Liverpool FC v AC Milan
The two teams met in the same stage 2 years ago in Istanbul. It was a fantastic match. After being down 3-0 in 1st half, Liverpool had a lot do to keep their dream alive. Urged by their charismatic skipper, Steven Gerrard, Liverpool clawed back into the game. In the 54th minute, Steven Gerrard headed in a John Arne Riise cross to give his team a much needed boost. 20 minutes later, Vladimir Smicer blasted one, 20 yards from goal. 3-2 it was then. Finally, the comeback was complete when Gennaro Gattuso tripped Steven Gerrard inside the penalty box. Xabi Alonso stepped up to take the penalty kick. His spot kick was saved by Dida but the rebound fell straight back to Alonso and he dispatched it emphatically. The match was all knotted up. The score line stayed the same through the remainder of the game and 2 halves of extra time. So it went to penalties. First up was Serginho. He skied his shot way over the goal. Dietmar Hamann scored his spot kick despite having a broken foot. The next two kickers were Pirlo and Cisse. Pirlo's shot was saved by Jerzy Dudek while Cisse stroked his in to give Liverpool a 2-0 advantage. Dida replicated what his opposition goalkeeper did in the next round when he saved Riise's kick. Jon Dahl Tomasson on the other hand, scored to make it 1-2. The next 2 spot kicks were slotted in, Kaka and Smicer. 3-2 it was then. Andriy Shevchenko then stepped up to try to even things up. He faced Jerzy Dudek. If Shevchenko failed to score, it would have been over. His shot was wonderfully saved by Dudek and Liverpool were champions of Europe!
The Rematch
Two years later, the same teams clash again to give us another classic. There have been a few changes to the squads of 2 years ago. One significant change in AC Milan is of course the loss of Andriy Shevchenko. After he moved to Chelsea though, other players have stepped up to fill in the gap. For Liverpool, the strike force of Baros and Cisse has been replaced by Crouch and Bellamy. I think this game will rely heavily on the performances and the motivation of the two key figures in each side, Kaka and Gerrard. The two have carried their respective teams to this final and they will surely have a big impact on the game. I also feel that the goalkeepers will be key to victory.
Prediction? Well, I'm so used to seeing Liverpool in penalty shootouts so it won't be much of a surprise if it does go to penalties. I predict a 2-2 scoreline then Liverpool winning 4-3 in penalties. Crouch and Gerrard will score for Liverpool and Kaka will score 2 for AC Milan. Both sets of managers are filled with experience. I am sure they will use all of their knowledge to break down the opposition strategy. The 2 best teams in Europe are deservedly in the finals. This finale is sure to be cracker! I think the first half may be a bit tight. It may come out as a defensive battle but as the game wears on, the attacking class of the two teams will show. This match will be full of drama and excitement! Can't wait!
Be sure to catch it! ESPN Philippines! May 24! 2:00 AM!
GO LIVERPOOL!!!
1 comment:
Great work.
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