CUE THE MUSIC !!
CUT THE MUSIC !!
Wasup UWIFA fans ! Sorry for the lack of previews and reviews, but a cocktail of presentations, tests and no internet had me tied up. But we're back ! Its the quarter final stage and of the 20 teams playing, 8 are left standing and are just a few steps closer to glory. Enough of the chit chat let's get to the previews.
FC Porto v Chelsea
Group C winners FC Porto will take on controversial Group A runners-up Chelsea in the night's first match. Chelsea made their way to the quarters in controversial means as it looked like they would be on their way out with Bayern leading the deciding match one nil, but the second half was postponed due to crowd unrest. Reports say that the Munich players took a bribe, as they didn't turn out for the rescheduled match even though they were winning. So Chelsea qualified automatically. Reports also state that a Chelsea player caused the fight in the crowd after his team was down in the first half.
Here are two teams that can pass the ball and keep possession. Both teams also have organized defences but each have suffered from the occasional lapse. Damian Small and friend Rico Holder will be controlling their respective teams mid field and would be the focal point to transition defence to attack. Chelsea's attack have not lived up to its expectation as it seems they would rather pass and dribble before shooting usually losing their opportunity to score. FC Porto however have capitalized on most of their chances as they are the competition's second highest goal scorers.
This game will go down to the wire and if I have to chose a winner it would be FC Porto. Chelsea conceded most of their goals due to pushing their players too high up the field and this is something Porto can capitalize on.
Players to watch
Chelsea: Damien Small, Christopher Austin and Daniel Rowe
FC Porto: Stefan Ward, Rajiv Worrell and Kyle Smith
Manchester United v Barcelona
Manchester United have lived up to expectations and dominated Group D with some impressive performances. Barcelona however rode their luck and finished runners-up in Group B after defeating Sao Paulo in the deciding fixture.
Manchester United should have an easy game if they play the same way they have been playing for the group stages with their patient build up and huge amounts of possession. The team will look to Clint Hurley and Festus Drakes to lead the attack as they have 2 goals a piece and have built up a good strike partnership. Barcelona will have to step up to the plate as they haven't been very impressive other than their amazing comeback win over Sao Paulo. In their last group game against Ajax they barely mustered up a fight against Ajax. Dafar and his troops should however put that behind them and go out to fight with a place in the semi finals as a reward.
Barcelona have it all to do against Manchester United and this calls for a strong defensive and attacking display. However it can be noted that staff teams usually lose the plot after the group stages and go crashing out of the competition. With that being said I still have Manchester United to take a place in the semis.
Players to watch:
Barcelona: Dafar Amour-Shillingford, Dannilo Hutchinson and Neal Hope
Manchester United: Clint Hurley, Festus Drakes and David Wood
Borrussia Dortmund v Manchester City
Dortmund are undefeated and have yet to conceded a goal to take hold of the "Group of death" Group A. Manchester City have proven the critics wrong with some shock wins and have emerged runners-up of Group C. After their shambolic opening performance against Porto many had written off the boys in blue but after going back to the drawing board, captain Tremaine Ishmael rallied the troops to some impressive showings.
One test they will be expected to fail however is their match up against the impressive Dortmund. With a potent attack and a stingy defence, Dortmund have steam rolled every team they played against with their slow precise passing. Christopher Renwick and Ricardo Goddard are controlling the play for the boys in yellow and can turn defence into attack with the blink of an eye. With a mixture of youth and experience, Borussia really should not have a hard time against the "footballers at heart" City. City should not play in fear against their prospective opponents. They should try to catch the opposition on the counter as they have much slower players. The defence should be kept organized and if that is breached, the impressive Jelani Adams should be ready to have a busy night at the office
I have Dortmund to advance into the semi final stage in what should be an easy game for them, but football plays on the day and the "minnows" City will be ready and raring and wont go down with out a fight.
Players to watch
Borussia Dortmund: Christopher Bostic, Dean Bradshaw and Ricardo Goddard
Manchester City: Stefano Pereira, Jamal Clarke and Tremaine Ishmael
No comments:
Post a Comment