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| [photo by Mick Baker] |
- by Hiten Mandalia, writing from West London
Manchester United have been regarded as the underdogs as the current Barcelona team are arguably regarded as one of the best clubs teams of all time. Both teams go into the final in good form, as both have won their respective leagues and both teams are injury free.
Manchester United have a solid goalkeeper in Van Der Sar in what proves to be his last professional game before he retires. They also have two of the best centre backs in the world in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Man United have a good defence, arguably better then Barcelona’s, but Barcelona have a better midefield and the likes of Messi, Villa and Pedro in what proves to be a devastating front three.
Compare that to United, with Rooney, Berbatov and Hernandez, who has impressed in his debut season for the Red Devils. However, this is where the real test lies for Man United. The biggest club competition in the world, and against arguably, the greatest team in the world. They know they’ll be playing without the ball for large amounts of the game, so discipline will prove to an important factor.
The battle where the match could be won and lost is in midfield. Barcelona possess top quality players in the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, while Man United have Fletcher and Anderson who like the physical battles, Valenica has the pace, Giggs has the ability to tun past players, but I think the most important player for the Red Devils will be Ji-Sung Park. He will run for 90 minutes and his work ethic is second to none. Alex Ferguson know that he will get the best out of Park, and Barcelona may find it difficult to cope with him.
It will be difficult for both teams to contain one another as they both play football the right way. Barcelona dominate possession and timely build up a team goal or sometimes, an individual moment of brilliance. On the other hand, Man United are known for there devastating counter attacking football, and they may do that against Barcelona. They may consume all the pressure from Barcelona, before breaking on a counter attack, which may leave the Barcelona defence vunlerable.
Ferguson has said that they won’t be going into the game looking for revenge after their 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in the 2009 final in Rome. He admitted he knew where he went wrong and they’re better prepared this time round. Ferdinand said that the wound from the defeat two years ago is still fresh, but he is focused on winning the trophy, and not getting revenge.
All the pre match build has been pleasant, with players and managers praising there opponents. There has been no signs of nerves or pressure in any of the camps, as it feels both teams are looking forward to Saturday evening.
Both sets of supporters from around the world are waiting anxiously for this match. For neutrals, it’ll be a match they’ll savour. A match that they can sit back and enjoy, and hope for a good show.
The Catalan giants against the Red Devils, the La Liga Champions against the Premier League Champions, Guardiola taking on Ferguson, Messi versus Rooney. The final has all the ingredients to make it a classic.
