***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (6 Viewers)

[JMon348]

... Vic Valdes...

? Never seen him called that.

Pssh you're crazy.I really hope Bob van Persie is able to go on Tuesday though.

RVP probably won't play, might be available as a sub. Walcott is out. Cesc, Song, and Wilshere are up in the air.

 

[Steve Tasker]

... Vic Valdes...

? Never seen him called that.

Pssh you're crazy.I really hope Bob van Persie is able to go on Tuesday though.

RVP probably won't play, might be available as a sub. Walcott is out. Cesc, Song, and Wilshere are up in the air.

Really? Those last three are crucial - especially Frank Fabregas and Al Song. Hope they can go for sure...

 

[JMon348]

... Vic Valdes...

? Never seen him called that.

Pssh you're crazy.I really hope Bob van Persie is able to go on Tuesday though.

RVP probably won't play, might be available as a sub. Walcott is out. Cesc, Song, and Wilshere are up in the air.

Really? Those last three are crucial - especially Frank Fabregas and Al Song. Hope they can go for sure...

 

[El Floppo]

... Vic Valdes...

? Never seen him called that.

Pssh you're crazy.I really hope Bob van Persie is able to go on Tuesday though.

RVP probably won't play, might be available as a sub. Walcott is out. Cesc, Song, and Wilshere are up in the air.

Really? Those last three are crucial - especially Frank Fabregas and Al Song. Hope they can go for sure...

Steve hitting the sauce early today.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Taylor Twellman has been hired by the Union to be their color guy this year on local telecasts. He was also hired by ESPN to be a studio analyst and will also do a few games with Ian Darke.

Good for Taylor. He is green but in the few times I have heard him on color he has talent.

Lots and lots of questions by NE fans trying to understand how the Kraft's could not carve out space for their greatest player and best known player ever in their organization.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Interesting interview with Tab Ramos on youth soccer in the US

 

[Steve Tasker]

AMSTERDAM – Freddy Adu played the hero on Sunday, booting Çaykur Rizespor up to second place in the Turkish second flight with a terrific individual goal, claiming a 1-0 victory over Gaziantep BB.Just after the half hour, the Benfica loanee received on the turn at the top right of the area, then fired a one-hopper inside the far post from 20 yards.Adu has now bagged a goal and an assist in his first three games with Rizespor, while the team has collected seven points to take hold of an automatic promotion place. Rizespor are one point off the league summit.Up a flight in the Süper Lig, Jozy Altidore accidentally assisted on the opener, but Bursaspor were eventually forced to settle for a 1-1 home draw with İstanbul BB.Eight minutes before the break, the US striker's low shot from above the area was smothered by teammate Pablo Batalla, who then buried an easy goal from the doorstep. Over the rest of an active 65-minute shift, Altidore worked the opposing keeper three times and nodded another chance just wide.Over in the Scottish Premier League, Maurice Edu was a consistent threat in attack as second place Rangers cut their title deficit on archrivals Celtic to five points with a 1-0 triumph at St. Mirren.Danish SAS Liga play resumed on Sunday as well, with Clarence Goodson making his Brondby debut with a physical 90-minute display in their 1-1 derby draw with Lyngby.Michael Parkhurst was also in action, going the distance in central defense as FC Nordsjælland dropped a humbling 4-0 decision at Randers FC.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Philly people>what is the ticket situation like for Union games? I'm looking at, specifically, Friday July 29th vs. Colorado. My friends and I are tossing around the idea of a Philly weekend, and both the Union and Phillies are at home that weekend.

How hard is it to get tickets? Assume 4-5 tickets together, not looking for prime seating, but prefer not to be behind a net or in a children's section or something....

Thanks in advance...

 

[NewlyRetired]

AMSTERDAM – Freddy Adu played the hero on Sunday, booting Çaykur Rizespor up to second place in the Turkish second flight with a terrific individual goal, claiming a 1-0 victory over Gaziantep BB.Just after the half hour, the Benfica loanee received on the turn at the top right of the area, then fired a one-hopper inside the far post from 20 yards.Adu has now bagged a goal and an assist in his first three games with Rizespor, while the team has collected seven points to take hold of an automatic promotion place. Rizespor are one point off the league summit.

That was a lovely goal by Adu...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT6TF_G9B0s

 

[El Floppo]

Interesting interview with Tab Ramos on youth soccer in the US

Maybe doesn't say anything that we've all thought- but he puts it out there clearly and... well... awesomely. That was a great read, andy, and a must for anybody with a kid playing ball right now.

 

[El Floppo]

AMSTERDAM – Freddy Adu played the hero on Sunday, booting Çaykur Rizespor up to second place in the Turkish second flight with a terrific individual goal, claiming a 1-0 victory over Gaziantep BB.Just after the half hour, the Benfica loanee received on the turn at the top right of the area, then fired a one-hopper inside the far post from 20 yards.Adu has now bagged a goal and an assist in his first three games with Rizespor, while the team has collected seven points to take hold of an automatic promotion place. Rizespor are one point off the league summit.

That was a lovely goal by Adu...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT6TF_G9B0s

Good goal- thanks for the link and update, andy and Steve. Pretty poor defending though- Freddy didn't have to do anything on the turn to beat his guy who gave him room without contact... but still well done by Freddy.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Philly people>what is the ticket situation like for Union games? I'm looking at, specifically, Friday July 29th vs. Colorado. My friends and I are tossing around the idea of a Philly weekend, and both the Union and Phillies are at home that weekend.How hard is it to get tickets? Assume 4-5 tickets together, not looking for prime seating, but prefer not to be behind a net or in a children's section or something....Thanks in advance...

I don't think you'll have too much of a problem, especially if you grab them early. The home opener vs Vancouver is sold out, the NY game will probably sell out soon if it's not already, but a Friday night in late July against Colorado will probably have a few tix available.ETA- I would suggest looking for seats in sideline sections 103-105 if you can. 1) you'll get a good backdrop view of the Commodore Barry Bridge. 2). May not be as big of a deal since it's a night game, but those sections get late afternoon shade. And 3). You're not in the River End but you're near it, so you'll get the good atmosphere of the Sons of Ben, Tammany Saints etc.

 

[bentley]

Suck it, Mancs.

 

[scoobygang]

... Vic Valdes...

? Never seen him called that.

Pssh you're crazy.I really hope Bob van Persie is able to go on Tuesday though.

RVP probably won't play, might be available as a sub. Walcott is out. Cesc, Song, and Wilshere are up in the air.

Really? Those last three are crucial - especially Frank Fabregas and Al Song. Hope they can go for sure...

You dare to diss Jackson Wilshere III?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Interesting interview with Tab Ramos on youth soccer in the US

Maybe doesn't say anything that we've all thought- but he puts it out there clearly and... well... awesomely. That was a great read, andy, and a must for anybody with a kid playing ball right now.

His point about parents getting in the way likely pertain to many sports, not just soccer as well.Just great to see players like Ramos and Reyna having a chance to mold the next generation of kids.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Not sure if there are any Peter King readers here but his popular Monday Morning Quarterback article is going to have a soccer slant to it.

Peter is a fan of the Sounders and has an interview with Kasey Keller about Cohen's affect on settling the MLS labor issues.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Assuming this report is true, this could be another excellent Colombian signing by the league. Dallas certainly has had some solid Colombians over the years.

I wish the league would target more of these young players, even if they are relatively expensive

http://www.bigdsoccer.com/2011/3/6/2034171/breaking-news-fabian-castillo-deal-finalized

 

[El Floppo]

Assuming this report is true, this could be another excellent Colombian signing by the league. Dallas certainly has had some solid Colombians over the years.I wish the league would target more of these young players, even if they are relatively expensivehttp://www.bigdsoccer.com/2011/3/6/2034171/breaking-news-fabian-castillo-deal-finalized

Yeah, see- I'd like the StarReds to go after a guy like this instead of middling European players from middling leagues.

 

[B Maverick]

Arsenal has the amazing knack to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I would love to see a two horse race, but this team simply doesn't have the capability to run with United. They have the talent, but they don't have the heart or the experience.

I wouldnt be so sure.....

With Liverpool beating ManU, the top of the table became interesting again.Arsenal is obviously not playing well but ManU has been giving up points lately, particularly away from home. Out of the last 18 possible away points, ManU has only managed to grab 7.Arsenal is now only 3 points back and has a game in hand.

AND United have to go to the Emirates and still host the 2nd game vs Chelsea. Arsenal do have Liverpool and Tottenham. I am not sure who has the better road. Sadly, the winner of Sat's FA Cup tie may be better off for a EPL run with less games to play. CL results may factor too. On the plus side, Rio is scheduled back for Sat and Vidic will be back as well, so that helps.United:Mar 12 12:15 PM ET Manchester United v Arsenal Old Trafford FA Cup (Quarter-finals) Mar 15 3:45 PM ET Manchester United v Marseille Old Trafford Champions League (Round of 16) Mar 19 11:00 AM ET Manchester United v Bolton Wanderers Old Trafford Premier League Apr 2 7:45 AM ET West Ham United v Manchester United Upton Park Premier League Apr 9 10:00 AM ET Manchester United v Fulham Old Trafford Premier League Apr 16 7:45 AM ET Newcastle United v Manchester United St James' Park Premier League Apr 23 7:45 AM ET Manchester United v Everton Old Trafford Premier League May 1 9:05 AM ET Arsenal v Manchester United Emirates Stadium Premier League May 7 10:00 AM ET Manchester United v Chelsea Old Trafford Premier League May 14 10:00 AM ET Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United Ewood Park Premier League May 22 11:00 AM ET Manchester United v Blackpool Old Trafford Premier League Arsenal:Mar 8 2:45 PM ET Barcelona v Arsenal Camp Nou Champions League (Round of 16) Mar 12 12:15 PM ET Manchester United v Arsenal Old Trafford FA Cup (Quarter-finals) Mar 19 11:00 AM ET West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal The Hawthorns Premier League Apr 2 12:30 PM ET Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers Emirates Stadium Premier League Apr 10 8:30 AM ET Blackpool v Arsenal Bloomfield Road Premier League Apr 17 11:00 AM ET Arsenal v Liverpool Emirates Stadium Premier League Apr 20 2:45 PM ET Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal White Hart Lane Premier League Apr 24 11:00 AM ET Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal Reebok Stadium Premier League May 1 9:05 AM ET Arsenal v Manchester United Emirates Stadium Premier League May 7 10:00 AM ET Stoke City v Arsenal Britannia Stadium Premier League May 14 10:00 AM ET Arsenal v Aston Villa Emirates Stadium Premier League May 22 11:00 AM ET Fulham v Arsenal Craven Cottage Premier League Congrats to Liverpool, they deserved to win yesterday. And even though they should have seen red for the hit on Nani, i do not think United would have come back on them. (and yes rooney should have seen red two games ago for his elbow and suarez(?) should have seen red for chelsea last week) And I said it earlier, but WES BROWN is crap beyond belief. PRAY FOR A HEALTHY RIO AND CONTINUED GOOD FORM BY VIDIC or United may not even come close to winning the EPL, CL or FA Cups.3 up on Arsenal (arsenal a game in hand)7 up on City9 up on Chelsea (chelsea a game in hand)12 up on Tott (Tott a game in hand)18 up on Liverpool

 

[Mjolnirs]

Van Gaal to leave Bayern

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal will leave the club at the end of the season, Bayern said on Monday after a string of bad results forced the German champions to act.

Dutchman Van Gaal’s contract was due to expire in 2012 but the team have slipped to fifth in the Bundesliga and the two parties agreed in a meeting on Monday that he would depart at the end of the current campaign.

He had extended his contract to 2012 in September.

A 3-1 defeat at Hanover 96 on Saturday was Bayern’s third straight loss in all competitions, their worst losing run since 2000.

“Louis van Gaal remains head coach until the end of the season. The original contract ending in 2012 is terminated after both parties agreed to it,” Bayern and the coach said in a joint statement.

“The reason for ending the contract (earlier) is the different views on the strategic positioning of the club.”

The brief announcement was a far cry from the huge street parties less than a year ago to celebrate the domestic league and cup double, with those titles seen by club bosses as the start of the “Van Gaal era”.

The 59-year-old former Barcelona and Netherlands manager, who also coached Ajax Amsterdam to the Champions League title, took charge last season and also steered the Bavarians to the Champions League final which they lost to Inter Milan.

Bayern have failed to replicate that form domestically this season. They are 19 points behind runaway leaders Borussia Dortmund and lost to Schalke 04 in the semi-finals of the German Cup last week.

It was not only on the pitch that Van Gaal failed to deliver. He was also involved in a very public war of words earlier this season with club president Uli Hoeness who called Van Gaal a “one-man show” who never took any advice.

“Our season’s targets have been put in question,” said Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “It is no doubt a very difficult situation but despite parting ways at the end of the season we agreed that we will deploy our joint forces to reach those targets.”

Bayern are still in the Champions League, facing holders Inter Milan in Munich next week for the second leg of their last 16 tie. Bayern won the first leg 1-0.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Assuming this report is true, this could be another excellent Colombian signing by the league. Dallas certainly has had some solid Colombians over the years.I wish the league would target more of these young players, even if they are relatively expensivehttp://www.bigdsoccer.com/2011/3/6/2034171/breaking-news-fabian-castillo-deal-finalized

FC Dallas is poised to be a long-term power in MLS. Their academy has already pumped out six homegrown players, and the DFW youth pipeline is immense. Now they just need people to show up to their games.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ticket sales for US Argie hit 44k

 

[El Floppo]

Ticket sales for US Argie hit 44k

I still want to go, but would have to go solo. Somehow, I've turned into a little girl about this.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Portland hit the 12k goal for season tickets. They have decided to open up 500 more seats for season ticket sales.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ticket sales for US Argie hit 44k

I still want to go, but would have to go solo. Somehow, I've turned into a little girl about this.

Sit with Sam's Army or the American Outlaws. Instead of being alone sit with 1000's of fun fans I did this numerous times in my younger days when following the team around the country.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The Dallas signing is confirmed. This is the type of kid MLS never gets over Europe. Very cool.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I believe I met one of the founders of Sam's Army last summer. I had no idea that they were founded locally before attracting such a huge following.

 

[NewlyRetired]

US Paraguay has hit 13k.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Ticket sales for US Argie hit 44k

I wish they'd stop with the Nat/MLS conflicts. I would love to shoot up to the Meadowlands for this, but no way I miss the Union home opener for a friendly, even Argentina.Bob Bradley can make it up to me though by calling in DeMerit and weakening Vancouver's backline that night.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I believe I met one of the founders of Sam's Army last summer. I had no idea that they were founded locally before attracting such a huge following.

yup. A whole bunch of us came up with the general idea way back in the rec.sport.soccer list in the early 90's, including the recently departed Dr Chris Allen (the soccer community lost one of its best fans a few weeks ago :( ).Marc Spacone and his brother then drove the idea to completion. Using Mark Wheelers very early web site for WC 1994, they were able to get the word out. I believe the Spacone's were from your area of the country.I was lucky enough to be a part of the very first Sam's Army setting in the old Foxboro stadium. The idea almost died before we got started. The game was against Nigeria if memory serves. We blocked out a small section of the stadium on the end line. We had planned to stand and cheer but immediately we were asked to sit down by security.You have never seen so many long faces. Our cool idea turned out to be a mess. At half time a few of us got up and walked to the end zone of where there was no one sitting (seats were not on sale in this section). We found one very helpful security guy who let us in. Everyone else who was stuck in the old area came over once they saw us in there.And low and behold, once we started making noise, a bunch of other fans who had no idea what we were also came to the area and the group grew through out the second half. The US won the game 3-2 with Cobi Jones scoring the winner in the 87th minute right in front of us. It could not have been scripted any better.The team celebrated with us after the game and Sam's Army was born.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I believe I met one of the founders of Sam's Army last summer. I had no idea that they were founded locally before attracting such a huge following.

yup. A whole bunch of us came up with the idea way back in the rec.sport.soccer list in the early 90's. Marc Spacone and his brother then drove the idea to completion. Using Mark Wheelers very early web site for WC 1994, they were able to get the word out. I believe the Spacone's were from your area of the country.I was lucky enough to be a part of the very first Sam's Army setting in the old Foxboro stadium. The idea almost died before we got started. The game was against Nigeria if memory serves. We blocked out a small section of the stadium on the end line. We had planned to stand and cheer but immediately we were asked to sit down by security.You have never seen so many long faces. Our cool idea turned out to be a mess. At half time a few of us got up and walked to the end zone of where there was no one sitting (seats were not on sale in this section). We found one very helpful security guy who let us in. Everyone else who was stuck in the old area came over once they saw us in there.And low and behold, once we started making noise, a bunch of other fans who had no idea what we were also came to the area and the group grew through out the second half. The US won the game 3-2 with Cobi Jones scoring the winner in the 87th minute right in front of us. It could not have been scripted any better.The team celebrated with us after the game and Sam's Army was born.

 

[Moe.]

I believe the draw for the Gold Cup is tomorrow, so we'll find out who plays where. There has been a push to try and get one of the US games in Kansas City at the new stadium. http://givekcajob.com/#

 

[Eephus]

I believe I met one of the founders of Sam's Army last summer. I had no idea that they were founded locally before attracting such a huge following.

yup. A whole bunch of us came up with the idea way back in the rec.sport.soccer list in the early 90's. Marc Spacone and his brother then drove the idea to completion. Using Mark Wheelers very early web site for WC 1994, they were able to get the word out. I believe the Spacone's were from your area of the country.I was lucky enough to be a part of the very first Sam's Army setting in the old Foxboro stadium. The idea almost died before we got started. The game was against Nigeria if memory serves. We blocked out a small section of the stadium on the end line. We had planned to stand and cheer but immediately we were asked to sit down by security.You have never seen so many long faces. Our cool idea turned out to be a mess. At half time a few of us got up and walked to the end zone of where there was no one sitting (seats were not on sale in this section). We found one very helpful security guy who let us in. Everyone else who was stuck in the old area came over once they saw us in there.And low and behold, once we started making noise, a bunch of other fans who had no idea what we were also came to the area and the group grew through out the second half. The US won the game 3-2 with Cobi Jones scoring the winner in the 87th minute right in front of us. It could not have been scripted any better.The team celebrated with us after the game and Sam's Army was born.

Cool story. Support of the national team has come a long way since then.

 

[bentley]

Walk on through the wind,

Walk on through the rain,

Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone,

You'll never walk alone.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ticket sales for US Argie hit 44k

I wish they'd stop with the Nat/MLS conflicts. I would love to shoot up to the Meadowlands for this, but no way I miss the Union home opener for a friendly, even Argentina.Bob Bradley can make it up to me though by calling in DeMerit and weakening Vancouver's backline that night.

It will be interesting to see what type of lineup Bradley calls in. 18 MLS teams are in play either on Friday or on Saturday (day of the Argie game).Is the 26th a FIFA international date? If so perhaps the majority of the team will be overseas players.

 

[Christo]

Carolina Challenge Cup pre-season tournament starts tonight here in Charleston.

Tonight's matches are Toronto FC v Chicago Fire and Charleston Battery v DC United.

Should be fun.

I just discovered what's going to get me to go to more Fire games!Luxury Bus Service to Chicago Fire home games - 2011!

Large, comfortable luxury buses with a bathroom for use only by it’s passengers! No more waiting in line for a portajohn at the stadium!

Tailgate at every game, hosted by the Section 8, the official supporters club of the Chicago Fire! (Weather permitting, of course. Donations appreciated)

Free beer on the bus!

Prices for the 2011 season are unchanged from the last three years at $17.50 for a seat on the bus and $35 for a seat on the bus AND a ticket to the game.

Don’t worry anymore about how to get to the game, paying for parking, not being able to drink, standing in line to buy a ticket and everything else! Just get the WCW luxury bus, and look forward to laughing with new friends, drinking beer and cheering on the team to glory.

These buses are 100% reliable. As soccer fans ourselves, we know how important this is. Tickets for this new service will be sold by pre-order on the site in advance only, and we will run as many buses as there is demand for.

That is a fantastic deal. I know the Section 8 guys are very organized. I assume they can pull off the free beer through some kind of sponsorship else this would have to be a money losing deal for them.

Just ordered my seat & ticket for the Galaxy game

 

[Steve Tasker]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

 

[JMon348]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

 

[Christo]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

Booooooooooo!

 

[Steve Tasker]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

Booooooooooo!

I'll believe it when I see it. Given Arsenal's recent history in the Champions League against Barcelona, I can't pick em to advance.

 

[Steve Tasker]

The Chaaaaaaaampioooooonnsssss

best post I've ever made at FBGs

 

[Christo]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

Booooooooooo!

I'll believe it when I see it. Given Arsenal's recent history in the Champions League against Barcelona, I can't pick em to advance.

Does Wenger have the balls to do away with the beautiful game for one match and bunker down looking for the scoreless draw?

 

[Christo]

The Chaaaaaaaampioooooonnsssss

best post I've ever made at FBGs

I'm taking the afternoon off just for this one.

 

[El Floppo]

The Chaaaaaaaampioooooonnsssss

best post I've ever made at FBGs

 

[The Z Machine]

The Chaaaaaaaampioooooonnsssss

best post I've ever made at FBGs

Agreed.

 

[Brady Marino]

Walk on through the wind,Walk on through the rain,Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.Walk on, walk onWith hope in your heartAnd you'll never walk alone,You'll never walk alone.

We need this kind of stuff at NFL games.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

Booooooooooo!

I'll believe it when I see it. Given Arsenal's recent history in the Champions League against Barcelona, I can't pick em to advance.

Does Wenger have the balls to do away with the beautiful game for one match and bunker down looking for the scoreless draw?

I doubt it. And easier said than done... Barca still managed to slip one in in the 2nd leg last year against Inter despite Mourinho using as negative tactics as I've ever seen.Arsenal's going to need to get that away goal somehow.

 

[El Floppo]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

Booooooooooo!

I'll believe it when I see it. Given Arsenal's recent history in the Champions League against Barcelona, I can't pick em to advance.

Does Wenger have the balls to do away with the beautiful game for one match and bunker down looking for the scoreless draw?

I doubt it. And easier said than done... Barca still managed to slip one in in the 2nd leg last year against Inter despite Mourinho using as negative tactics as I've ever seen.

Arsenal's going to need to get that away goal somehow.

Negative tactics true- down to 10 men for 60 minutes against Barca after that shameful Busqets display... I'm not sure what else Inter was supposed to do? Try to run and gun with Barcelona, down a man? That they only scored once is testament to a lot of heart, courage and work... and necessary negative tactics.But I agree- Arsenal is up against it if they only try to defend (which is a major difference between going into the 2nd leg up 2-1 vs 3-1) and need to treat the game as if they know that Barca will score, and so they themselves MUST also score.

This should be a good one.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

Booooooooooo!

I'll believe it when I see it. Given Arsenal's recent history in the Champions League against Barcelona, I can't pick em to advance.

Does Wenger have the balls to do away with the beautiful game for one match and bunker down looking for the scoreless draw?

I doubt it. And easier said than done... Barca still managed to slip one in in the 2nd leg last year against Inter despite Mourinho using as negative tactics as I've ever seen.Arsenal's going to need to get that away goal somehow.

Guus Hiddink's Chelsea team played a scoreless draw in the first leg at Camp Nou in 2009, which many people (most in this thread) thought a disgrace. I thought it was beautiful football, especially by Cech, Alex and Terry at the back and Mikel and Ballack choking Barca's midfield. That was the only game that season, in all competitions, in which Barca were held without a goal at home. Barca eventually went through when their only shot on goal in the return leg (in the 93rd minute) earned them a 1-1 draw and a spot in the final on the away goal, and they went on to beat ManU in the title game.

 

[Slapdash]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

Booooooooooo!

I'll believe it when I see it. Given Arsenal's recent history in the Champions League against Barcelona, I can't pick em to advance.

Does Wenger have the balls to do away with the beautiful game for one match and bunker down looking for the scoreless draw?

I doubt it. And easier said than done... Barca still managed to slip one in in the 2nd leg last year against Inter despite Mourinho using as negative tactics as I've ever seen.Arsenal's going to need to get that away goal somehow.

Negative tactics true- down to 10 men for 60 minutes against Barca after that shameful Busqets display... I'm not sure what else Inter was supposed to do? Try to run and gun with Barcelona, down a man? That they only scored once is testament to a lot of heart, courage and work... and necessary negative tactics.

Let's not pretend that Inter's negative play only started when they went down a man, they came out of the gates parking the bus and time-wasting.