Saturday, March 14, 2009

(rko)

Soccer Talk Again

Remember the time, not so long ago, when two of Europe's giant powerhouse locked horns in a match in the UEFA competition?

I remember, watching Manchester United and Real Madrid, going head to head staging one of the most awe-inspiring match in recent memory. As a neutral of the match, it was really a feast for the eyes. No one can blame me though. The story was, it also drove a certain filthy rich Russian into liking football so much, he immediately took over a mediocre team and almost monopolise the football market.

Ronaldo, the Brazilian, scored a hat-trick on that day despite losing out in the spectacular 4-3 see-saw match.

And then I sat there thinking. Which team could inflict such scoreline to either one of the team and came out winning? Given how they played on that match, I could'nt think of any match.

Fast forward to today.. BAM!

Last week, Liverpool mauled Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League. And 5 days after that, Liverpool cruised to a 4-1 win over Manchester United. At Old Trafford. :D :D




Liverpool played defensively well today. They were so resolute. And from this and the Bernabeu showing, it is definitely a masterstroke by Rafa. Contrary to what the critics say, this is not negative football. I feel Rafa has received a lot of stick for playing defensive football when it's actually all part of the masterplan. Even so, Liverpool would'nt have scored this much just now. Common football sense will tell you that you can't always go all out, playing beautiful attacking football on opponent's ground especially against top European sides like Manure and Madrid. It's all about striking a balance; knows when to attack in numbers and know when to 'park a bus' in front of the goalpost. Rafa did what most of the other managers failed to do. Win at the toughest venues e.g. Old Trafford, Bernabeu, Nou Camp etc etc.


So everyone should rest off Rafa's case about boring negative football. Instead, give him the long overdue credit he has been cringing for. Because he deserves it.

Written at 11:25 PM