General Football Debates!
- Thread starter Escorpiius
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-God of War-
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Totsuka No Tsurugi
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It's Final Day!!!!!!!!!!!!
As sad as I'm to not see Madrid in the final, I still think it's going to be a great game for sure! If anyone deserves to win the CL now, it's Bayern, I mean, three finals in four years, and they absolutely obliverated Barca themselves in the Semi by 7-0 on agg.!!!!!!!!
So yeah, it's definitely Bayern's time now, and it would be a perfect present for Jupp Heynckes, whom is retiring after this match.
There is just no stopping Bayern this time, and I believe that even if Dortmund has had the "Chelsea" spirit from last year, I still think Bayern is going to win. Dortmund should have been eliminated in the quarter finals against Malaga if you ask me, haha, and with Gotze out of the final, Bayern will become too strong...
Match prediction:
Dortmund 1 - 3 Bayern;
Lewandolski (first half), Robben (First half), Gomes and Muller/Kroos (2nd half, depends on who's playing - if both, then Muller).
As sad as I'm to not see Madrid in the final, I still think it's going to be a great game for sure! If anyone deserves to win the CL now, it's Bayern, I mean, three finals in four years, and they absolutely obliverated Barca themselves in the Semi by 7-0 on agg.!!!!!!!!
So yeah, it's definitely Bayern's time now, and it would be a perfect present for Jupp Heynckes, whom is retiring after this match.
There is just no stopping Bayern this time, and I believe that even if Dortmund has had the "Chelsea" spirit from last year, I still think Bayern is going to win. Dortmund should have been eliminated in the quarter finals against Malaga if you ask me, haha, and with Gotze out of the final, Bayern will become too strong...
Match prediction:
Dortmund 1 - 3 Bayern;
Lewandolski (first half), Robben (First half), Gomes and Muller/Kroos (2nd half, depends on who's playing - if both, then Muller).
No doubt bayern are strong favorites and odds on more than likely to win but i go for dortmund call me crazy but this dortmund team is what you call a complete squad bayern too is but the way which they quickly adapt from counter attacking to defense is impressive , remember this is the team that triumphed in the so called "Group of death" and came first in the group beating real madrid and ajax in the process. The dortmund team of then isnt the team of now as they have improved a great deal you can start to feel that the believe is in the squad and despite gotze being ruled out of the final i think they have enough quality in their squad to make up for his absence , no doubt it would be a thrilling encounter but i think this game would be decided on normal play, meaning though it might extend to extra time i dont think it would go into penalties as last year i dont see anything winning this final by more than a two goal margin really as i expect it to be a tough encounter which would be won by sheer hard work and all in all it may come down to prove who wants it more. The momentum is with dortmund who are the underdogs and who have nothing to lose unlike bayern who all the pressure is on especially due to thier last two ucl final defeats. People are expecting bayern to just walk over this Dortmund side but despite bayern form i dont believe that would happen.
Also reports from this morning has suggested that santos has accepted two bids for neymar from two clubs who are regarded to be Barcelona and real madrid and neymar himself has described they day as one of his happiest and would take time to make his decision. Fingers crossed> Long live FCB by the way i just watched a repeat of the ucl 2011 final on supersport as part of the build up to the final and man barcelona were really the best in the world man but now it seems thier dominance has started to loosen but brace yourself a squad overhaul would be done with signing of 4 players or 3 so watch out!!!
Also reports from this morning has suggested that santos has accepted two bids for neymar from two clubs who are regarded to be Barcelona and real madrid and neymar himself has described they day as one of his happiest and would take time to make his decision. Fingers crossed> Long live FCB by the way i just watched a repeat of the ucl 2011 final on supersport as part of the build up to the final and man barcelona were really the best in the world man but now it seems thier dominance has started to loosen but brace yourself a squad overhaul would be done with signing of 4 players or 3 so watch out!!!
Escorpiius
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Escorp's Pre-Match Analysis!
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Champions League Final - Borussia Dortmund v/s FC Bayern München
Wembley Stadium - London 25/05/2013 - 20:45CET (19:45 local time)
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Well, the day has come! Wembley 25th May! The Champions League final...between the 2 greatest German teams and also, the strongest team of the most prestigious World Football tournament. This is the first time that two German clubs have reached the UEFA Champions League final. And oh the irony that they'll be playing that final on British shores.
I'll start this analysis by first talking on both team's Road to the Final respectively.
Bayern started the CL campaign after their major disillusion in the lost CL final against a resolute Chelsea side at their very own Allianz Arena. Given an explosive league start, retribution became the key mantra in all competitions for Bayern. Pitted in a group consisting of Valencia, BATE & Lille, they topped their group on goal difference ahead of Valencia CF. While this may not sound much of an unstoppable debut, their squads clearly had a top composure and some of their big victories at Home against Lille & BATE were impressive performances. One of their upsets though, was the surprise defeat to BATE, that at the end were without consequences. Pitted against Arsenal in R-16, they impressed with a magisterial 1-3 win at Emirates Stadium. However, they limped in the return match by conceding defeat 0-2. While they were through to face Juventus, this defeat reminded the football world that Bayern's demons may not have vanquished completely. On a bad day like against Bate or Arsenal, they may crumble. But cynics were shut down soon... 1 bravura double victories at Juve impressed but what sent shockwaves was a 7-0 spanking of Barcelona - a team that was so used to glory and that Bayern decimated & annihilated. This (4-0/3-0) double win felt clearly like a change of power and that Bayern was now the best team in the world.
On the other hand, Dortmund graced this CL campaign. Last year, they were outrun easily in group stages due to lack of experience. However, there are battles lost that help in the future and that was one. With more confidence helmed by their genius rockstar coach - Jurgen Klopp, Dortmund were in this CL this time to make an impact. And impact, they did and even did so, in the Group of Death where heavyweights like R.Madrid, Man.City, Ajax were contenders. Not only they topped that tough group undefeated (4 wins, 2 draws, 14 points) but they can even consider themselves unlucky on not grabbing a perfect 18 point-haul. Indeed, had there not been a late Ozil freekick or a fiery goalkeeping statement by Joe Hart, Dortmund can be said to have dominate this Group of Death from head to toe; more than proving their credentials. In R-16, they won 5-2 (agg.) after a nearly-perfect home performance. A home stadium that has not only been one of the best stadiums with one of the best supporters but also one where the one of the most impossible CL win occurred. After a 0-0 draw against Malaga in last-8, they were 1-2 down and bidding farewell to the CL. Then, in last 3 minutes of additional time, Dortmund added 2 quickfire goals that defied logic, stunned Malaga and sent the ever-hot crowd into frenzy. And that frenziness were on show against Real Madrid who were in the Semi-final for 3rd time in a row. Lewandowski with a 4-goal blasting performance stumped a dominant victory for BVB. In the return-leg, they delivered a strong showing for 60 minutes but didn't score. They, then resisted painfully a Los Blancos comeback, and BVB squeezed through to Wembley Express on a 4-3 agg. win.
Well, on paper, Bayern are strong-on favorites.
- They produced a near-perfect performance against Barcelona.
- They dominated the Bundesliga; squashing many demons & reconquering it from BVB by having 25-point lead over their main rivals.
- They also managed victories in cups over BVB after many upsets of last season.
- They have conceded a meager 18 goals; that less than half of what BVB conceded in the league.
- They are on course for a majestic treble and got a stronger squad with some excellent additions.
- And they have equaled the 3 finals in 4 years statistic, held by ManUtd. Speaking of which, in past 6 years, either ManU or Bayern always made it to final. But that's another story.
So, invincible Bayern? Not really...
Bayern's defeat against Bate/Arsenal prove that, no matter how strong the team is, the shield do got a chink in it on an awful day. Besides, many motivational factors for Bayern could turn into psychologically disturbing factors. The pressuring idea of a treble, the heavily pressuring favorites-tag, the pressure of avenging last year's humiliation, the oppressing vision of constantly seeing the yellow army as last wall to pass, the emotional pressure of giving their coach a winning send-off, the pressure of seeing Bayern-bound Gotze "injured", the pressuring prospect of having a near-complete squad returning meaning that they'll have excuse for defeat ect...Pressure, pressure, pressure - such a huge load for Die Roten and perhaps a bigger foe to Bayern than Dortmund! Bayern got so many things going for them, that when blending all these elements, the mixture might turn sour.
Besides, BVB got certain things going for them too, incensing their chances. They are undefeated for past 6 league games against Bayern, they came steel-strengthened after the numerous victorious battles on their Road to Wembley and they are the team that probably got the best compatibility to counter Bayern. With their pleasant football style, their strong defence, a team where teamwork is not only idolized but preached and with Klopp, BVB can fancy their chances. Not having a star-man like Gotze can also be a blessing in disguise. In a match where he could have been booed and delivering a sub-dued performance, Dortmund now can play a player with 100% capacity both physically and mentally - even if it's less talented that Gotze.
Overall, I expected a match with lots of intensity where Bayern will eventually be the team doing the attacking honors using its wingers & full-backs as strongest weapons, with Dortmund trying to operate on counters and execute a plan devised by Klopp. Reus will be the key man for Dortmund, in absence of Gotze and departure of Kagawa. The constant roaming of Kagawa between the 2 defensive mid; followed by quick-fire passing were how Dortmund crushed Bayern in DFB Pokal final last year. It's mostly going to be Reus' responsibility to do this task tonight since those 2 are gone. But also, that plan will clearly have even less efficiency given Martinez's addition over last season. A master of interception - and what if this final outcome was decided since last summer's transfer market where Kagawa (OUT) & J.Martinez (IN) shifted power play between the 2 sides...
As for the score, I'm a bad predictor, so I won't give one. However, the match scoring can go either way...One would be a small-margin victory (1-0/0-0/1-1) and perhaps penalties since both teams know each other. This was proven in the last 2 finals between 2 teams from same country (Chelsea/United & Juve/Milan) where victory was decided on shootouts. Another scoring trend would be a goalfest given both teams' potent attack. It could be a (3-0, 4-0, 4-1) scenario but that would be something that I only see Bayern capable of achieving. Personally, I don't foresee a Dortmund big-margin victory tonight. We could also see a tight goal-fest scenario (2-2 or 3-2) where either teams could prevail ultimately and perhaps even on ET or PKs. Personally, I'd put my bet on the latter scenario somewhat but we shall see...
And @Mikey: Kroos most likely won't start since he just returned. And I don't think Gomez will play. Most likely Mandzukic leading Bayern's attack.
Escorpiius
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Confirmed lineups:
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Gundogan, Bender; Blaszczykowski, Reus, Grosskreutz; Lewandowski
Subs: Langerak, Kirch, Santana, Kehl, Leitner, Sahin, Schieber
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Müller, Ribery; Mandzukic.
Subs: Starke, Van Buyten, Shaqiri, Luiz Gustavo, Tymoshchuk, Pizarro, Gomez
No big surprises. If not, no surprises at all, for me. Sahin wasn't played in a more offensive role and the more used-to the role Grosskreutz was preferred to replace Gotze. Same for Bayern where Gomez is on the bench, with Mandzukic leading the line. Kroos isn't ready yet to even make the bench, I guess. Also, Dortmund formation will mostly turn into a 4-4-1-1 in the match given Bayern shall be the offensive team.
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Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Gundogan, Bender; Blaszczykowski, Reus, Grosskreutz; Lewandowski
Subs: Langerak, Kirch, Santana, Kehl, Leitner, Sahin, Schieber
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Müller, Ribery; Mandzukic.
Subs: Starke, Van Buyten, Shaqiri, Luiz Gustavo, Tymoshchuk, Pizarro, Gomez
No big surprises. If not, no surprises at all, for me. Sahin wasn't played in a more offensive role and the more used-to the role Grosskreutz was preferred to replace Gotze. Same for Bayern where Gomez is on the bench, with Mandzukic leading the line. Kroos isn't ready yet to even make the bench, I guess. Also, Dortmund formation will mostly turn into a 4-4-1-1 in the match given Bayern shall be the offensive team.
0-0 at half time, but it's been an interesting first half! Both Robben and Lewa have had their chances to make the goals I predicted, but oh well :-/ And Ribery should have perhaps had a red card for that horrible elbow?! O__O Didn't even get yellow for that one...
Anyways, ready for second half!!
Anyways, ready for second half!!
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Escorpiius
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Escorp's Post-Match Review!
Champions League Final - Borussia Dortmund v/s FC Bayern München
Wembley Stadium - London 25/05/2013
In what was a great final, Bayern Munich claimed their 5th CL of their history; 12 years later to win the 2013 Champions League against arch-rivals Dortmund. Dortmund delivered a fantastic challenge to the Bavarians but ultimately, they felt physically short as the repeated assaults of Bayern paid off late. Congrats to Bayern who were the strongest team clearly in Europe - even if Dortmund were the most pleasant side and a delicious surprise package. Robben finally took his salvaging final win after many disappointments in previous CL finals, in World Cup finals, in domestic cups finals and more...
The match start took me by complete surprise because Dortmund went right for Bayern's throat at the start with a very high pressure, high line and fiery offenses. I predicted Dortmund to play it wiser; given the momentum Bayern had before the final. However, Klopp had another ideas and seemingly mirrored his Dortmund to perform nearly the exact replica tactic that Bayern used oh-so-magnificently against Barcelona in Semis. The high pressure of Sven Bender and Gundogan on prime passer Schweinsteinger was impressive, so were the usage of wings by Dortmund, the pivotal play of Lewandowski and the speedster performance of Reus. The first 20 minutes were nearly a one-sided affair where Dortmund dominated the proceedings. The fact that Bayern seem subdued by the pressure worsened things for Bayern at that time. Luckily, Neuer saved lots of chances from Lewandowski, Reus, Kuba, Bender and co. Won't be erroneous to say that Bayern were lucky and that Dortmund deserved to open the score.
Bayern were also getting frustrating by the surprise superiority of BVB at that time. The elbow of Ribery, the rants of Muller after each run, the few balls touched by Schweinsteinger and the so-classic self-mocking look of Robben was speaking volumes of tension present in the red side. However, 2 close headers of Mandzukic and Martinez sent chills to BVB's side and made for a more equal battle. BVB kept getting dangerous without much success while Robben/Alaba was slowly getting the better of Shlmelzer on the left wing of BVB. Robben even got himself a big big 1-on-1 challenge against Weidenfeller but which he lost. The first half ended 0-0. A first-half where BVB failed to score a crucial goal in a period where they used lots of energy and where they were clearly rolling. However, they did send a message to Bayern: "Are you sure to be favorites?". In a way, Klopp won the tactical and psychological battle in the first half but physically, they wasted themselves vainly as they lacked the goal to prove their efforts.
Heynkes made a interesting tactical change in second-half. He moved Muller who was roaming inefficiently on the field on the left wing as Robben played behind Mandzukic in a more central role. Bayern also seemed more into the match; the half-break probably giving them the necessary calmness to overcome the pressure and to gain the upper hand. With that, Lahm and Alaba played more willingly forward and gave problems to the defence of BVB. Ribery also tried to dribble more while Dortmund tried to play the patient game at the start of second-half. With that, Bayern gained some wonderful chances with the most clearcut one being another 1-on-1 faceoff between Robben and Weidenfeller where the Dutch was again unsuccessful. But the movement of Bayern was starting to disrupt BVB. As the hour-clock nears, BVB midfield seemed more tired and lacked the spark and verve that stuffed Bayern. With that, Robben pierced the defence from the center, dribbled past the GK and his cross was tapped-in by Mandzukic for the opener. 1-0 though; with the tide then definitely turned on for Bayern.
However, BVB kept hope and despite playing with less speed, they remain willing to attack and Reus obtained a penalty as Dante kicked him in the ribs in the box. The penalty was the ideal decision; however given the intention of Dante and the relatively dangerous mid-foot, this should have led to a second yellow-card to Dante. Still, Gundogan converted the penalty to equalize for Dortmund. However, Dortmund clearly had used most of their juices in first half and Bayern started to claim their quest a winner with more than 20 minutes on the clock. Muller repeated the action of their first goal but Robben was nonchalant in his tap-in attempt as Subotic more imperially saved his side. Then, heroic Weidenfeller saved numerous attempts from Alaba, Robben, Mandzukic, Schweinsteinger and more...And towards the end, he bowed unfortunately for Dortmund as Ribery's back-flip managed to squeeze to Robben who finally won his face-off and a final and sent Bayern to CL glory with a second goal. A really cruel ending for Dortmund as they paid the price for their willingness to go forward too often but a fairytale ending to Heynkes who's gonna retire on European glory...
Feeling bad for Dortmund but that's football. Bayern never relinquished after a tough first half and showed a brighter side of themselves in second-half where they are finally paid-off. Big performances from to both sides' goalkeepers where both saved their sides in each halves; with Weidenfeller topping the list. Robben is probably man of the match after his winner and assist. Still, with so many wastage of glorious endings, he should thank God that this time. I believe, at some point, he was battling himself mentally as images from the previous CL/WC/Cups defeats and the infamous walk-out at Euro 2012 all resurfaced. Fate played it nicer to him cause those missed chances could have been heavy on the balance. An improved performance from most Bayern players in second half; especially Lahm & Ribery. Muller had an okay match. On Dortmund's side, the full-backs got a torrid second-halves while the centre-backs tried the best they could to resist Bayern's armada but in vain. Exceptional performance from Sven Bender, Gundogan and Kuba though - they lit up the first halves with their spirit, technique and vision. Lewandowski had a fairly good match whenever he had the ball. Clearly better than when Dortmund dominated in first half. Grosskreutz played nice and simple but he wasn't Gotze-level obviously. Reus was one of the best player but he exemplified Dortmund - a real venomous threat in speed and movement but that decreases as fatigue grew on...
Kudos to Klopp's passion and guts. He played audaciously and nearly won it but alas! Probably his hunger was too much at the end as Dortmund played heavily the expenditure of energy in first half. Heynkes deserves credit for changing the position of Robben to one where he handed the trophy ultimately. Also, he probably incensed his players at half-time and put them back on rail mentally. The referee had a pretty good match; save for some tackle that could have lead to cards. His decision of not-sending-off Dante on the penalty was an important decision. I do believe it was worth a second yellow but that decision to only give the penalty and not a card, is not scandalous. However, given how Dortmund were tired in last 30 minutes, a numerical advantage could have been the final boost for them.
No need for regrets though. They played a great final and most importantly, a fantastic CL campaign where they should be applauded. Given how the CL coefficients are right now, Dortmund are in Pot 3, might be into Pot 2 but in any case, I pity the teams who are going to inherit Dortmund in next year's CL group stages. That club clearly belongs to the higher echelon. As for Bayrn, what to say.... Congrats, great for Heynkes, great for their football, great for their whole season. Avenging last year's defeat wasn't easy but they done it with panache and courage. They are now on top of European football. They are Champions League 2012-13's winner !!!
Thank you to everyone who read my posts of CL. Hope you all enjoyed this year's CL. And let's wish for an even better CL next time. The discussions as usual remain open. And as I said, I'll post on seasons/leagues soon.; before the transfer window heats up further.
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Champions League Final - Borussia Dortmund v/s FC Bayern München
Wembley Stadium - London 25/05/2013
In what was a great final, Bayern Munich claimed their 5th CL of their history; 12 years later to win the 2013 Champions League against arch-rivals Dortmund. Dortmund delivered a fantastic challenge to the Bavarians but ultimately, they felt physically short as the repeated assaults of Bayern paid off late. Congrats to Bayern who were the strongest team clearly in Europe - even if Dortmund were the most pleasant side and a delicious surprise package. Robben finally took his salvaging final win after many disappointments in previous CL finals, in World Cup finals, in domestic cups finals and more...
The match start took me by complete surprise because Dortmund went right for Bayern's throat at the start with a very high pressure, high line and fiery offenses. I predicted Dortmund to play it wiser; given the momentum Bayern had before the final. However, Klopp had another ideas and seemingly mirrored his Dortmund to perform nearly the exact replica tactic that Bayern used oh-so-magnificently against Barcelona in Semis. The high pressure of Sven Bender and Gundogan on prime passer Schweinsteinger was impressive, so were the usage of wings by Dortmund, the pivotal play of Lewandowski and the speedster performance of Reus. The first 20 minutes were nearly a one-sided affair where Dortmund dominated the proceedings. The fact that Bayern seem subdued by the pressure worsened things for Bayern at that time. Luckily, Neuer saved lots of chances from Lewandowski, Reus, Kuba, Bender and co. Won't be erroneous to say that Bayern were lucky and that Dortmund deserved to open the score.
Bayern were also getting frustrating by the surprise superiority of BVB at that time. The elbow of Ribery, the rants of Muller after each run, the few balls touched by Schweinsteinger and the so-classic self-mocking look of Robben was speaking volumes of tension present in the red side. However, 2 close headers of Mandzukic and Martinez sent chills to BVB's side and made for a more equal battle. BVB kept getting dangerous without much success while Robben/Alaba was slowly getting the better of Shlmelzer on the left wing of BVB. Robben even got himself a big big 1-on-1 challenge against Weidenfeller but which he lost. The first half ended 0-0. A first-half where BVB failed to score a crucial goal in a period where they used lots of energy and where they were clearly rolling. However, they did send a message to Bayern: "Are you sure to be favorites?". In a way, Klopp won the tactical and psychological battle in the first half but physically, they wasted themselves vainly as they lacked the goal to prove their efforts.
Heynkes made a interesting tactical change in second-half. He moved Muller who was roaming inefficiently on the field on the left wing as Robben played behind Mandzukic in a more central role. Bayern also seemed more into the match; the half-break probably giving them the necessary calmness to overcome the pressure and to gain the upper hand. With that, Lahm and Alaba played more willingly forward and gave problems to the defence of BVB. Ribery also tried to dribble more while Dortmund tried to play the patient game at the start of second-half. With that, Bayern gained some wonderful chances with the most clearcut one being another 1-on-1 faceoff between Robben and Weidenfeller where the Dutch was again unsuccessful. But the movement of Bayern was starting to disrupt BVB. As the hour-clock nears, BVB midfield seemed more tired and lacked the spark and verve that stuffed Bayern. With that, Robben pierced the defence from the center, dribbled past the GK and his cross was tapped-in by Mandzukic for the opener. 1-0 though; with the tide then definitely turned on for Bayern.
However, BVB kept hope and despite playing with less speed, they remain willing to attack and Reus obtained a penalty as Dante kicked him in the ribs in the box. The penalty was the ideal decision; however given the intention of Dante and the relatively dangerous mid-foot, this should have led to a second yellow-card to Dante. Still, Gundogan converted the penalty to equalize for Dortmund. However, Dortmund clearly had used most of their juices in first half and Bayern started to claim their quest a winner with more than 20 minutes on the clock. Muller repeated the action of their first goal but Robben was nonchalant in his tap-in attempt as Subotic more imperially saved his side. Then, heroic Weidenfeller saved numerous attempts from Alaba, Robben, Mandzukic, Schweinsteinger and more...And towards the end, he bowed unfortunately for Dortmund as Ribery's back-flip managed to squeeze to Robben who finally won his face-off and a final and sent Bayern to CL glory with a second goal. A really cruel ending for Dortmund as they paid the price for their willingness to go forward too often but a fairytale ending to Heynkes who's gonna retire on European glory...
Feeling bad for Dortmund but that's football. Bayern never relinquished after a tough first half and showed a brighter side of themselves in second-half where they are finally paid-off. Big performances from to both sides' goalkeepers where both saved their sides in each halves; with Weidenfeller topping the list. Robben is probably man of the match after his winner and assist. Still, with so many wastage of glorious endings, he should thank God that this time. I believe, at some point, he was battling himself mentally as images from the previous CL/WC/Cups defeats and the infamous walk-out at Euro 2012 all resurfaced. Fate played it nicer to him cause those missed chances could have been heavy on the balance. An improved performance from most Bayern players in second half; especially Lahm & Ribery. Muller had an okay match. On Dortmund's side, the full-backs got a torrid second-halves while the centre-backs tried the best they could to resist Bayern's armada but in vain. Exceptional performance from Sven Bender, Gundogan and Kuba though - they lit up the first halves with their spirit, technique and vision. Lewandowski had a fairly good match whenever he had the ball. Clearly better than when Dortmund dominated in first half. Grosskreutz played nice and simple but he wasn't Gotze-level obviously. Reus was one of the best player but he exemplified Dortmund - a real venomous threat in speed and movement but that decreases as fatigue grew on...
Kudos to Klopp's passion and guts. He played audaciously and nearly won it but alas! Probably his hunger was too much at the end as Dortmund played heavily the expenditure of energy in first half. Heynkes deserves credit for changing the position of Robben to one where he handed the trophy ultimately. Also, he probably incensed his players at half-time and put them back on rail mentally. The referee had a pretty good match; save for some tackle that could have lead to cards. His decision of not-sending-off Dante on the penalty was an important decision. I do believe it was worth a second yellow but that decision to only give the penalty and not a card, is not scandalous. However, given how Dortmund were tired in last 30 minutes, a numerical advantage could have been the final boost for them.
No need for regrets though. They played a great final and most importantly, a fantastic CL campaign where they should be applauded. Given how the CL coefficients are right now, Dortmund are in Pot 3, might be into Pot 2 but in any case, I pity the teams who are going to inherit Dortmund in next year's CL group stages. That club clearly belongs to the higher echelon. As for Bayrn, what to say.... Congrats, great for Heynkes, great for their football, great for their whole season. Avenging last year's defeat wasn't easy but they done it with panache and courage. They are now on top of European football. They are Champions League 2012-13's winner !!!
Thank you to everyone who read my posts of CL. Hope you all enjoyed this year's CL. And let's wish for an even better CL next time. The discussions as usual remain open. And as I said, I'll post on seasons/leagues soon.; before the transfer window heats up further.
"We know [Mario] Goetze will be joining us and I don't think [Robert] Lewandowski will be hanging about too much either."
Not the right comment from Heynckes, so pretty much Lewandowski is on his way to BM, with RM and United being the other possible destination.
"When I was at Juventus, we were super favourites, more than favourites, to win - and we lost to Dortmund. It just went to show anything can happen. I think there will be a one-goal difference between the teams, in favour of Bayern."
Even Zidane got this game right.
By the way many media outlets i Spain have already confirmed Neymar deal is done with Barcelona for 25 million. Now that Rosell is done with this I hope he can work on that back line, which is the major concern here.
Not the right comment from Heynckes, so pretty much Lewandowski is on his way to BM, with RM and United being the other possible destination.
"When I was at Juventus, we were super favourites, more than favourites, to win - and we lost to Dortmund. It just went to show anything can happen. I think there will be a one-goal difference between the teams, in favour of Bayern."
Even Zidane got this game right.
By the way many media outlets i Spain have already confirmed Neymar deal is done with Barcelona for 25 million. Now that Rosell is done with this I hope he can work on that back line, which is the major concern here.
Last edited:
Itachi Minato
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If Lewandowski moves to Bayern it would be their own van persie. I dont even see why he wants to move. If Dortmund can keep all of their players they would be just as good.
Neymar is ready for Barca, Carvalho ready for Monaco, Real about to do everything to make Ronaldo stay, by making him the best paid player in the world, even bigger wage that Eto'o, Madrid prepared to make a giant bid on Bale, Kolo Toure sold to Livepool... This is just a taste of what to come this summer, and not to forget the Porto duo of Mountinho and that other guy going for 70M £ to Monaco.
Totsuka No Tsurugi
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Escorpiius
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Well, the guy was overpriced anyways.
And besides, as usual, I get all Ligue 1 matches on TV every season.
Given how boring PSG's win was this year (Becks/Lucas added some attention for me
), I'm glad they are going to get a strong challenger in Monaco. Besides, I hate PSG...so I'm all for Monaco's rise.Besides, Monaco is doing highly intelligent buys. They targeted Columbia's greatest stars in Falcao/Rodriguez.
Then, after Moutinho/Carvalho, it is rumored that they are also targeting Contrao/Nani. A Portuguese team is bound to have great co-understanding on the field; plus the fact that Falcao/Rodriguez are fluent in Portuguese seemingly in it after their Porto spells.
Once thick buddies, Evra & Tevez are also rumored targets... In a way, not only are they buying stars but they are buying stars that can gel quickly together and who'll have fast adapting chemistry in between them.
Hmm... Good point. It is also rumored that PSG want to challenge their rise, by also buying some new players this summer. One of their rumored targets, is our very own, Angel Di Maria.Well, the guy was overpriced anyways.
And besides, as usual, I get all Ligue 1 matches on TV every season.
Given how boring PSG's win was this year (Becks/Lucas added some attention for me
Besides, Monaco is doing highly intelligent buys. They targeted Columbia's greatest stars in Falcao/Rodriguez.
Then, after Moutinho/Carvalho, it is rumored that they are also targeting Contrao/Nani. A Portuguese team is bound to have great co-understanding on the field; plus the fact that Falcao/Rodriguez are fluent in Portuguese seemingly in it after their Porto spells.
Once thick buddies, Evra & Tevez are also rumored targets... In a way, not only are they buying stars but they are buying stars that can gel quickly together and who'll have fast adapting chemistry in between them.
Totsuka No Tsurugi
Active member
LOL i know you would say that he is overpriced, i mean he's been turning down MANU offer frequently LOL.Well, the guy was overpriced anyways.
And besides, as usual, I get all Ligue 1 matches on TV every season.
Given how boring PSG's win was this year (Becks/Lucas added some attention for me
Besides, Monaco is doing highly intelligent buys. They targeted Columbia's greatest stars in Falcao/Rodriguez.
Then, after Moutinho/Carvalho, it is rumored that they are also targeting Contrao/Nani. A Portuguese team is bound to have great co-understanding on the field; plus the fact that Falcao/Rodriguez are fluent in Portuguese seemingly in it after their Porto spells.
Once thick buddies, Evra & Tevez are also rumored targets... In a way, not only are they buying stars but they are buying stars that can gel quickly together and who'll have fast adapting chemistry in between them.
IMO Ligue 1 should be interesting next season.