UEFA Champions League 2011: 5 Things We Can Expect from the Final
Manchester United enters their game against Barcelona as underdogs and will head into the monumental match with this premise. While victory for the Champions of England does seem a daunting task, world football has witnessed many upsets.
Ironically, one of such upsets was conducted between the same two rivals. Manchester were the undoubted favorites at the time, and now the roles have been reversed. Therefore, it can be easily deduced that such an occurrence may prove itself prevalent once more.
The team that lost in Rome is looking for vindication and is fully prepared to work for the desired result. Barcelona's aim is to recapture the trophy and thus the dominance that it entails. Despite the backdrop of recent events, it can be postulated with relative certainty that a certain set of events will transpire over the course of the upcoming match on Saturday.
Barcelona Will Dominate Possession
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Barcelona will almost certainly dominate possession this game just like any other game they have played this season. This team exhibits a style of play that is widely renowned for its innovation and manipulation of the football.
To accomplish this, the side nearly always dominates possession by a healthy margin. Teams that have attempted to challenge this given have been rudely surprised. The truth is that Barcelona, to employ their mesmerizing tactics, keep the ball consistently. Manchester United is likely to realize this and it would be folly for Sir Alex Ferguson to pursue victory in this respective category.
There are some who optimistically claim that the possession stats will be closer than expected. This bold statement is backed with the evidence that both teams attempt to play attractive football. However, the Manchester United team certainly realizes that conceding defeat in this category is inevitable. They would be much better suited working in tandem as a solid defensive unit to halt the Barcelona team then catch them off guard with a swift counter-attack.
Manchester United Will Counter-Attack
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The current and present iteration of this Manchester United side is highly organized and especially versed in the counter-attack. Their team is comprised of many hard-working players who will work selflessly to for the benefit of the team.
Upon winning the ball, Manchester will likely attempt to catch the solid Barcelona defense off guard. With overwhelming speed on the flanks, especially in the form of Antonio Valencia, the Man United squad can instigate quick plays on the outside of the pitch.
With adequate service, stellar forwards such as Wayne Rooney and youthful Javier Hernandez may snatch an unexpected goal from the current favorites. This would be an excellent way to expose Barcelona and if executed seamlessly would provide Manchester United with an optimal chance at victory.
Barcelona Will Dive
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With all the Beauty the Barcelona squad brings to world football, it is certainly sad that such greatness is countered by widespread controversy. This has stemmed from allegedly dubious tactics employed by the Barcelona team to further their cause for victory.
One of such is the frequent diving and play-acting by Barca players in an effort to con the referee. Frequently, these appeals for pity are a result of fouls from the opposition. Sadly, however, the team has been found guilty of simulating on numerous occasions.
It is likely that Barcelona will continue this policy in the final. Despite the sorrow of such an undeniable truth, it is likely probable that Barca will continue in their repeated attempts to trick the referee. This comes as a result of Manchester's physical dominance, which will force the Barca players to diving in order to level the playing field.
An early yellow to one of the defenders must also be on the back of the team's mind as this would undeniably limit Manutd's capacity to defend with prior vigor. Diving is certainly a sad spectacle. Many hope that Barca limits such unsportsmanlike tactics. However, this is highly unlikely and it is probable that Barcelona will do just the opposite.
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The Referee Will Be Influential
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Often, games involving tightly matched teams are decided by the smallest of decisions. Such decisions are made by referees every day. While it is sad to recognize this, but often times the biggest of games are decided by minute and controversial decisions. Many times the call is too tight. These instances are understandable but it is moments when the referee is blatantly incorrect in their judgement that ruin the fun of the game.
Many sides feel hard-done by incorrect referee decisions that have become more and more a central issue as of late. Current indicators suggest that Manchester United is the team that should be worried.
This is fueled by beliefs that referees blatantly favor Barcelona in big matches. While a conspiracy is not very likely, the Barca players craft situations that place them in the ref's side. In short, they have learned to master the ref. Such a process includes both simulation and the rushing of the referee from the whole team after questionable calls. It is through these deliberate tactics that Barca win many controversial calls and why it seems they always get them.
Without a doubt the referee will play a significant role in this final. The game will be close and as usual and Barcelona will attempt to con the referee once more. This, coupled with the fact that the game is already likely to be close, provide a situation where the blowing of the whistle could decide the trophy holders of the 2010-2011 Champions League.
A Good Game
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This last slide serves as a testament to both sides in the final. Both teams should be lauded for the work in progressing this far in the Champions League.
While Barcelona is undoubtedly the more attractive of the two in terms of entertainment, the Manchester team certainly exhibits its fair share of entertainment. Both teams work hard and play a style of football that has been applauded by various fans and critics worldwide.
With both teams ultimately trying to play football, it is almost certain we are set for a treat. Brace yourselves for this upcoming game because according to Sir Alex Ferguson, "It really could be the best final of the decade. The attraction of two teams with such history is obvious. Anything could happen in this game."
We certainly hope the game lives up to the hype, regardless of the eventual result.
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