Uninspiring, Dull Game

Barcelona 0 - Manchester United 0

Team: Van der Sar, Rio, Brown, Evra, Hargreaves, Carrick, Scholes, Park, Ronaldo, Tevez (Giggs 85), Rooney (Nani 76)

I had a ridiculously long day today, and really should have gone to sleep. The game being played at such an ungodly hour in Singapore only made it more exhausting. Yet it was the semi-finals against Barcelona. Given the attacking prowess on display from both sides, it was a game that should have had goals written all over.

We had returned to Nou Camp, a place of happy memories. The last time we came here, we plundered Europe's greatest silverware against all odds, despite playing some of the most uninspiring football. The result, though, was anything but uninspiring on that night.

Today, we came facing the hosts, and came away with a goalless draw, putting out some of the dullest football we've played all season. Despite the embarassing amount of talent put up by both sides, it churned out some of the tamest displays.

The game started with so much promise when United were awarded a penalty as early as the 2nd minute. Ronaldo, who has been stellar this season, stood forward to take it. Probably still not warmed up yet, Ronaldo put the penalty wide, spurning the best chance of the game. The early goal would have had a drastically different impact on the game.

The entire first half, and most of the second half was just all about Barcelona laying siege and getting nowhere with our 10 defenders pitching tent. We had absolutely nothing to show as an attacking force, while Barcelona was giving their fans a poor impression of an impotent man trying to score.

It was an absolute pain to watch. Had it not for the fact I was kept awake by a punt I made regarding the number of corners in the game I probably would have given up and gone to bed. Instead I'm still up, grouchily typing this review.

To illustrate just how poor this game was, Henry had Barcelona's first meaningful shot in the 83rd minute. Until then, Van der Sar didn't really have much to do.

Honestly I can't help but feel we could rue this goalless draw. Sure we didn't concede. But on the other side of the same coin, we didn't get an away goal either.

What this means is that we have to play at OT to win the game. Barcelona are no mugs, and when we push for the win, they could very well nick an away goal, making our task doubly difficult. Given Barcelona's vulnerability in defense and the fact that they were without their captain and main defender Puyol, this should have been our best chance to get the all important away goal.

I suppose at the end of the day, we've just got to be thankful we camped 10 men in our half and came away with a draw against the mighty Barcelona. *sarcasm fully intended*

Ah well, at least there is this Saturday to look forward to. Kicking Chelsea square in the nuts and winning the Premiership at Stamford Bridge would be so much more fun. Alternatively, we could once again park the bus infront of goal, frustrate the hell outta Chelsea and play for a draw, afterall we sure had alot of practise today.