes better and better spots and from bad to worst to dismal away and third kits!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Matchday 4





The second day of activites in the B group of the Confederations Cup in South Africa threw some exciting results, both strangely unequal and unfair. One could have expected a much better display by the Americans than the one made today and the other one, the stunner in which the Pharaohs won over the current World Cup holders. There is quite a strange and bizarre set of things happening as we speak because nobody could have guessed from the beginning such a difficult match for the Italians or such a trash from the Brazilians.



USA v. Brazil 0-3 18/Jun/09




Again in Pretoria, the Brazilians gave a class of set pieces to the American side. It is obvious that there was more to be expected from the CONCACAF qualified team but the aerial skill of the South Americans won over the physically fit opposition. Few glances of the brilliancy imposed on the Egyptians as a couple of days ago surfaced the weakeness against a clear daft and limp "home" team.

Ten minutes after the first lead the second came after a clear mistake by the American defense in which Beasley lost possession to give Kaká and Robinho a chance, that the City man did not spoil. The truth is that the whole American team was completely unstabilised and distracted and it was not just Beasley's mistake but a defense disrupture.
American defenders lost it completely running like headless chickens to and fro. In this interval the Brazilians had at least three chacnes to extend their lead, all in counter produced by Kaká. Half time whistle was more of a relief for the CONCACAF representatives as the worst part of the storm wa yet to come well into the second half.


After some approaches in the first minutes it was Maicon who secured the win with a wall with Kaká and Ramires. Before that Kljestan was sentoff due to a dirty tackle on Ramires. Now that the match was more than finished the Americans took the liberty to attack at will, just to be stopped by the defensive wall led by Lucio and Juan. A final gasp attempt by Casey on woodwork was among hte main participations of the Americans on Julio Cesar's goal.




Egypt v. Italy 1-0 18/Jun/09




On the other hand the Pharaohs stunned the tournament giving the Italians a well-deserved one-goal win at Ellis Park. The first attempts obviously came from the propositive World Champions in the form of wide shots by Zambrotta, Rossi and Pirlo. While the main attempts were made by the Italian side and the African one struggled with Zidan's injury, the efforts by Rabbou started to take effect. And it was excatly in that same save by Buffon that in the preceding corner Mohamed Homos scored when a completely childish Italian defence waited for the ball.


The beginning if the second half saw the push of the Italians for the equaliser. In the 53th minute Iaquinta missed the opportunity of the match after a very poor inividual technique ball control in front of El Hadary. Pirlo's wide freekick and Iaquinta shot were among the many efforts realised by the now fully-attacking European team. By the 78th minute El Hadary was the main reason because Egypt's goal was still clean. With the siege beginning to wore off, the effects of a solid defending were the only stand the brilliant and superb Egypt keeper. Even with six minutes added in injury the Pharaohs won the game, against all odds.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Matchday 2





The first round of the group stage was completed today when the South Americans faced Egypt while the Italians took charges against the Americans in the first matchday of the B group in the second day of activities of the Confederations Cup. The tables look as if everything was set for Spain and South Africa could pass the next phase.
Next matchday will take place in one day when Spain faces Iraq and the home side New Zeland. It should be a fine display of full potential the home side has against the New Zelanders while Spain should only increase their lead in the group to easily qualify the next round. But hey! one never knows and maybe that terrific run of games won could end in this game or at least in this tournament later.



Brazil v. Egypt 4-3 15/Jun/09




The surprise of the day was in Mangaung when Egypt managed to held Brazil in a pretty tight match that was only broken well deep into time. The dominance was shared between the sides in the first instants of the match but it was the enormous talent of Kaká that eventually gave the Brazilians the lead five minutes from start. Such display of technique, ability and prowess is only achieved by the greatest players and the skill showed by the Madrid man was far beyond reach of what the Egyptian defence could handle.
The emotions began to rise when Zidan (Mohamed my friends, calm!) headed a cross from the right four minutes later. The counter left the Brazilian defence unbalanced and the match, now equalised, was left for the best. In thirteen minutes we have had already a terrific game with three goals, full of emotions and mistakes. And it was Roma defender Juan, ten minutes form the end of the first half, that headed again from a corner by Luis Fabiano to extend the gap.


Shawky and Zidan equalised the match, in the 54th and 55th minutes respectively, and the match was all levelled on a beautiful evening in Bloemfontein. The Pharaoes worked hard for to gain another lead but the most prolific area in Brazil's game, the defence, stopped them to do so. Mohamed Aboutrika run tirelessly from end to end and drove completely mad the overrated Melo, distributing the game at will.
The deadlock appeared to be sealed but again Howard Webb secured the faith of yet another team who aspired for more, in a pretty even match.
Lets talk a minute about Webb's horrid appearances in different contexts. In the last match of the Gunners at Anfield Mr Webb- nicknamed 'Coward' by many supporters in England- added one more minute to the injury time and Benayoun equalised. Again Webb performed another one if his mischievous machineriesin the one match in the last EURO clearly robbing, to say it in nicer and fewer words, the organisers.
One must question the presence of this type of referees and the fact that he- as well as Graham Poll in his time- is the 'best' referee in his land. It is obvious that in England at least, are many more referees than this man who appears to be displaying more and more pathetically on international tournaments.
The strange thing is that Webb marked a corner kick and obviously received later annotations from the fourth official, due to the fact that Webb did not see the clear handball by Muhamadi. Ricardo Kaká scored to give the Brazilians their first win in the tournament.



USA v. Italy 1-3 15/Jun/09




If you remember dear reader, the clash between these two teams, the last one was played in Germany nearly three years ago. In that particular match the Italians received the only of two goals in the tournament, an own goal by Zaccardo. This time the Americans dealt with a different type of opposition, refurbished but with the same coach.

Throughout the first half the Americans relied on the concept of physical display that they have developed in the course of the years, being Michael Bradley the symbol of it. The Italian side provided a couple of chances and the attention of the audience was rather on the beautiful piece of jersey that Puma had manufactured for the occasion than the actual match (I think, or at least that's what I did).
I have to tell that before the Chiellini penalty on Altidore the match was even enough. That kind of plays could be considered either as a tackle or as a dive. Anyway that utter idiot enemy of each and every Mexican Donovan gave the lead to the Americans with five minutes to go.


For the following forty-five minutes the Italians struggled for times to score the three goals that gave a two-goal lead gap at the end of the game. For moments, again, the European side really struggled to get the grip of the ball even with a man as Pirlo who could have easily ordered his team. The equaliser came in the 58th minute when a stunning shot from Rossi completely took out of place Everton keeper Howard. Yet another long range strike gave the Italians the lead when Daniele De Rossi shot past Howard in the 71st minute. It was hilarious the way Onyewu tried to clear what could have been a routine ball.
Nicely struck and with morale high enough Rossi's attempts sore and in the 91st, he got his brace in one of those plays by Pirlo that take the breath out of everyone who has watched football. The Italians secured their win with enough effort.

Matchday 1





Even without shifting gears Spain, through Torres hattrick, demolished five-nil New Zealand. Far from being impressive it was rather a "boring" match from those (as I) who were expecting a different outcome. Even though, Spain did not let the world down and even Fabregas let himself to score against one of the frailest oppositions I have watched in Confederations cup history (such a long and nurtured history by the way!).

The nature of the tournament is widely criticised, especially from England and Italy for being to "pointless," in some cases reaching the nickname of (how clever they can be), the "Pointless Cup." Whether this event is important to the football development of certain countries is to be proven or not, it is a tournament tha acquires a lot of attention, at least from the burocratical aspect as the preparation for the World Cup. It is a plain rehearsal and it should be taken as that and nothing more. The fact that certain countries and confederations, such as CONCACAF, take it so seriousy is because the panorama and reach this tournament has. Just a glance at Mexico's performance four years ago, among many economical gestures from part of the FMF, gave the national team a top seed, ahead of Portugal.



South Africa v. Iraq 0-0 14/Jun/09




The home die opened the event in Johannesburg with a goalless draw against Iraq. Jorge Larrionda was the man in charge of securing the peaceful and quiet development of the fair play. While the match lacked the spark of an opening game with some approaches it were the Bafana Bafana who actually managed to test Kassid's goal.

The first attempt with a minute or so played, when Macbeth Sibaya (yes, he is named Macbeth)shot just to be denied by Kassid. Throughout the match Kassid was threatened by several strikes, mainly, by Teko Modise such as two shots in the first half and one in the second period.

For the second half everything seemed to be just adequate for the home team to give the crowd at Ellis Park the win that could secure a spot for next round. The siege began for Bora's men reaching the final twenty minutes of the game; even the ball appeared not to be in the mood to enter on the lucky Mohammed Kassid's goal when Gaxa incredibly missed, or rather headed toward a frienldy to get deviated in the line.



New Zeland v. Spain 0-5 26/Apr/09




In the previously mentioned part I gave an account of the early group draw which took place in the capital. But now moving to Rustenburg the current European Cup holders gave a class, even at half-gas, of how a team should trash, remorseless, a weak and wane opposition.

The proof of that was clear from the beginning; Torres top corner beauty with just five minutes on the clock. Cesc set Torres from the left who, in a pinch of grass, moved and finished neatly to the far post. It was obvious for the Spanish travelers the fate of the All Whites: if a deficit of more than three goals could be reached, they could consider themselves lucky beyond all expectations.
The dominion and pressure of the possession game played by the Iberians produced another opportunity for Torres, which he eventually capitalised eight minutes after the first. Villa crossed after a great play from the WHOLE team to find the Liverpool striker alone in the 5-yard box. A minute later Torres secured his hattrick with a wonderful header a minute or so past the second goal.
The party began and in the twenty third minute it was Fabregas turn to give Spain a four goal gap against the New Zelanders.

The following half was truly a disaster for the 'home' side since each attempt from the Spanish could have esily got into Moss' net. One of them was about to be proven when a mix of a tremendous play was complemented by one of the most basic and horrid displays of defending of the world; Villa secured the win after Boyens swing. Everything was set up and at least for the day, the New Zelanders would not be seeing more goals.

More to come?

I wasn't quite excited about Tomas Rosicky comeback to tell you the truth. As well as the boss I was very reluctant to put his name on the list of "options" because of the extent of his injury could deepen to certain extremes such as the one we are watching. Again he has fallen into the hands of the nurses and the most positive deadlines put him at least a month away. By that time Samir should be available, a pity for the Czech.







Certain comparissons are just rubish. I admit that I made a mistake concerning the comparisson between Jack and Dennis, which now seems closer and fairer but coarse and wide similes are made just in order to drive or attract attention from whoever wants it. Arseblogger sums it up succinctly:

"By all means let's be excited by his potential but let's not build him up so high that when reality bites we're not distraught and hysterical. His talent is obvious, but he's just 17 and playing in a no pressure pre-season environment. League football is different, European football is different, and believe it or not he might not play well some days. So while there's nothing we can do about what the press say or the hype merchants at Sky say, we can do the right thing and, like the manager says, respect his development.
Then we can all celebrate Jack's ascension as our new God and worship him like the deity he is."







The other important batch of news coming -aside from the tedious and horrid Goal.com's 'exclusives' on transfers- is regarding Arsenal's Champions League qualifications draw. The pool of options offers a relatively easy and comfortable layout. Previous clashes involved Twente, Sparta Praha and while the prospect of facing Anderlecht and Timosoara appears relieving, the most difficult draw would certainly be agaisnt La Viola and Celtic.
Italian teams in the course of the last years have proved to be difficult but the London team has had a good record, especially when going to San Siro. We will see what the draw delivers.







All in all I think that 'Paddy' will not come to the Emirates. It is a shame but when one realises the truth and actual shape of the French international things suddenly turn agaisnt the ex-captain. In any case I think that the area that requires strenght should be the one he left empty, and the already psychological boost would be of great gratitude. We will see how the final hours of the transfer saga develops, hoping not to bring someone of the likes of Lassana Diarra.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Mexico v. Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 10/Jun/09





Again a frail hope in the horizon seems to appear as Mexico won today against Trinidad & Tobago on a one-gaol lead. A defeat from the Caribbean side could have buried completely any Mexican aspiration for the finals in in one year's time when we will have the ultimate football encounter. Although the scoresheet mentions at least a superiority it was Mexico's altitude and supporters that gave the edge to the national side since, from the football point of view, their style went far from grace and was limited enough to score two goals in what could have been an onslaught of 5 or 6 goals.







Within the first minute the Mexican team went ahead. In an outstanding play begun by the defense, Franco finished past the keeper in one of those strange cases which commentators denominate as dressing-room goals. Everything was set for the home team to grab yet another healthy advantage but the mission was held by the Caribbean team (Still I cannot find the Trinidad & Tobago genitive).
More to the trouble of the Mexican a huge amount of both possession and chances were created between the first half, just to encounter the incredible impotence led by Torrado. If there was something to hail, certainly it was the disposition the team showed, and which solely appears to display at home.
And with the fourth official putting the injury time on the scoreboard, Hayden Tinto equalised in what was an outstanding play, later a shot that kept the Mexican defense stunned. Everybody was already in the queues for the bathrooms or refilling their beers when the Caribbean forward levelled the match.







If the early lead in the first half gave the boost of confidence the supporters, and most important the players, it was actually disappearing into thin air. With three minutes past half time beginning, in yet another early goal, Rojas shot a rocket that passed through the visiting goal. An outstanding goal by the America man brought a second lead to the home side.
From the 60th minute on the Trinidadian (Ha! Found it! You sneaky genitive) side did not completed a play due to the overwhelming possession by the home side.
Wide Guardado shots and strangely from Rodriguez provided to be some of Mexico's untalented chances. Medina again as substitute drove mad the visiting side while Ince's edge gave hopes of "something," whatever that is, to the visitors.
In the 77' the men that has been in the middle of the pink magazine controversy entered for the tired scorer Franco: a close shot but nothing more from the Spurs player. The match did not offer too much after the entrance of the young Mexican forward and hence the ended in a quite disappointing mood for the supporters and the viewers, but in the end -and what will be the excuse for the next days- the three points were secured.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

El Salvador v. Mexico 2-1 6/Jun/09

400



With four qualified sides, plus the home guest, the World Cup Qualifiers threw amazing results abroad: England trashing Kazachstan, Brazil returning to their hold ways against Uruguay, and perhaps the least (to some) and most expected with De Los Cobos' team finishing Mexico.
Although it is obvious, not by this game but by his statistics and history as national coach, that Javier Aguirre is clearly not the answer to Mexico's football problems and any supporter of El Tri could simply expect if not more, a little display of guts rather than a clumsy and desperate win.
Even though the decisions by the three referees made a difference, the display showed by the Salvadorean team outclassed, to say it in nicer terms, the Mexican side.

Prematch talk hurt a lot of Mexican's morale, especially with such a delicate theme as the Swine Flu. Many concerns from each and every organisation here in Mexico discussed seriously the matter, but we all have to remember that, at the end of the day, it is only a football match and no further fuss should interrupt the beautiful game.



400



The horrid and terrible display of the visiting team was almost as niggling as in the beginning of the previous clash against the United States in which the Salvadoreans could have easily shadow the American team. And with the beginning of the match it was rather curious the air of defeat that could be sensed, even through a 20-inch plasma display, in the Mexican team. Obviously the likes of Pérez at goal, of Rodríguez as centre back proved nothing more than a scary twitch among Mexican supporters back home.

If there was a doubt concerning morale it was obvious that the venue proved to be far more than intimidating. Zelaya's dazzling technique drove Mexican centre-halves to the edge and in that way he set the opportunity, with certain degree of extreme luck, the lead to Martínez to push it at far post, in the first ten minutes.

If there was any doubt of the level of fret that the coach had, two substitutions were on time in the beginning of the second half.
With more than twenty minutes on the clock the Mexican team did not find even an excuse to argument what a terrible display, and while many attempts were futile the main chances for some sort of hope were Franco's dives and Guardado's poor crosses. Eventually one of those throws directly taught from the Mexican Olympic Diving Team fooled the referee giving Mexico a kick from the spot. Cuauhtemoc scored to deny the early Salvadorean goal.
Many attempts were denied from both goals until a latter idiocy of Rojas gave De Los Cobos' team a penalty. The Americanista dragged his hand while the Salvador winger tried to dribble.
Eventually the lead came for the home team. The pessimism seemed to be a fait accompli and while many of the home supporters could not even believe the score sheet, indeed it was real and true.
More tough and difficult tasks arrive fast and thick for Mexico the following months, with a visit from Trinidad and Tobago a couple of days ahead and then another one from the US the 12th of August.


400

4-3-3 and the New Year's Hype





In recent days and weeks there has been an uproar of comments towards Arsenal tactical deployment and how it should be changed. Mainly from Arseblogger, Gunnerblog and even David Yooung certain commments about acquiring the fashionable 4-3-3 used so succesfully by Barcelona.

What strikes me the most is as if Barcelona, and specially Pep Guardiola, have discovered he greatest revelation in football, which frankly they (anf he) have not. Many bloggers and columnists put it as the 8th marvel of the world and while this tactical asset is far from being new, it has its advantages, which can be suitable to certain attacking teams, especially with attacking capabilities.
These teams should have strong defenders and while the most modern versions of the 4-3-3 rely on the sole striker capability of prowling while searchinf for a counterattack, the true is that the midfield is the heart and soul of this very system. Lets take a look at the possibilities of this system.


While it appears to be fixed and stiff it is full of certain flexible elements such as the deep midfield role and the supporting midfielders. It seems that with Cesc in the centre and two other midfielders doing all the work for him will ease the load, but who will they be? Gunnerblog asserts the lack of the physical part of the three-midfield men and all the possibilities in the current squad.







Gifford gives us a solid and reliable definition of the system: "Hoy día se sigue utilizando el 4-3-3, normalmente, por irónico que parezca, como una forma alternativa de ataque cuando un equipo va por detrás en el marcador y le queda muy poco tiempo." [Today the 4-3-3 is still being used, usually, and as ironic as it seems, as an alternative attack form when a team is behind the scoresheet and with little time left.] (63)


While it is very interesting this assertion I still think that the system was poised by Cruyff from being an emergency attacking option to an attacking philosophy and there it is where the charm of this 60's system relies. One thing that seems strangely amusing is that sometimes Arsene changed, in the last minutes of several home matches last season, to a rather old 4-2-4. It will be interesting to see who plays where. The 3-3 is a very difficult repositioning regarding attacking approaches like the 4-2. What I do not agree with is the fact that many Arsenal supporters change their opinions not just assuming the attacking capabilities of the formation, but by some external factors such as the fact that with this system Barsa beating Man Utd.


Gifford, Clive. Futbol. La Guía Actualizada del Deporte Más Popular del Mundo. México: SM, 2005.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Liverpool v. Arsenal 1-2 26/May/09



Embedded in glory, as David Young succinctly sums it up, "on the 20th anniversary of the Gunners' famous title-winning match up there on the last day of the 1989 season," the young guns clinched the trophy to commemorate the majestical date. With the same magic and dazzle, the guns secured their double with a rather laborious effort this time at Anfield. If the first leg was amusing and phenomenal driven, now the Gunners just did the right job to secure the win that gave them an aggregate of six goals against two.
Jack Wilshere, the brightest star and best player of the current squad, pulled the strings of the game yet again to give the Gunners the required pace and enormous talent that certain counterpart lacks. If there is a player in which the hopes of many supporters can rely is in the young shoulders of this English midfielder. While many of their team mates have secured a Carling Cup start next season from their recent performances, the horizon set for Wilshere is Arsenal's first team bench. And if that sounds mediocre enough to any reader, many professional players, let alone reserves, would dream to sit in a place chosen only for the few and talented. One example is the poised and over-valued Nacer Barazite that has been struggling for a place, as well as Fran Merida among many, in which also is included the infamous, and now free agent, Amaury Bischoff.







The match started quite vivid for the visitors, with a different tactical display by Liverpool, mainly moving Buchtmann from defense to centre midfield. A comeback was suggested, but as Steve Bould put in the beginning of the transmission, 2005 in Istambul should never be forgotten.
And if there was a moment in which the hope should have come for Liverpool, it was Dalla Valle's miss in the 9th. Speed was provided by Buchtmann but even with the effort by the northern team it was through Landsbury that two chances for Arsenal came before the twenty minute mark. Liverpool held bravely many attacks from the north Londoners for the following minutes until a little gift from Liverpool's back guard arrived when a long ball was not properly intercepted by centre-halves Ayala and Kennedy giving Sánchez Watt the opportunity to score past Bouzanis.
The unsurmountable lead of four goals was appearing, as early in the game as the 30th minute, too great a burden for the young Liverpudlians, who childishly fell over and over offside. Kacaniklic was the only one that posed a real threat to Arsenal's defense, despite the constants arrivals from Wilshere and Landsbury in the left flank. At times Buchtmann physical prowess interfered with Wilshere's pace in midfield and interestingly enough the confrontation resulted quite even, reaching half time whistle.







Dalla Valle equalised five minutes after the start leaving past Aylling, Bartley and Shea raising his tally to the impressive ratio of a goal per match. Buchtmann's volley three minutes later showed the momentum the home side was enjoying. Each and everyone of the Liverpool attackers was prowling on Shea's goal. Certainly the spirit of Istambul, something present in Liverpool's spirit, according to one of the commentators (his name escapes me), was particularly present in Anfield.
The match now open to Arsenal's counters, the Liverpudlians throwed all out of the board in order to secure another goal that would have stretched the gap. The tide slowly turned on Gunners' favour when, reaching the 64th, the visitors provided three chances on target. Two minutes before the 70th minute mark Murphy came in for Sunu in order to refresh the weakened offesnive display.
And it was in the 70th minute that the last and dim hope fell when a deflection of a Sánchez Watt cross unfortunately touched Ayala, giving Arsenal a lead by an own goal. Watching the play with more detail one can see the splendid pass from Wilshere and, later, the clumsy defending by Kennedy. All dreams appeared, and were, crashed by the lead of the north Londoners. The siege began when Liverpool appeared to be surrendered; Bouzanis denied Thomas and Wilshere runs. Regarding Liverpool's efforts, Dalla Valle and Buchtmann proved to be the most dangerous providers but the lead the team commanded by Bould won in the first leg was, at this stage of the match, appearing to be unreachable.
Both teams made their respective substitutions; Arsenal replaced Henderson for Emmanuel-Thomas and Evina for Cruise whilst Liverpool Buchtmann for Cooper and Wisdom for Roberts. Nothing more was offered from both sides reaching the final whistle. The Gunners won their trophy in such a fashion that many expect a cameo of such a performance by the senior team. We will only have to wait what time brings to these group of brilliant youngsters and if they can lift a major trophy as that generation that twenty years ago won the league.