Recap: Manchester United vs. Olympique Lyonnais

Manchester United advanced to the Quarterfinals of the Champions League by defeating perennial French champions Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford on Tuesday. While many expected an offensive showdown (including yours truly), the defenses of both sides dominated the affair with stellar play. Captain Ferdinand and his central defensive partner created a seemingly impenetrable fortress that allowed Lyon only one real chance over the ninety minutes. Lyon’s defense welcomed this season’s captain, defensive stalwart Cris, back into the lineup. Cris demonstrated no signs of rust and he and Frenchman Toto Squillaci played flawlessly in the back, limiting Manchester United’s chances and shut down Manchester United’s strikeforce Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez (aka “Team Handsome”). As predicted, Cristiano Ronaldo made the difference. Lyon defender Francois Clerc misjudged a corner, and Cristiano Ronaldo maintained his composure to put his side ahead.

Manchester United had the lion’s share of the possession in the first half, holding the ball in Lyon’s half for long stretches of time, but were unable to outfox Cris and Squillaci, whereas the Lyonnais offense looked listless. Other than a few set pieces and a rocket from Kim Kallstrom, Lyon was unable to create anything remotely resembling a chance. The second half commenced, and it looked as if OL’s mentality had changed. The offense looked far less vapid, as Juninho, Ben Arfa, Govou, and Benzema looked sprightly. Unfortunately, after roughly the 60^th minute mark, OL seemed to slip into a complacent mode. Coach Alain Perrin wisely introduced the mercurial Abdelkader Keita. The Ivorian winger looked lively with some brilliant interchanges with his Lyonnais teammates, in particular a one-two with Karim Benzema that resulted in Keita firing against the post, the closest Lyon came to scoring. However, the last ten minutes were truly disappointing, as the Rhône-Alpes side appeared to lack the impetus of motivation and were unable to progress to the next round.

Man of the Match: Lyon’s central defender Cris. Cris, who has only played in one match in the past six months, stymied Wayne Rooney, not an easy task especially after such a long absence. As well, there was nothing he could do about the goal scored. Speaking of, Cristiano Ronaldo comes in a close second. His goal was obviously decisive, and his first twenty minutes were spectacular, but he was a non factor for the rest of the match. As well, in the last few minutes , wide spaces opened up as Lyon pressed more men forward, but Ronaldo was unable to exploit these gaps. In all, CR7 produced a good performance, but not a spectacular one.

Biggest Disappointment: Juninho. If Olympique Lyonnais were to win this tie, Juninho would have to be an integral contributor. Unfortunately for the Lyonnais faithful, Juninho simply didn’t show up. In the first half, he did produce a great coup-franc from about 45 metres, but it was cleared without much fanfare by the Manchester defense. In the second half, when Lyon needed him the most, Juninho did not construct any meaningful build-ups. The onus, as captain of the side, of creating a goal was on his shoulders, and when the opportunity presented itself in the form of a 30-metre free kick, Juninho let loose arguably his worst of the year, letting it sail deep into the crowd. Juninho is a magnificent player, and was absolutely fundamental to everything Lyon has achieved this decade, but his performance this evening was lamentable. Later this week: Lyon’s European Eulogy.

Preview: Manchester United vs. Olympique Lyonnais

Tomorrow’s clash at Old Trafford looks to be another enthralling match up between two European football powerhouses. I’m here to offer a few opinions on potential outcomes of tomorrow’s match and highlight some key match-ups for both clubs.

ManYoo: Obviously, with an away goal in their pocket, Manchester United is in the driver’s seat. If the Reds are going to pull this one out Hargreaves (or Carrick) will need to have a solid performance and ensure that Juninho’s influence and Ben Arfa’s dribbles are kept to a minimum. For me, the most unpredictable player in the side could be Rio Ferdinand. Some days he looks as if he could contain a frontline of Zidane, Pele, and Maradonna singlehandedly, and others he looks like a pub league player. If he can play like the former, and not the latter, I think it’ll be tough for Lyon to break through their defense as Vidic looks as formidable as ever. As well, Wes Brown needs to refrain from committing boneheaded fouls within thirty metres, as allowing Juninho a set piece from that distance is not advisable from the United perspective. On the offensive end, Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance depends a lot on what line up Lyon fields. Last game, Lyon opted to bench Ben Arfa in favor of playing the defensive-minded Francois Clerc on the wing, essentially double-teaming Cristiano Ronaldo. With all that attention, CRonaldo did not have an outstanding performance, but that was to be expected. If Ben Arfa starts, I predict Cristiano Ronaldo to put on a spectacular display. Finally, if I were Sir Alex, I’d start both Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Lyon defense looked to be at sixes and sevens when both mercurial wingers were on the pitch at the same time. If ManU are able to keep possession in Lyon’s half, keep fouls in the danger zone to a minimum, and find space for their pacy wingers, look for Manchester United to extend their home win-streak in European competition.

OL: L’Olympique Lyonnais are in a much more precarious position than their English counterparts. For Lyon to progress, they need to score goals. This proves to be quite the predicament, because if Lyon fields an offensively-minded side, this could potentially allow ManU to run riot. However, I feel Lyon’s defense is not strong enough to sit back and withstand pressure. Lyon HAS to score at least one goal, and that probably won’t suffice. Lyon’s defense must play infallibly. Boumsong had a near flawless performance in the first leg, and that’ll be the bare minimum for this match if OL are to progress. Naturally, Toto Squillaci and Clerc must have big games in order to prevent Rooney and Ronaldo, respectively, from wreaking havoc. Ideally, OL would have liked to have entered this match with a lead, but as this is not the case, Lyon needs to start multiple forwards (though conventional wisdom says to start only one on the road). Fred has been in fine form of late, and the precocious Karim Benzema’s reputation for class in front of goal is well-known. I think Lyon’s best bet is to engage in an offensive shoot-out with Manchester United, and field a line-up that includes Benzema, Fred, Ben Arfa, and Juninho, (perhaps at the expense of Sidney Govou). If Lyon’s offense looks stagnant going into the second half, look for Keita to enter the match. He had a phenomenal African Nations Cup for the Ivory Coast, and this sort of scenario could be ideal for him to break out of his funk. In sum, considering Ben Arfa’s potential for individual brilliance with his mazy runs, Benzema’s finishing touch, and Juninho’s penchant for immaculate free kicks means OL will always have a chance, but not if they sit back and wait for Manchester to bring the game to them.

My Prediction: Manchester squeezes by, 3-2.

The best of luck, and Allez l’OL!

Champions League Round of 16 Preview

(I wrote this before the round commenced, and even though my predictions were a little high on the goals scored side, I’ll stand by what I wrote)

The only thing that can cheer me up after saying goodbye to the African Nations Cup is a comprehensive guide to the knockout stages of the CL! This round of 16 offers up 8 tremendous matchups and for those of you unfamiliar with the system, here’s how it works. Each team plays one leg away and one at home, and the leader in the aggregate (combined) score, wins. If the score is tied, then the team with the most away goals prevails. If they are tied on away goals, an extra time is played. The first round of matches will be played mid-week, so I’ll offer up a few predictions (all are aggregate score) that are guaranteed to be mostly incorrect.

1. Liverpool vs. Internazionale- This match would appear to be relatively easy to prognosticate. Internazionale has yet to lose this year in Italy’s Serie A competition, a streak that extends 23 games. Liverpool, looks to be in complete disarray, as they have been all but mathematically eliminated from the Premiership title, and were knocked out of the FA Cup this weekend by lowly Barnesly. However, Inter Milan traditionally struggles in the late stages of the Champions League and Liverpool frequently thrives, making it to two of the past three finals. Especially now that Liverpool only has the CL to play for, I think (as much as it pains me because I despise ‘pool) Liverpool will shock Internazionale in a close, two leg encounter. Prediction: Liverpool advance on the away goals rule, 3-3.

2. Roma vs. Real Madrid- This is another enticing match-up pitting two quality sides against one another. Roma has had a tremendous season thusfar, but I feel their defense is susceptible. This seems like a ludicrous assertion since the team has only given up a handful of goals in the new year. I contest that their defense is well equipped to defend against the slow pace of Italian attacks, but I see the speed of Real Madrid being too much to handle for Roma, whose back line consists of the error-prone Mexès, the offensive-minded Cicinho, and the aging Pannuci. Real Madrid, on the other hand, has gone to great lengths to shore up a defense that was one once of the most porous in the Champions League. Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro and upstart Sergio Ramos play cohesively in the back, while veteran defender Gabriel Heinze provides added stability. Not to mention, Real’s forwards Raul, van Nistelrooy, and Robinho are three of the best on the planet. Look for Real to progress. Prediction: Real Madrid 4 – 2 Roma

3. Schalke 04 vs. FC Porto- This match will be one of the most difficult to predict, as Porto and Schalke are two of the sides that receive the least attention in the European media. A side like Porto is difficult to gauge because their domestic competition is minimal, so its often hard to determine their true form. I’m reticent to pick Porto, because they haven’t faced a true challenge since Champions League group play, and I suspect they will underestimate their legitimately talented opposition, perennial German contender, Schalke. Schalke will benefit from flying under the European radar, in addition to being very well rested. The German Bundasliga takes most of the month of January off, but one mustn’t worry about rust, as Schalke have overcome two difficult opposition sides since the break(Stuttgart and a derby triumph over Dortmund). Schalke also plays some very physical football, which has flustered Portuguese sides in the past. Look for Schalke to scrape by in an upset. Prediction: Schalke 04 5 – 4 Porto

4. Olympiakos vs. Chelsea- This could be the least intriguing fixture of the matchday. Olympiakos have shown tremendous heart to advance this far in the tournament, but they will be far outclassed by the wealthy west Londoners. The return of Essien, Drogba and Kalou from national team duty, and talisman John Terry’s recovery from a foot injury will serve to reinforce an incredibly skilled side. Chelsea to win in a walkover. Prediction: Olympiakos 1 – 5 Chelsea.

5. Arsenal vs. AC Milan- Both of these teams are reeling. Milan has had two disappointing draws on the trot (including to lowly Communists, Livorno) and Arsenal was embarassed on the weekend by a seemingly invincible Manchester United side, 4-0. Arsenal’s domestic league form however has been remarkable, so I’m leaning towards Arsenal if Adebayor is declared fit. He’s scored 19 goals this season, and is a matchup nightmare for the lead-footed, elderly Milan defense. Offensively, Kaka and his new partner in crime Alexandre “the Duck” Pato will ask questions of the Arsenal defense, but the central pairing of Gallas and Touré will not be penetrated too often, offering the Rossoneri few chances. Arsenal 3 – 2 Milano

6. Celtic vs. Barcelona- (Caution, partisan perspective!) As an American of Irish descent (more on that later), I consider myself somewhat of a Celtic fan. But I have to admit their chances in this one are slim. But there is some good news for the side: Scottish League Player of the Year Shunsuke “The Snuke” Nakamura has returned from injury. If Celtic has a prayer of winning, the Japanese midfielder is the key, due to his brilliant set-piece ability. Any foul within thirty metres means The Snuke has a chance to unleash his extremely accurate left-foot. If Celtic maintains an extremely physical match, this could disrupt Barca’s game plan (this strategy worked effectively for cross-town rivals Glasgow Rangers during the first round against Barcelona). Unfortunately for those of us who support Celtic, Barcelona possesses three of the best offensive geniuses in the world in Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, and Leo Messi (fledglings Serbo-Spaniard Bojan Krkic and Brazilian-Mexican Geovanni also provide spectacular reinforcements to an already stacked offense). Their mazy runs and brilliant flicks will ask many questions of the Celtic defense, but I see their physicality stymieing the vast majority of these approaches; however, the inevitable breaches will be enough to sink Celtic. Prediction: Celtic 1 – 3 Barcelona

7. Fenerbahce vs. FC Sevilla- Fenerbahce is probably the worst side to make it to the knock-out phase. They have a decent attack led by Brazilians Alex and Roberto Carlos (technically a defender, but let’s be honest) but their defense is traditionally deplorable, and has a tendency to give up a large number of goals to stronger European opposition with dynamic offenses. Though Sevilla’s offense has sputtered of late, I see the likes of African POY Fredi Kanouté and lively wingback Dani Alves wreakin havoc on the Istanbul side’s defense. Fener 2 – 6 FC Sevilla

8. Olympique Lyonnais vs. Manchester United- (Caution: even more of a partisan perspective!) Though most pundits are quick to dismiss this matchup as a likely rout, I personally think this will be a close, energetic encounter between two European heavyweights. Recent off-field developments have generated even more tension, as Manyoo boss Sir Alex Ferguson purportedly bid forty million pounds for Lyon’s pacey winger Hatem Ben Arfa and prolific striker Karim Benzema. Lyon head-honcho cheekily retorted that he’d only consider parting with Ben Arfa if Manchester exchanged him for Cristiano Ronaldo and cash. Sir Alex is a rather humorless man (he once threw a shoe at David Beckham during a locker room clash) and does not respond well to witty quips. As well, off-the-field, but unrelated to the media circus, an acquaintance of mine named Spencer claimed that Manchester would beat Lyon four-nil in a lopsided affair. I “apparently” then threw the contents of my beer in his face. On the field, however, ManU is a class above Lyon at this point. This is not meant to disparage my beloved Olympique Lyonnais; I just think ManU is the best team in the world at this point. When I first learned the news that OL was to face ManU, I felt sick: it’s a nightmare draw for OL because ManU has the perfect combination of pace and physicality, an amalgam that has derailed OL in the past. I’d venture to say that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world, and his breathtaking skill will likely give Lyon’s defense (their weakest link) fits. Lyon is a stubborn side though, and look for them to keep it close, with Juninho’s deadly free kicks, Benzema’s finishing touch, and Ben Arfa’s mazy runs occasionally infiltrating the Mancunian defense, but in the end, the Reds from the home of the Industrial Revolution look too strong. Prediction: Olympique Lyonnais 3 – 4 Manchester United. (You got me, I’m only predicting ManU because that way if Lyon loses, I can take some solace in the fact that I prophesized the match’s outcome correctly).

Qui Ne Saute Pas, N’Est Pas Lyonnais!

Just got back from OL vs. Sochaux. For the record I have NEVER made it to an OL game on time. Because they don’t sell booze in the stadium (because of the ultras) one must assure that they’re proper fucked before entering. Usually it just means I miss the pre-game festivities and kickoff, but this time, OL had different plans. I entered the Stade de Gerland in the fourth minute, and we’re already up one-nil! I was uber-stoked and really disappointed at the same time, because my team was in front but I had this sneaking suspicion that this would be the only goal of the game, and that my USD 75 would be for not. Come the 60^th minute, my thirst for a goal was quenched, but in the worst way conceivable. Sochaux (which is a bum fuck town of like 20,000 people. They don’t deserve a Ligue 1 side. Don’t get me started) had a throw in, but Lyon wanted to make a substitution. The referee originally signaled the substitution, our left back started to run towards the sideline, and the loud speaker announced the player switch. As this was happening, Sochaux decided to throw the ball in AS WE ARE MAKING A SUBSITUTION. Other than diving and other sorts of play acting, this is pretty much the most classless thing you can do in football. It is the referee’s obligation to stop play at this point, but apparently he’s a St. Etienne fan, and he allows play to continue. Sochaux crosses the ball to the back post (where our left back is supposed to be, but he’s on the other side of the field because IT WAS A FUCKING SUBSITUTION) and they easily convert from point blank range. The stadium is livid. A chorus of 40,000 boos echo for the next five minutes followed by an eerie silence. Finally, in the 75^th minute, the crowd is regenerated. Why? Some r-tard on Sochaux decided to foul a player within thirty metres of his goal. Why is this particularly idiotic? Lyon has the best free kick taker in the world, Juninho. Juni lines up his shot, but it ricochets off the post! Not to fear, Mathieu Bodmer auteur of the first goal, fires the rebound home to put Lyon up front. After that, Sochaux looked absolutely lifeless. In the 90^th minute, Lyon, seemingly to punish the Sochaliens’ lack of sportsmanship, score TWO goals, to send the crowd into a frenzy. Karma’s a bitch, eh?

CAN Coverage (From a Jaded Lyonnais Perspective)

(written Feb 9, 200

CAN Update anyone? So, I was an irresponsible brogger last go around. In addition to tonz of spelling errors, I completely forgot to include an African Cup of Nations update! (In case its not patently obvious to you, I often brog under the influence. Since I don’t have a significant other, my options while huuwasted are puke or brog. I prefer the latter). Since we last met, both the quarterfinals AND semi finals have taken place. And, as the kids say these days, shit went down. Ghana had what was probably the toughest match against traditional powerhouse Nigeria. The Black Stars went down early after the Super Eagles (or, as Ghanaian fans derided them, the Super Chickens. Oooh gotcha!) converted a penalty. It was not to be their match however as mercurial midfielder Michael Essien powerfully directed a header off the post and in the “back of the auld onion bag,” (Tommy Smyth can suck my dick by the way. “Lyon don’t deserve to be in the Champions League” my ass.) no easy feat from fourteen metres out. Midway through the second half, a harbinger of disaster for the host country, Ghana, materialized: central defender and captain John Mensah was sent off for a lunging challenge. A man down and exhausted: this did not auger well for the Black Stars. However, Junior Agogo and friends, feeding off the crowd energy, were able to find a late winner to secure Ghana’s improbable advancement. Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions secured a priceless victory over a favored Tunisia side, 3-2.

The most impressive match in the quarterfinals was by then-tourney favorite Cote d’Ivoire (foreshadowing, perhaps?), who trampled tiny Guinea 5 to 1. Guinea was without, probably their best player, and easily their coolest-named player, Bobo Baldé. It is surely not coincidental that without this central defender, the Elephants were able to put away five goals. (The scoreline is a bit flattering, the Coast was only up 1-0 in the 70^th minute). This set up two very interesting semifinals, with hosts Ghana facing Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions and reigning champions Egypt playing favorites Ivory Coast (if you recall, I predicted that Egypt would play the Ivory Coast in the final. Soccer tournament brackets do not work like our NCAA basketball bracket with only a certain, predetermined path possible. The knock-out phase bracket for soccer tournaments is only determined after the group/round-robin phase). You may also recall that I predicted that the Ivory Coast would triumph over Egypt. Well, that prophecy was equally erroneous. The Pharaohs absolutely domesticated those Elephants, 4-1. For the pre-tournament favorites it was utterly shocking and downright humiliating. On paper, this match should not be even close. The Ivory Coast has two players who ply their trade with Chelsea, two at Arsenal, one for Barcelona, and one for Lyon. (I can take some solace in the loss, because the Elephants’ best player throughout the tournament was hands-down Lyon winger Abdelkader Keita, who has had trouble assimilating into the team since his €18 million transfer this summer from Lille. Hopefully, this will serve as an inspiration and his national team form will translate into improved club play). Half of their team plays for four of the best ten clubs in the world! (people may take issue with this statement, but let’s not forget that on aggregate, over the past three years, OL has an 8-3 advantage over SuperClub Real Madrid. Having won the Ligue 1 title six consecutive times, a feat unprecedented in European football, claiming Lyon is a top 10 side is not a stretch). Egypt, on the other hand, has few players of note. Their best player is a dude named Mido. The best clubs he ever played for were OM and Tottenham, (Top 25 but not Top 10) and he never played particularly well at either. The last time Egypt was in a World Cup was in 1990. It SHOULD have been a walkover. Yet, I should’ve known that in the ANC, Egypt is a completely different team. They’ve won the competition five times, including 1998 and 2006. Why are they worldbeaters in the ANC and completely impotent in World Cup Qualification? No idea, but the enigmatic nature of teams like Egypt is why I find the game of football so utterly engrossing.

-The Cote d’Ivoire was not the only team reeling this week. Ghana’s Black Stars were eliminated by Cameroon 1-0 in front of a decidedly partisan, decidedly distraught Ghanaian crowd. (This BBC blog gives a fascinating insider’s look into the tourney’s hosts http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7225602.stm). From all reports, Ghana’s offense looked wholly vapid. Why is that? The answer is superficially counterintuitive: the sending off of central defender John Mensah in the previous match meant he was suspended for the semi-final. This meant that dynamic midfielder Michael Essien was forced to move to central defender to shore up a feeble back line against the likes of Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o (and the newly coronated leading all-time ANC goalscorer to boot). Michael Essien, in my oh-so humble opinion, is the best utility player in the world, bar none. He was also probably the best central defender in the tournament; He also plays wingback exceptionally as well as he has demonstrated time and again for both Lyon and Chelsea; But, as Ghana learned the hard way, he is simply far too valuable in the center of midfield to play him anywhere else. He is a tenacious ball-winner, a creative inspiration, and an extraordinary goal-scorer: a true triple threat. Without his presence in the center of the park, Ghana was doomed to an uninspiring offensive display which left the home supporters in a state of complete shock. It is a genuine shame that we are missing out on what have been a particularly compelling final between two bordering countries that don’t particularly care for another that have never faired particularly well in this tournament. Fortunately, the final that is actually presented to us is not even close to a letdown; Cameroon and Egypt have won all four of the four most recent African Nations Cups with two apiece.

Obsessive Much?

It has come to my attention that M. Leone’s significant other has purchased him a brand-spanking new Schalke jersey, replete with name, number, and snazzy Gazprom logo. Not to be outdone, and not to risk being perceived as Think Tank’s second (or, gasp, actually, third, because Uncle Rodd is the most intense of any tanker about his footy) most die-hard football fan(or as the Germans would say fußball, and yes, that was just an excuse to use the ß symbol, because it’s awesome), I’m going to have MY significant other (as a certifiable narcissist, that would be me) purchase moi a brand new Olympique Lyonnais jersey, with their newest signing, Jean-Alain Boumsong’s name on the back purchased from the OL Store AT the Stade Gerland. Take that J! The king of one-upmanship shall not abdicate his throne!