Champions League Rant
The Champions League stirs up a lot of emotion and today’s final will be no different. Liverpool battle Milan in an encore of the classic at the Atta-Turk. I will keep this post short and simple.
Lets start by analysing the Liverpool lineup. In the 05 final Liverpool started with a misfiring Baros and a makeshift striker in Kewell. Even the Great Red Legend Djimi Traore (most famously known for his own-goal against Scunthorpe) started at left back. This clearly emphasizes my point that Liverpool were a patched-up, weak team who miraculously ended up winning the Cup. This time around, Liverpool are more stronger, compact and professional. Neither of Baros, Kewell, Hamann, Smicer, Traore, Hyppia, Dudek would have broken into the first eleven of this Liverpool side. With thorough professionals like Kuyt and Mascherano, Liverpool have emerged as a stronger, fitter and a competent side.
Milan retain most of their players from the last final. Two talismanic strikers in Sheva and Hernan Crespo will be missing from attack. The void will be aptly filled by the Cryuff-esque Kaka. One of Gilardino or Inzaghi will start on top. And a carefully marshalled defence by Carragher should see off any threat from the sole Milan striker.
As always, there will be battles within the big battle.
Gattuso v. Gerrard — In the second leg at Milan, Gattuso took the mickey out of Ronaldo. Ronaldo was rendered useless as Gattuso stuck to him like glue. Marking Gerrard will be a completely different prospect though. Ronaldo is more of a one-trick pony. Although he has been sensational going forward, he rarely tracks back to help his fullback. Gattuso will do well to overcome the sheer energy that Gerrard brings to the game. Gerrard will not make over-ambitious forays in the Milan area. Rather he would orchestrate proceedings from the middle of the park. I wonder if Gatusso will be able to neutralize Gerrard’s attacking threat in addition to beating Gerrard at some crunchy tackles in the middle of the park.
Kaka v. Masch.
I really like Mascherano. Hence I call him Masch. He’s come a long way. From fighting relegation with West Ham in January to Athens in May , its been a dream for the determined Argentinian. Carrick and Scholes were hopeless at stopping Kaka. And it will be Masch today trying to thwart Kaka’s attacking runs. The all South-American battle could be the deciding factor in this “European final.”
I always support English teams in Europe (apart from Chelsea of course). Hence I will be rooting for Liverpool this time around. And as it is always with big finals, the team that takes their chances best will win !
Related posts:
