Vennegoor scores; Barca impresses

When Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink made his debut for FC Twente, Dutch commentator Frank Snoeks quiped: Coach Meijer isn’t sure yet who he’ll play upfront, Vennegoor of (meaning “or” in Dutch) Hesselink… I thought that was sooo funny.

Classis fixtures today: Arsenal – AC Milan and Celtic – Barcelona.

Arsenal and Milan made it into an interesting clash, mainly in midfield. Milan didn’t come to win or score, merely to control and at the end of the match, they succeeded: 0-0. But, with a bit more precision on the Gunners side it could have easily been 3-0. There were opps for the flee-flowing football machine for London but Aussie goalie Kalac saw most of the shots on goal come through the middle. And in crucial situation, the final pass was just not good enough. Milan stayed in control, in particular in defense, with ol’ warrior Maldini in glorious form. Seedorf and co couldn’t create much upfront, but coach Ancelotti will be happy to take on Arsenal in two weeks in San Siro with this blank score.

How different would the Glasgow fixture be. Barcelona playing football as if they were training without opponents. High-paced passing, backheels, smart runs… Barca looked as strong as ever, and Gordon Strachan’s team was looking at the football elite do their thing. But, the bravehearts did what they do best. Fight. Opportunistic football helped Celtic score the first goal. Strachan wasn’t sure who to play upfront, but the former PSV striker was sought out in the 16th minute and headed the ball clean behind the Barca goalie. Barca responded within minutes. A great combination in the box allowed Messi to equalize. Celtic got a second opportunity to bring the ball in the box and with 100% effectivity, Barry Robson “accidentally” headed the ball over goalie Chavez, to his own surprise, and scored the 2-1. Remarkably, Messi got a carbon-copy chance of his first goal within two minutes (!) but this time the Argentine missed… Half time score; 2-1.

Henry scored a beauty in the 52nd minute to get a 2-2 on the boards, a right footed curve ball from the left corner of the box. Signature stuff from the Frenchman. In the 60est minute the ball possession stat said Celtic 25% – Barca 75% to give you an idea. The only thing Barca seem to forget in those games is to score. Just finish every now and then. They seem to want to combine with 1-2’s until they can walk the ball into the net. Eto’o or someone like Van Nistelrooy is sorely missed in the bluegranas… But even without goasls, seeing this Barcelona play makes you drool…

And with ten minutes to go, it was Messi again, taking advantage from a lucky clash in the box, making it 2-3 for Barca.

More later….