Real Madrid v/s Atletico Madrid | UEFA Champions League 2013/14 Final

[silmarill]

Lol 3-1, that last goal , nice defending :sarcasm:

 

[Totsuka No Tsurugi]

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[Escorpiius]

Escorp's Post-Match Review!

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4 - 1

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Champions League Final - Real Madrid v/s Atlético Madrid
94' Ramos, 110' Bale, 118' Marcelo, 120' Cristiano | 36' Godín
Estádio da Luz- Lisbon | 24/05/2014

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12 Years satiated! 10th Star grabbed!! Crown well on top! Real Madrid has captured their La Decima!

In what was a nail-biting turnover - please, don't let the score fool your perception - this 10th Champions League will arguably remain as one of the hardest to achieve for Real Madrid. This, mainly to an ultra-valiant Atletico team who were within 1 minute of securing their own dream but failed...And then despite all the heart, their legs failed them in last 10 minutes as Madrid's onslaught guaranteed them to be champions!

The match started with relative intensity in duels, with Madrid slightly trying to take their game in hand as per the European pedigree favorites status. Chances were barely created from either side though, and building momentum were cut a little more after 10 minutes when Diego Costa was subbed out as he clearly wasn't fit enough. 27 minutes had to pass on the clock for some real goosebumps as Di Maria's rush was halted by a deliberate tactical tackle to stop the counter-attacking move. Bale had the best chance of the first half for Madrid, as he used Ronaldo's run to carve an opening in the center, but he rattled his left-foot shot off-target.

A rued-chance that proved costly as Casillas made a horrendous mistake off-his-line. Adventuring himself into no-man's land and providing a clear field for Diego Godin as his header lobbed Iker, for Atletico to lead in the final. The first half barely created more opportunities for Madrid as some of my predictions were spot-on in my Pre-Match Analysis. Madrid were having lots more difficulties to play their game as counters weren't really possible and I did say that it's going to be a real hell; if they were to chase the game. And hell indeed broke after Godin's header. Furthermore, Khedira was clearly getting eaten in midfield; unable to provide the offensive support and passing calmness of Xabi Alonso. This led to a midfield intensity far more superior for Atletico as Gabi, Koke, Tiago and Co. all closed all gaps while brilliantly gluing Simeone's gameplan together. This also caused Modric and Di Maria to shift more towards wings; almost obliged to adopt a weird 4-1-4-1 on the field, where Bale and Ronaldo tried to situate themselves either on the wing or in center.. And their roaming was evident all throughout the match; stiffened by the Atletico's physicality in midfield and solidness in defense.

The second-half started with some chances initially for Atletico who tried to break early on to secure their 1-0 lead. Then came 3 minutes where Ronaldo displayed lots of attacking mobility; with his freekick at 50' his best chance in second half where he touched few balls. As pressure mounted though, so did Real's possession as they tried with whatever means to assault Atletico continuously; whose defense remained imperial nonetheless. And whose midfield won lots of duels to further fuel doubts in Madrid' players mind. The subbing out of Khedira for Isco didn't play much dividends, but this match was clearly ill-suited for Khedira. So good choice by Ancelloti but his better coaching is surely to play Marcelo instead of Contreao - the Brazilian offering far better offensive support to Di Maria on the left.

However, these certainly didn't play immediate dividends. Di Maria and Marcelo crosses kept getting more dangerous without finding their target in goal-scoring positions, Bale had 2 other rushes that he failed to finish yet again, Morata's entry for Benzema didn't prove much while Ronaldo wasn't doing much as he was isolated between the towering pair of Godin-Miranda!

But towering that certainly what can classify Ramos' header. At the dying moments of the additional time period, he headed in the equaliser as Courtois couldn't save it and Madrid were back from the dead! Their dreams suddenly secured by Sergio Ramos - who led by spirit in this match and certainly will be counted as one of the biggest producer of this upcoming La Decima! Simeone certainly ranted about those 5 additional minutes but to me, it's justified 5 minutes for lots of tackles all throughout. What baffles me is that no defender was on the goaline on that spotkick of last minute. And I'd certainly rant over his tactical nouns on that decision- but maybe Ramos' header was just destined to go inside...

Fatigue was clearly being in the Extra-Time period with lots of muscle fatigues and strains all thoughout. Juanfran probably even contracting an ankle sprain after Morata's tackle on him, but no substitution were possible anymore for Simeone. And Di Maria ended up using that to his advantage, as he mesmerized Juanfran at 110' minutes. His shot was barely saved by Courtois; only for Bale to tap it in with his header. A header completing Madrid's comeback, their upsurge in momentum after the game, and the sheer will to fight of last 20 minutes of the game. Oh, and also, definitely justifying his transfer cost with that goal. The costliest player just scored the costliest goal of the season!

But Atletico clearly had no more juices then to fight. The heart was probably there to win and try achieve the impossible. But energy and the legs refuse to cooperate. And eventually, they succumbed as the openings were far too big for Madrid...as Marcelo confirmed that to which Madrid stadium was going to witness the arrival of the trophy and Ronaldo's penalty just added gloss to the glossiest of Champions League - La Decima glossed by a last goal - the 17th - of the next Ballon D'Or!

I'd nonetheless congratulate Atletico for their fantastic performance. They delivered an incredible underdog performance to reach the final and it's absolutely heartbreaking for any neutral fan to see a team's dreams shattered while only a minute was remaining. And much harder to remember that their Road to Final was as fantastic and unexpected as was their equalizer. They pushed Real Madrid to their limits and certainly showcased all values that they belong to the elite of Europe and were no pushovers at all!

While legs were still present, the defense was absolutely majestic and certainly proved its worth as the best defense in CL and La Liga this year. Godin led by example with his goal as well as his will to put his body on the line all throughout the game, making vital tackles and interceptions. Courtois didn't make much exceptional save; except for 2 Ronaldo's freekick while the chances of Bale were mostly not in, due to Bale's wastefulness. Miranda was very good as he handled both Benzema and Ronaldo admirably well. Felipe Luis and Juanfran were both exceptional as left-backs; though Juanfran never got a subbing out that was as deserved as the one Felipe Luis got. And thereby, will a bit be haunted by Di Maria's footworks on the 2nd goal in this night. Atletico will mainly need to thank their midfield once again though. Tiago's calmness and interception, Koke's skill and drives, Gabi's heart and will...they all bossed the midfield for most of the first 70 minutes. While Adrian Lopez, David Villa, Raul Garcia & Sosa were all models of work-rate horses who never stopped in their mission. Diego Costa was the ill-fated one who wasn't meant to be in this final alas. Diego Simeone can be proud of his team; even if his decision to play Costa cut him the option to sub out Juanfran which led to 2nd goal, and I don't quite understand the logic to not put a player on the goallines in such crucial dying instants. Nonetheless, whatever he has achieved with this Atletico is downright superhuman.

Superhuman is what can qualify Real's comeback. A comeback first needed to happen because Saint Iker - a model on this Road to Lisbon - did a blunder...But for all his heroics throughout the campaign, his tears deserved to be tears of joy today. And he can thank Ramos for that - an absolute beast in defense as he harangued his teammates and put in the crucial of the most crucial goal with his header. Replacing Pepe as his partner was Varane who was simply towering. Contrearo did a good match; though Marcelo brought much more forward-wise and was duly rewarded with a goal. One of the best players of Madrid;even if he played 60 minutes less than some of his teammates. Carvajal was very good imo - even if he had a big opponent with Koke! A duel that kept being tight throughout the game. Khedira had a poor match. Unable to bring the calmness and offensive stability of Xabi, he was also eaten by Atletico's midfield aggressive intensity. Isco made a decent entry. Modric did great; anchoring the game very well but arguably less effective as he was worn out probably by the need to do both more offensive and defensive work in absence of Xabi.

Rivalling Ramos' claim for Man of the Match is Angel Di Maria. The sole Madrid player who was a threat for 120 minutes and as usual this season, was an endless engine in midfield and then on the wings as Ancelotti reverted to 4-4-2 to put CR7 as striker. CR7 had a very quiet evening by all standards; not only of his. Yet again, he scored another goal to close down the curtains. Bale were as dangerous as Di Maria on the wings but his wastefulness nearly crossed Madrid dearly. While Di Maria was having successions of dribbles and dangerous crosses on the left wing, Bale did illustrate himself by both his rushes and speedster runs. But he also showcased his poor finishing and some poor touches. In that aspect, he had a half-good performance, while he still scored the decisive goal of the most decisive match of a club player in the match of the season. That's a bit fate of great players, perhaps. xD Benzema made a good pivotal striker in the center but once again, lacked the cutting deadly edge while Morata showed good will to defend and run...but lacked composure to lead a line!

I've said enough of the beneficial effect of Ancelotti above in my analysis but once again, he showed perfect class, composure, tactical notion and personality to show why he was the coach chosen to bring this La Decima.

But that's all history now! Real Madrid are Champions of Europe! For the 10th time.
​

 

[Luther]

The scoreline flatters Madrid that match was a closed tight affair and could have gone either way, athletico still managed to put up a fight despite losing two of their best players to injuries. Oh well, maybe madrid can spend another billion to get another ucl sighs. I also find it amusing how ronaldo is made out to be the hero of the game, when in truth for most of the match he was nonexistent except for a few set-pieces. Well in july we shall see messi lift the world cup VIVA LA BARCA

 

[Escorpiius]

The scoreline flatters Madrid that match was a closed tight affair and could have gone either way, athletico still managed to put up a fight despite losing two of their best players to injuries. Oh well, maybe madrid can spend another billion to get another ucl sighs. I also find it amusing how ronaldo is made out to be the hero of the game, when in truth for most of the match he was nonexistent except for a few set-pieces. Well in july we shall see messi lift the world cup VIVA LA BARCA

The score is flattering; even if Madrid played without Xabi and that certainly shown on the field too. I don't think this match was one of those than can go down as one where you can complain "well, they were not at 100% ect...". For me, both teams gave it their best shot.

I don't think anyone with proper knowledge will make Ronaldo the hero of this match; even if he does remain the main star of this triumph for all his performances overall in this CL campaign.

Speaking of Barca and World Cup, how about some stats tidbits to add some spice? :3

1. I guess, we can safely say that beating Barca in CL in stages other than Semis, doesn't have the same blessing. While any teams who did beat Barca in semis since 2008 (United, Inter, Chelsea, Bayern). Atletico's close-victory didn't see them through. Perhaps, it's better for some teams' fate if they let Barca reach till Semis LOL. Ironically, the last team who defeated Barcelona in a stage other than SF was Liverpool in 2007 in last-16. And Liverpool lost in the final against Ancelotti's Milan.

So, can we conjure some concluding stats on those?

- Does beating Barcelona in Semis guarantees you the victory and beating Barca in a stage other than Semis, take you till the Final only?
- Is Ancelotti the broker of the jinx or is really about the stages at which Barca are knocked off?

2. I'd leave another stat up.

In 1966:

Real were Kings of Europe
Atletico was Liga champion
Betis Sevilla was relagated to 2nd Spanish division.
La Corogna Deportivo was promoted to Primary Liga.

In 2014:

Real were Kings of Europe
Atletico was Liga champion
Betis Sevilla was relagated to 2nd Spanish division.
La Corogna Deportivo was promoted to Primary Liga.

Coincidence or not? xD

Just to add some fun part for naysayers...In 1966, England had won the World Cup LMAO! If England win the World Cup this year, I'm seriously gonna ROFL xD But who knows, given that England can't do anything right in International competitions, maybe all they need is a destined year...

 

[Luther]

The score is flattering; even if Madrid played without Xabi and that certainly shown on the field too. I don't think this match was one of those than can go down as one where you can complain "well, they were not at 100% ect...". For me, both teams gave it their best shot.

I don't think anyone with proper knowledge will make Ronaldo the hero of this match; even if he does remain the main star of this triumph for all his performances overall in this CL campaign.

Speaking of Barca and World Cup, how about some stats tidbits to add some spice? :3

1. I guess, we can safely say that beating Barca in CL in stages other than Semis, doesn't have the same blessing. While any teams who did beat Barca in semis since 2008 (United, Inter, Chelsea, Bayern). Atletico's close-victory didn't see them through. Perhaps, it's better for some teams' fate if they let Barca reach till Semis LOL. Ironically, the last team who defeated Barcelona in a stage other than SF was Liverpool in 2007 in last-16. And Liverpool lost in the final against Ancelotti's Milan.

So, can we conjure some concluding stats on those?

- Does beating Barcelona in Semis guarantees you the victory and beating Barca in a stage other than Semis, take you till the Final only?
- Is Ancelotti the broker of the jinx or is really about the stages at which Barca are knocked off?

2. I'd leave another stat up.

In 1966:

Real were Kings of Europe
Atletico was Liga champion
Betis Sevilla was relagated to 2nd Spanish division.
La Corogna Deportivo was promoted to Primary Liga.

In 2014:

Real were Kings of Europe
Atletico was Liga champion
Betis Sevilla was relagated to 2nd Spanish division.
La Corogna Deportivo was promoted to Primary Liga.

Coincidence or not? xD

Just to add some fun part for naysayers...In 1966, England had won the World Cup LMAO! If England win the World Cup this year, I'm seriously gonna ROFL xD But who knows, given that England can't do anything right in International competitions, maybe all they need is a destined year...

I beg to differ, theirs no way one can say atheltico aren't a weaker side without star striker diego costa who scored more than 30goals for them this season and ardal turan who has been another key player for them in their midfield and european campaign. Regardless of this, i agree with you on the saying that both teams gave it thier all.

Wait, how about most teams that beat barca in quarters/semis end up reaching the champions league finalxD

Credit to ancelotti for getting this squad together and bringing back that unity which was lacking during mourinhos era but another factor is how well madrid made use of the transfer window, this season they bought garethbale, isco, illaremendi and called back carvajal, and all those players especially the first two where pivotal in thier campaign.

Also im going to go ahead and call it a coincidence, england are no where near what you would call a world cup winning team, frankly anything beyond the second rounds is a good achievement.

Now to my own question, is it too early to place ronaldo in pole position for another ballon d or? As he smashed messi records this ucl campaign and helped madrid win the double, whats your take on this? Do you think the world cup would have a bigger role on which players enter fifa 11/win the ballon d or?

 

[dark legion]

RAMOSSSSS... the hero of SPAIN .... I almost exploded when he scored ... iHALA MADRID! .... a por la DECIMA ...... congrats to all madristas

 

[Escorpiius]

I beg to differ, theirs no way one can say atheltico aren't a weaker side without star striker diego costa who scored more than 30goals for them this season and ardal turan who has been another key player for them in their midfield and european campaign. Regardless of this, i agree with you on the saying that both teams gave it thier all.

Wait, how about most teams that beat barca in quarters/semis end up reaching the champions league finalxD

Credit to ancelotti for getting this squad together and bringing back that unity which was lacking during mourinhos era but another factor is how well madrid made use of the transfer window, this season they bought garethbale, isco, illaremendi and called back carvajal, and all those players especially the first two where pivotal in thier campaign.

Also im going to go ahead and call it a coincidence, england are no where near what you would call a world cup winning team, frankly anything beyond the second rounds is a good achievement.

Now to my own question, is it too early to place ronaldo in pole position for another ballon d or? As he smashed messi records this ucl campaign and helped madrid win the double, whats your take on this? Do you think the world cup would have a bigger role on which players enter fifa 11/win the ballon d or?

I don't say that losing Costa and Turan wasn't a blow. But Madrid also played without Xabi. And they were up against one of the most physically intense midfield with Tiago-Koke-Gabi! No matter how scintillating Modric is, partnering him with a barely-in-shape Khedira, an inconsistent Isco or an error-prone talent like Illara isn't going to cover for Xabi Alonso. Overall, both teams lacked certain elements, maybe Atletico more. But it's a way too much of an easy way out if everything was put upon the factor of how many key players were present or absent.

That's the stat lol! It's a kind of blessing in my eyes that Barca gives to any team that kick their asses.

Isco had great moments but also was inconsistent in many matches. This is similar to the case of Ozil too; who was brilliant but often inconsistent. In a direct replacement view, there hasn't been much of an upgrade though, Isco is part of this team who formed part of this history. Bale and Carvajal needs lots of accreditation though. Bale scored the 2 winners in the 2 finals of Madrid while Carvajal replaced the weakest link in Mou's Madrid that was at RB. Both also helped Ancelloti's to try various winning formations. Illara has room for improvement.

Well, few would buy that statistic anyway, given England's form but well, I'd call it the most upsetting stat in football history if England are World Champion this year lol

Pole position? For me, there's only Ronaldo who can take it.

-most goals in a CL season (17)
-most goals in a CL calendar year (15)
-most goals in a CL group stage (9)
-most goals overall in CL semi finals rounds (8)
-most goals overall in CL knockout rounds (34)
-first player to score in CL final for 2 different teams
-first player to score 10+ goals in 3 consecutive CL seasons.
-first player to score in 8 consecutive CL games

And he even got major trophies to boast of now, unlike last season!

Anything that can cause an upset and derail this?

- Messi having one of the most memorable individual performances, smashing World Cup records and maintaining the same scintillating shape in the first half of 2014/15 season. Because, that's all that can save his blank season with Barca and a season where he doesn't top the scoring charts. Just winning the world cup for Messi won't suffice imo. He needs to do even more than that.

- If Ramos, Diego Costa or Suarez has an epic World Cup that culminates in their team to lift the World Cup and where they are the key man - maybe they'll be contenders since Suarez and Costa have great stats this season. But I don't see a single man carrying the hopes in Spain squad - including Costa. Suarez has more to worry about being fit than thinking of more. Ramos has just scored the winning goal, was one of the strongest performers in this CL final and boasts the same achievements as Ronaldo. If Spain win the WC, maybe he can aim to put a dent in his teammate's hopes but frankly, it sounds hard to believe that someone would hand the Ballon D'Or to a defender, now that FIFA is in association in it and where it's more a glitz individual trophy for stats-breakers.

- If Ronaldo gets injured for a good part of 2014/15, maybe this can change things. And frankly, that almost the biggest block in his Ballon D'Or triumph.

For me, it's not pole position anymore. The only one who can stop Ronaldo from clinching his 3rd Ballon D'Or is probably himself. A WC performance half-as-good as his Euro 2012 campaign, and a decent 2014/15 first half should more than suffice to add to the blistering season he already had in this first half of the calender year.

 

[Caliburn]

Ahh i completely forgot about Toby, they rarely played him this season cause of injury, i suppose he was left out from the Belgian team for WC yes ?,

TBH once The Special One come calling for him he'll leave Athletico, there is now way he'll stay there.

No he wasn't left out, there has never been much doubt that he would make it. I can't remember anything either of him having a severe injury. Maybe somewhere at the start of the season. He indeed didn't play that much this season, he acted often as a sub, but he still played a decent amount, enough to not loose your match rhythm and condition. He was the one who scored the 1-1 against Malaga a few weeks ago.

And logically if Chelsea calls him, he has to go. Chelsea is his owner, Atlético just rented him for one year, which got extended two times with an additional year. Till this year Spain even had a law that forbade renting the same player for more than 3 seasons, though that got recently extended to 4 years. I Chelsea wants him in England, well there isn't much Courtois can do about it.

Feels good to be back too ^_^



Nope, he is in the 24-man squad announced. Though, the final list is yet to be announced.

If Athletico wins tonight, I think, they'll retain quite many of their players; save for Costa most probably.

The final list has been announced. Wilmots, the Belgian coach, never made a temporary list like most other counties that they eventually trim down do 24 players. He instantly gave the list of the 24 players, including Toby, that will go to the World Cup and a list of 6 players that act like subs in the case something happens to one of the other players.

 

[Escorpiius]

The final list has been announced. Wilmots, the Belgian coach, never made a temporary list like most other counties that they eventually trim down do 24 players. He instantly gave the list of the 24 players, including Toby, that will go to the World Cup and a list of 6 players that act like subs in the case something happens to one of the other players.

Isn't the final list often consists of 23 players + potential backups reservists? But still, thanks for clearing the fact that he didn't announce a temporary list, I was unaware of that. And whether, 23 or 24 players, I don't see Toby being the one who is cut from the list eitherway.

 

[Luther]

I don't say that losing Costa and Turan wasn't a blow. But Madrid also played without Xabi. And they were up against one of the most physically intense midfield with Tiago-Koke-Gabi! No matter how scintillating Modric is, partnering him with a barely-in-shape Khedira, an inconsistent Isco or an error-prone talent like Illara isn't going to cover for Xabi Alonso. Overall, both teams lacked certain elements, maybe Atletico more. But it's a way too much of an easy way out if everything was put upon the factor of how many key players were present or absent.

That's the stat lol! It's a kind of blessing in my eyes that Barca gives to any team that kick their asses.

Isco had great moments but also was inconsistent in many matches. This is similar to the case of Ozil too; who was brilliant but often inconsistent. In a direct replacement view, there hasn't been much of an upgrade though, Isco is part of this team who formed part of this history. Bale and Carvajal needs lots of accreditation though. Bale scored the 2 winners in the 2 finals of Madrid while Carvajal replaced the weakest link in Mou's Madrid that was at RB. Both also helped Ancelloti's to try various winning formations. Illara has room for improvement.

Well, few would buy that statistic anyway, given England's form but well, I'd call it the most upsetting stat in football history if England are World Champion this year lol

Pole position? For me, there's only Ronaldo who can take it.

-most goals in a CL season (17)
-most goals in a CL calendar year (15)
-most goals in a CL group stage (9)
-most goals overall in CL semi finals rounds (8)
-most goals overall in CL knockout rounds (34)
-first player to score in CL final for 2 different teams
-first player to score 10+ goals in 3 consecutive CL seasons.
-first player to score in 8 consecutive CL games

And he even got major trophies to boast of now, unlike last season!

Anything that can cause an upset and derail this?

- Messi having one of the most memorable individual performances, smashing World Cup records and maintaining the same scintillating shape in the first half of 2014/15 season. Because, that's all that can save his blank season with Barca and a season where he doesn't top the scoring charts. Just winning the world cup for Messi won't suffice imo. He needs to do even more than that.

- If Ramos, Diego Costa or Suarez has an epic World Cup that culminates in their team to lift the World Cup and where they are the key man - maybe they'll be contenders since Suarez and Costa have great stats this season. But I don't see a single man carrying the hopes in Spain squad - including Costa. Suarez has more to worry about being fit than thinking of more. Ramos has just scored the winning goal, was one of the strongest performers in this CL final and boasts the same achievements as Ronaldo. If Spain win the WC, maybe he can aim to put a dent in his teammate's hopes but frankly, it sounds hard to believe that someone would hand the Ballon D'Or to a defender, now that FIFA is in association in it and where it's more a glitz individual trophy for stats-breakers.

- If Ronaldo gets injured for a good part of 2014/15, maybe this can change things. And frankly, that almost the biggest block in his Ballon D'Or triumph.

For me, it's not pole position anymore. The only one who can stop Ronaldo from clinching his 3rd Ballon D'Or is probably himself. A WC performance half-as-good as his Euro 2012 campaign, and a decent 2014/15 first half should more than suffice to add to the blistering season he already had in this first half of the calender year.

Well if ronaldo can win the fifa ballon d'or without winning any major silverware like he did this year i don't see why messi can not. Fun fact do you know that for the past 3 seasons excluding this one that just concluded, messi has always outscored ronaldo in the charts, not in a single competition but in total, and despite messing missing roughly 3months to injury, he still has 41 goals in all competitions which outranks suarez, and is still runner up top scorer in laliga. I hope he has a stellar world-cup campaign for his sake and for argentina sake. By the way didn't portugal go to the quarters or semis in euro 2012? Call me pessimistic but i don't see them getting to semifinals or even the quarters, but only time will tell.

As a barcelona fan it is truly sad to see our team become overshadowed by our rivals, as such was rarely the case in the past i hope the new manager enrique makes top quality signings this transfer window and get barcelona back up to their former standards.

 

[Escorpiius]

Well if ronaldo can win the fifa ballon d'or without winning any major silverware like he did this year i don't see why messi can not. Fun fact do you know that for the past 3 seasons messi has had always outscored ronaldo in the charts, not in a single competition but in total, and despite messing missing roughly 3months to injury, he still has 41 goals in all competitions which outranks suarez, and is still runner up top scorer in laliga. I hope he has a stellar world-cup campaign for his sake and for argentina sake. By the way didn't portugal go to the quarters or semis in euro 2012? Call me pessimistic but i don't see them getting to semifinals or even the quarters, but only time will tell.

As a barcelona fan it is truly sad to see our team become overshadowed by our rivals, as such was rarely the case in the past i hope the new manager enrique makes top quality signings this transfer window and get barcelona back up to their former standards.

He won without winning any major silverware but he did have outstanding stats and was in inspiring individual form. I mean, sure, maybe Messi can replicate that but that's just hopeful thinking for now. Messi has more chance to fail than to succeed right now! The cards are well in corner of Ronaldo right now; no matter how some want to twist the situation to add some suspense. The Ballon D'Or hasn't really spring any surprise for some years, and I certainly don't see the next year any different where Ronaldo is favorite and he'll win it for 3rd time.

Portugal have a sub-par squad compared to Argentina. In that aspect, Portugal's Euro 2012 was pretty over-achieving and even more commendable, because Ronaldo carried the team on his back during the knockout stages of that Euro.

Good luck on that. But for now, it's better to keep some hope and try rise up slowly. Barca players or Messi are certainly not in ideal position to make top claims right now; be it for World Cup, Ballon D'Or or more...They can do it, but right now, these are only hopes that may never be fulfilled as they crumble under the struggles. But football cannot be predicted - so we can just witness what unfolds in coming months.

I expect a great World Cup and since I'm on holidays, I hope to enjoy every single match As well, as next season's football matches and the spicy transfer window xD

 

[Luther]

He won without winning any major silverware but he did have outstanding stats and was in inspiring individual form. I mean, sure, maybe Messi can replicate that but that's just hopeful thinking for now. Messi has more chance to fail than to succeed right now! The cards are well in corner of Ronaldo right now; no matter how some want to twist the situation to add some suspense. The Ballon D'Or hasn't really spring any surprise for some years, and I certainly don't see the next year any different where Ronaldo is favorite and he'll win it for 3rd time.

Portugal have a sub-par squad compared to Argentina. In that aspect, Portugal's Euro 2012 was pretty over-achieving and even more commendable, because Ronaldo carried the team on his back during the knockout stages of that Euro.

Good luck on that. But for now, it's better to keep some hope and try rise up slowly. Barca players or Messi are certainly not in ideal position to make top claims right now; be it for World Cup, Ballon D'Or or more...They can do it, but right now, these are only hopes that may never be fulfilled as they crumble under the struggles. But football cannot be predicted - so we can just witness what unfolds in coming months.

I expect a great World Cup and since I'm on holidays, I hope to enjoy every single match As well, as next season's football matches and the spicy transfer window xD

As do i hope it brings all the expected entertainments and twists as expected from such a massive tournament.Speaking about transfer windowxD who do you see coming in and out of manchester united this summer? Toni kroos was once linked to united because of van gaal admiration/like of the player but it seems to have died down, and did you expect that united were going to offer evra another year extension? lol. most united fans thinks the whole 4 back four needs adjustments or a revamp.

Also david luiz transfer to psg? Good or bad? Most people seem to think that he is overpriced and despite being a good defender isn't worth that much? Also do you have any transfer wish list? xD

 

[Totsuka No Tsurugi]

The final list has been announced. Wilmots, the Belgian coach, never made a temporary list like most other counties that they eventually trim down do 24 players. He instantly gave the list of the 24 players, including Toby, that will go to the World Cup and a list of 6 players that act like subs in the case something happens to one of the other players.

Yeah and they left out Nainggolan for Fellaini, what a stupid decision...

As a barcelona fan it is truly sad to see our team become overshadowed by our rivals, as such was rarely the case in the past i hope the new manager enrique makes top quality signings this transfer window and get barcelona back up to their former standards.

Enrique as Barca manager is a disaster.... did you know what kind of catastrophe he light at Rome ?
IMO you guys should stick with Tata and let him play his Football instead of forcing him to use tiki taka which is already dismantled by most team in La Liga and Europe.....

But its too late now since Zombiezaretta and his puppet president Bartomeu is still there making stupid decision one after another, i mean they lost David Luiz too PSG just a few days ago after they report that Luiz is going Barca "soon", i know PSG overpaid his transfer fee but Barca should have wrapped the transfer before PSG started throwing the money.

 

[Escorpiius]

As do i hope it brings all the expected entertainments and twists as expected from such a massive tournament.Speaking about transfer windowxD who do you see coming in and out of manchester united this summer? Toni kroos was once linked to united because of van gaal admiration/like of the player but it seems to have died down, and did you expect that united were going to offer evra another year extension? lol. most united fans thinks the whole 4 back four needs adjustments or a revamp.

Also david luiz transfer to psg? Good or bad? Most people seem to think that he is overpriced and despite being a good defender isn't worth that much? Also do you have any transfer wish list? xD

Well, Shaw deal is pretty much wrapped up imo; and I didn't expected Evra to leave like Rio. So, partially, I could have foreseen the extension. Like Vidic, Evra has been a true warrior for us - and I expect Evra to publicly inform fans of his decision if he decides to leave the ship. Evra loves Manchester Utd; atleast that's clear and cut - be it from his attitude or any of his interviews I've watched all over the years. So, it's good to have an experience left-back to mentor Shaw.

It'll still be a revamp of the squad and defense though. Rio-Vidic gone will need to be replaced; atleast one CB will definitely be bought. I'd love Mangala but I'm getting the feeling he'll slip from United's hands if we target him, towards Chelsea or City. Hummels is the dreamwish of most fans;but realistically, this also is a similar case where I see him more going to Barca or staying in Dortmund than moving to United. On that perspective, Garay will be a nice buy - a player scouted by United for long by both Sir Alex and Moyes. He's 27 though; but as a defender and with Van Gaal signing only a 3 years contract, he can be someone pivotal. What remains is that whether Jones or Evans or Smalling can convince Van Gaal enough to secure the second defending spot. Or if we'll need to buy another confirmed center-back.

But next comes the midfield issue - and here I thought, last year will be the last season where I'll complain about United's lack of midfielders. LOL, but seriously, we should wrap someone this year after the "Thiago/Fargregas failing = Fellaini" fiasco. Kroos would be perfect and if we can get him, that solves many issues though. I still don't mind Fabregas, yet we all can expect Arsenal got that deal if he leaves Barca. Cannot believe United missed on Modric and Thiago on 3 season-lapse. Especially the pinnacle Modric reached now. We do need that type of midfielder like Kroos or Modric mould though - technical enough to be perfect in all 3 roles of midfield - as the deep-lying playmaker, the box-to-box or the No. 10. Gundogan would also be great thereby - and if Kroos deal fails, I wouldn't mind going for Gundogan by perhaps forcing Dortmund's hand with a Kagawa+cash deal.

I'd also like Strootman. He'll add some steel in this midfield, with Carrick aging and especially if Van Gaal reverts to 4-3-3. Him being Dutch would be really good too. Carvalho from Sporting is another nice alternative.

I don't want another striker though. Even if Chicharito leaves, bidding for Muller, Benzema or Cavani wouldn't make much sense.

We need a winger more than a No. 10 or striker. I don't quite understand the want to retain Nani though. Valencia is a good squad rotation player. Nani is off-form. Young should be offloaded quickier than Sir Alex works on his chewing gum. Januzaj will improve a lot. We have pretty good young prospects. On that note, I'd rather buy a speedster winger having a great crossing completion percentage with good finishing. Reus obviously would be the dream signing. Robben is simply a rumor that luckily won't happen, and I'm glad of that.

But even if a complete revamp is not possible, I still hope they manage to buy the defensive and midfield targets. Offensive-wise, United can do things well, with more discipline and rutheless than past season. And I'd expect that to be the case under Van Gaal.

David Luiz to PSG - overpriced obviously. But if PSG is going to snap Daniel Alves, that could make a solid Brazilian backline with Alvez-Luiz-Silva.

Yeah and they left out Nainggolan for Fellaini, what a stupid decision..

Lol, I can agree even if Fellaini has been integral part of their qualifying campaign and actually did some good things. But with the form Fellaini is on, I don't see him being a starter in the 11.

 

[Luther]

Yeah and they left out Nainggolan for Fellaini, what a stupid decision...



Enrique as Barca manager is a disaster.... did you know what kind of catastrophe he light at Rome ?
IMO you guys should stick with Tata and let him play his Football instead of forcing him to use tiki taka which is already dismantled by most team in La Liga and Europe.....

But its too late now since Zombiezaretta and his puppet president Bartomeu is still there making stupid decision one after another, i mean they lost David Luiz too PSG just a few days ago after they report that Luiz is going Barca "soon", i know PSG overpaid his transfer fee but Barca should have wrapped the transfer before PSG started throwing the money.

I actually think enrique is a good choice he is loved by the people of barcelona and has played many years for the club and was once coach at barca b, so he is familiar with tika taka and would be able to employ his own dimension to it to make it more precise. I believe in roma he wasn't given time to implement what he wanted to achieve as the players were not used to such playing style. However, you can see the wonderful job he has done in celta vigo making them an attacking team and supposedly fun to watch, he also guided them to a higher table finish compared to their last year.

Zubizarreta is a failure in transfer signings and should be sacked in my opinion he keeps on making the wrong signings we do not need and has refused to buy a center back for over 3 years now despite it being that our defense was our weak link, that there is the difference between barca and madrid, madrid makes good use of the window and though the tend to spend extravagantly the get what they want and as you can see it has brought the trophies. One would think after the 7-0 humiliation at the hands of bayern munich the board would be wise enough to buy a CB but oh no! in the words of our ex manager tata martino "puyol is our new signing". the same puyol that has been past his best since 2011 and barely players and is injury prone is what our manager and called a new signing, that is just sad to be honest.

Well, Shaw deal is pretty much wrapped up imo; and I didn't expected Evra to leave like Rio. So, partially, I could have foreseen the extension. Like Vidic, Evra has been a true warrior for us - and I expect Evra to publicly inform fans of his decision if he decides to leave the ship. Evra loves Manchester Utd; atleast that's clear and cut - be it from his attitude or any of his interviews I've watched all over the years. So, it's good to have an experience left-back to mentor Shaw.

It'll still be a revamp of the squad and defense though. Rio-Vidic gone will need to be replaced; atleast one CB will definitely be bought. I'd love Mangala but I'm getting the feeling he'll slip from United's hands if we target him, towards Chelsea or City. Hummels is the dreamwish of most fans;but realistically, this also is a similar case where I see him more going to Barca or staying in Dortmund than moving to United. On that perspective, Garay will be a nice buy - a player scouted by United for long by both Sir Alex and Moyes. He's 27 though; but as a defender and with Van Gaal signing only a 3 years contract, he can be someone pivotal. What remains is that whether Jones or Evans or Smalling can convince Van Gaal enough to secure the second defending spot. Or if we'll need to buy another confirmed center-back.

But next comes the midfield issue - and here I thought, last year will be the last season where I'll complain about United's lack of midfielders. LOL, but seriously, we should wrap someone this year after the "Thiago/Fargregas failing = Fellaini" fiasco. Kroos would be perfect and if we can get him, that solves many issues though. I still don't mind Fabregas, yet we all can expect Arsenal got that deal if he leaves Barca. Cannot believe United missed on Modric and Thiago on 3 season-lapse. Especially the pinnacle Modric reached now. We do need that type of midfielder like Kroos or Modric mould though - technical enough to be perfect in all 3 roles of midfield - as the deep-lying playmaker, the box-to-box or the No. 10. Gundogan would also be great thereby - and if Kroos deal fails, I wouldn't mind going for Gundogan by perhaps forcing Dortmund's hand with a Kagawa+cash deal.

I'd also like Strootman. He'll add some steel in this midfield, with Carrick aging and especially if Van Gaal reverts to 4-3-3. Him being Dutch would be really good too. Carvalho from Sporting is another nice alternative.

I don't want another striker though. Even if Chicharito leaves, bidding for Muller, Benzema or Cavani wouldn't make much sense.

We need a winger more than a No. 10 or striker. I don't quite understand the want to retain Nani though. Valencia is a good squad rotation player. Nani is off-form. Young should be offloaded quickier than Sir Alex works on his chewing gum. Januzaj will improve a lot. We have pretty good young prospects. On that note, I'd rather buy a speedster winger having a great crossing completion percentage with good finishing. Reus obviously would be the dream signing. Robben is simply a rumor that luckily won't happen, and I'm glad of that.

But even if a complete revamp is not possible, I still hope they manage to buy the defensive and midfield targets. Offensive-wise, United can do things well, with more discipline and rutheless than past season. And I'd expect that to be the case under Van Gaal.

David Luiz to PSG - overpriced obviously. But if PSG is going to snap Daniel Alves, that could make a solid Brazilian backline with Alvez-Luiz-Silva.



Lol, I can agree even if Fellaini has been integral part of their qualifying campaign and actually did some good things. But with the form Fellaini is on, I don't see him being a starter in the 11.

First of all that statement about young loooool >_> i thought united fans had began to appreciate him, if it was cleverly you were talking about or felliani i would understand as they performances haven't exactly been the greatest but lets see things pan out. Manchester united should not make a shame out of themselves as they did last summer transfer window with their failure to capture thiago or fabregas or even herrera whose deal was reportedly supposed to be done but something happened the same goes for coentrao You guys are no longer a top side in the premier league and despite united still being the biggest team in England it would be easier for players to say no to you now that you aren't participating in any european competitions than before so it is wise to go for realistic targets such as herrera a young and very talented midfielder from bilbao who has impressed this season and has guided his team to a champions league spot or koke another talented midfielder with pace and talent and who plays passionately for his team, he is able to track back when needed and help in the counter attack as seen in champions league games against Barcelona and Chelsea and he is also capable of commanding the midfield which together make him a perfect choice for united. However, those two players wont come cheap and i don't see any of them getting sold for anything less than 30million euros so united might opt for someone cheaper and still of very good quality such as vidal or pogba although i doubt pogba would ever want to go back to a club who sold him and never gave him a real shot. As for defensively i still think leighton banes or coentrao would be a better choice than luke shaw as both are very experienced and are also very good on the break, particularly banes who is amazing at set-pieces and is a good free-kick/penalty kick tacker and as seen from gerrard in Liverpool it is imperative a topside has a player such as that.

I agree with you as i dont see the urgent need for a striker at united neither do i see the need for the purchase of a winger, janujaz should be given more playing time next season and zaha who was never really given a chance under moyes should be recalled as both are talented players and in time can develop into key players in this united team especially the young belgian. Although if you take into account that vanpersie is turning 31 this august and is aging along with rooney who still 28 tends to get injured, leaving the striking position to danny welbeck who as seen in the united quarter final clash against bayern munich isn't exactly the most efficient striker to have. Selling hernandez is a shame and a big loss to united i hope he goes to a team such as athletico whose good counter attacking play would suit him in my opinion, and as for center back hummels or mangala would be good although hummels seems to be injury prone and not as good as he was last year, but still good enough.

To be honest now that i think of it maybe david luiz going to PSG was a blessing in disguise, as much as he is a good player he is also a liability in defense and tends to good forward too many times and with a shaky defense such as barcas i doubt another player such as that might be what we need, the rumor is that due to the purchase of luiz PSG would be willing to negotiate with barca for marquinhos who we missed out on last year. Lool I also heard a rumor linking alex song to united xD what do you make of it? haha