Wednesday, April 25, 2007

UCL Semis

Manchester United vs AC Milan was quite something!

Milan started badly with Dida making a costly error in judgement that gifted ManU an opening goal after just 6 minutes.
ManU upped the tempo after that, looking to see if AC Milan could withstand their fast wingers in Giggs and Ronaldo. However, AC Milan are not joint top winners of the UCL with Real Madrid for nothing as they seemed unfazed by the deficit and continued with their calm approach.
Kaka showed why he alongside with Ronaldo are regarded as the top players in the world currently, by easing past Heinze in the ManU defense and placing a well taken goal. Kaka then took full advantage of two ManU players colliding while going for the same ball and placed the ball underneath van der sar for his 9th UCL goal.
From that point until the hour mark, it looked like AC Milan could always score when they wished. AC Milan veteran Paolo Maldini had to leave the game at half time and Gattuso seemed to have picked up a foot injury and had to leave. This seemed to create more space in the centre of the Milan defence and a moment of brilliance from Paul Scholes allowed Rooney to make it 2-2.
Milan seemed content to hold on for the draw but an uncharacteristic blunder allowed Giggs to pick out Rooney on the right who took it first time for a superb goal
One of the best games I have seen this year. It almost felt like the final :)

Chelsea vs Liverpool

On current form, I'd favour Liverpool. Chelsea are still to lose at home this season. Tottenham somehow blew a 3 goal lead against Chelsea in the FA Cup at Stamford bridge this season.
Chelsea have several players on yellow cards. The form of Liverpool's midfield will be key.
Chelsea however have that never say die attitude such that you can never write them off... even if they are 3 goals down. Same applies to Liverpool too.

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