Category Archives: Borussia Dortmund

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Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: The Finale

  By O-Posts Team | May 25, 2013 - 17:47 | , , , , , ,
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Jerseys of German football clubs Bayern

When Bayern Munich dismantled Barcelona, the world became aware that a new super power has emerged. Jupp Henyckes has steadily turned the Reds of Bavaria into the heavy weights of European Football. However, to make it stick at least for the time being, Dortmund (again) stand in the way of FC HOLLYWOOD. The very same team that denied them the domestic double last season.

The newly crowned German Champions upped the stakes this time around, winning the title with 6 rounds to spare and zooming through to the Pokal final (v. Stuttgart) exactly a week from today. They might have avenged the defeats to Dortmund with victories in the Super Cup and the Pokal last eight encounter, but the Bavarian red army are aware than anything other than victory tonight will be deemed totally unacceptable. It is now or never for Bayern Munich who have lost two finals in the last three seasons. Last year’s the more agonizing.

Borussia Dortmund’s story has been a fairytale one. Die Schwarzgelben failed woefully on the European front last season…Nevertheless, they came back strongly this time around, eliminating the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Malaga, etc to reach today’s showpiece event. The road to Wembley has been turbulent and difficult, but the Yellow and black army of Ruhr have weathered every storm since and tonight represents a chance to make up for what has been a disappointing domestic season.

The 2011/2012 Bundesliga Champions ended the season a massive 25 points behind Bayern Munich and were sent out of the Pokal by today;s opponents. Dortmund know quite alright that Bayern are not finished yet. The pain and ache emanating from the two championships they lost to the Ruhr giants in addition to the crushing 5-2 defeat in the Pokal Final last May remain(s) fresh Victory over Dortmund will be the perfect finale.

Die Borussen were dealt a huge blow on Wednesday with the news that Mario Gotze will sit out the Final. The Bayern bound midfielder has failed to win the fitness battle and will never have the chance to repay the Dortmund fans who have cheered his name for more than a decade. Whatever happens, the Bundesliga runners-up might never be able to come to terms with the Gotze transfer which hit Jurgen Klopp harder than anyone associated with the German high flyers.

In his interview with Donald McRae of the Guardian, he opined that when Michael Zorc (Dortmund Sporting Director) told him of Gotze’s move to Bayern, he was befuddled and couldn’t think about any other thing. He even had to skip an outing with his wife the very night and declined to speak with anyone. It was that hurtful.  This development, amongst many others, will be enough motivation for Dortmund to get one over Bayern tonight. With or without Mario, Die Scwarzgelben have a chance to claim their second European crown tonight and that they will strive tooth and nail to achieve.

One injury Bayern have got used to for the past 5-6 months is the absence of Holger Badstuber. The German international sustained a career threatening injury in December and suffered a relapse two weeks ago. He has since undergone a corrective surgery under the famous Dr Richard Steadman which is expected to keep him out for another ten months.

In his stead, veteran Belgian, Danny Van Buyten has held sway, bringing all his experience to bare and combining almost perfectly with purchase of the season, Dante Costa Bonfim. The 29 year old Brazilian has earned rave reviews all season and deservedly so. That Bayern have remained ever so strong at the back in all competitions this campaign is largely down to his bravery and immense defensive capabilities. He has improved his strengths and worked on his weaknesses. He has stepped up since his 4.7 Million Euro move from Borussia Park.

Together with Captain Lahm and Alaba, the quartet have kept clean sheets in all their knock-out games since Laurent Koscielny scored at the Allianz Arena. Juventus and the almighty Barcelona were shut out home and away.

If Bayern have Van Buyten and Dante in central defence, Dortmund possess Neven Subotic and Mats Hummels. The latter was groomed by Bayern Munich. He left for Dortmund initially on loan, until it was made permanent in February 2009. He has since gone on to not only become an indispensable general of Klopp’s yellow and black army, but also one of the best defenders in the business.

Perhaps the most sought after centre back in the world, he must prove himself today – the biggest of his career to date. It is not as if Neven Subotic is anything less that world class. The Serbian has been a pillar at the back for Dortmund since his move from Mainz 05 five years ago.Only six days separate the pair (Neven and Mats) in age and both will not be 25 until December. Arguably the finest defensive pair in European football.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

 

DORTMUND: Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer, Gundogan, Bender S, Kuba, REUS, Groskreutz, Lewandowski

Roman Weidenfeller has been one of the best goalies in Europe this season. In fact, in one-on-one situations, he’s arguably the best. The 32 year old custodian is one of the reasons why Dortmund find themselves within 90 (120 at most) minutes of being crowned Champions of Europe for only the 2nd time ever. Lukasz Piszczek is scheduled to undergo a hip operation soon after the season draws to a close. Something that will keep him out of action for at least four months.

With the news that Gotze cannot feature, the absence of Mats Hummels would have been more excruciating for Die Borussen. The German defender has been declared fit to play. Club Captain, Sebastian Kehl has to make do with a place on the bench, with Sven Bender the preferred choice in midfield. Marco ‘Rolls’ Reus is expected to step into the void created by Gotze’s absence from this match and departure from next season. When called upon, he has not disappointed. He is one of the most talented footballers in the German top flight and discounting the threat he poses will be utterly fatal.

10-goal Pole, Roman Lewandowski, will look to redeem himself tonight after he inexplicably threw away the chance to score the winning goal v today’s foes at the Iduna a few weeks ago. Despite that, his exploits against Real Madrid brought the Football World to a standstill and comparisons with the deadliest finishers in the Universe became rampant and countless. He has the ability to tear apart any defence, including the very one that hasn’t conceded in four knockout games and counting.

Gotze might be absent, but Kev Groskreutz is no amateur. He has showed his capabilities when called upon and scored a classy goal in the match v Die Roten  at the Iduna Park. He can do a job at Wembley, surely.

 

BAYERN MUNICH: Neuer, Lahm, Dante, Van Buyten, Alaba, Martinez J, Schweinsteiger, MULLER-ROBBEN-RIBERY, Mandzukic

Manuel Neuer is comfortably seated among the best five goaltenders in the world and rightly so. He is not Germany’s Number One by default. Four straight clean sheets against Juventus and the Blaugrana is no mean feat. He is ably supported in defence by Lahm, Dante, Van Buyten and David Alaba.

The Bayern skipper, Lahm, is the most disciplined full back in football today and it is an official statement of fact. Jerome Boateng made a huge impression at the Camp Nou when Bayern ran riot. However, this might not be enough to keep out Van Buyten from the starting eleven. Toni Kroos has not been missed one bit. A better and more talented footballer (at least for now) has replaced him and performed even better.

Arjen Robben, one half of the ROBBERY gang, has been almost unplayable since the Kroos injury. He tore Jordi Alba inside out and ensured that the left back got suspended for the return leg in Catalonia. He scored against the Spanish Champions home and away and put in some of the best all round displays you would ever ask of a winger. How Jupp Henyckes made him so habituated still baffles me. Javi Martinez didn’t allow his Spanish compatriots a moment’s rest in the Barcelona game.

Xavi and Iniesta were vastly ineffective and it was down to his energetic display throughout the 180 minutes. He hassled and hassled until frustration set in for his more illustrious colleagues. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support and extraordinary contribution  of Bastian Schweinsteiger. The cornerstone of the Bayern midfield and one of the best deep lying playmakers in the world rarely has a bad game.

After keeping Andrea Pirlo in wraps during both legs of the quarter-final, it was the turn of Xavi Hernandez to be reduced to mere mediocrity. ‘Schweini’ as he is fondly called, is a contender for best footballer of 2013 if the Bavarians win the Champions League.

Franck Ribery needs no analysis. What he has is clear for all to see. It is the Croat, Mario Mandzukic, who has surprised everyone with his mesmerizing performances. HE has relegated Mario Gomez to the subs bench and fittingly so. He doesn’t score many, but his industry is a vital element. It is Thomas Muller who carries with him all the ammunition necessary to gun down their arch-enemies. His eight Champions League goals have come against the likes of Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona.

He is a big game player and has proven that so many times. The 2010 World Cup top scorer and best young player keeps improving. Whatever role he plays-whether behind the striker or on the wings, he gives his utmost.

A combined Bayern-Dortmund ELEVEN in my opinion will be—-> NEUER, Lahm, Dnate, Hummels, Schmelzer, Schweinsteiger, Gundogan, Muller, REUS, Robben, Lewandowski.

You may agree or disagree. It is my humble opinion.

 

Written by Ohiskaka Eboreime

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Borussia Dortmund: A Team To Be Admired

  By O-Posts Team | May 23, 2013 - 21:17 | , , , ,
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Incredible team spirit, hunger, determination and hard work are qualities usually associated with British football. But the highly regarded Jürgen Klopp married these attributes up with high tempo pressing, great movement, superb one touch and first time passing and interplay to make Dortmund not only pleasing on the eye, but also a formidable team of winners.

When you add to the mix a stadium full of 80,000 passionate fans providing one of the best atmospheres in the game, with close bonds to their heroes on the pitch, you’re left with something quite special.

This Dortmund side of the past three seasons have certainly been special. It’s a side that should be appreciated because the signs are that the big money clubs are circling to tear it apart. Bayern Munich have already activated the £31.5m buyout clause in Mario Götze’s contract, that will see him move to the Allianz Arena this summer. Striker Robert Lewandowski could be joining him and there are strong rumours Barcelona want star defender Mats Hummels.

It’s quite conceivable Dortmund could lose 3 of their 5 star players in one window and despite the sizeable fees they would receive if all three deals do indeed happen, it would be tough to quickly find replacements of equal quality.

The influence of Klopp cannot be underestimated, Dortmund had finished a disappointing 13th prior to his arrival from Mainz in 2008. They finished 6th in his first year and 5th the following season, before leading them to their first Bundesliga crown in 9 years in 2010/11. That season saw the emergence of Mario Götze and the rise to prominence of Nuri Sahin before a summer move to Real Madrid.

Robert Lewandowski, Lukasz Piszczek and Shinji Kagawa were all summer 2010 signings, joining the likes of Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic and Sven Bender, already recruited by Klopp.

2011/12 saw the departed Nuri Sahin replaced by Ilkay Gündogan, now seen by many as one of the most exciting midfield prospects in world football. With Lucas Barrios now also gone, Lewandowski took over the goalscoring mantle with aplomb, linking up well with Kagawa as Dortmund played some great football on their way to successfully defending their Bundesliga crown. With injury interrupting Götze’s season, Kagawa was able to shine and doing so, attracted the attention of Man Utd.

However, Klopp reinvested the Kagawa money wisely in an even better player and Dortmund’s next star: Marco Reus.

Neither the 2010/11 Europa League nor 2011/12 Champions League campaigns were a success, but were understandably overshadowed by the joy of winning consecutive Bundesliga titles. However, lessons were learned, clearly evident in their road to the Champions League final this year.

Perhaps it was this improved European campaign and switch of focus contributed to a stuttering 2012/13 Bundesliga season. Despite an improved league form in the second half of the season, an imperious Bayern Munich were already well on the way to a record setting Bundesliga title win. That in itself is no shame, Bayern are a fantastic side, the strongest in Europe, but head-to-head there’s still only a piece of paper between them.

This is a Dortmund side with many talented players maturing and yet to peak. The almost telepathic movement and link up between Reus, Götze and Lewandowski has been a joy to watch.

Unfortunately, injury to Götze will prevent us seeing it one last time and on the biggest stage. Reus has been superb this season, replacing the creativity of Kagawa and adding more goals. In midfield, Sven Bender is beginning to be noticed more, whilst Gündogan’s vision, range of passing, creativity, goal threat, defensive awareness and mobility make him an irresistible force.

Like the all-conquering Barcelona side of recent years, Dortmund are as much to be admired without the ball, as they are with it. The high tempo and organised pressing of opponents is as important as what they do when the have the ball.

In all likelihood, this could be a testing summer ahead for those running Borussia Dortmund, to resist the approaches of the footballing powerhouses such as Real Madrid and Barcelona casting an admiring eye toward Reus, Hummels, Gündogan and Jürgen Klopp.

So, this is not hype, hyperbole or band wagon jumping. This is just a football fan with a long running affinity to Borussia Dortmund saying enjoy them and appreciate this team, while you still can.

 

Written by Andy Wales

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Should “Blizzard Soccer” Be Part of the Sport?

  By O-Posts Team | May 18, 2013 - 21:58 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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The World Cup playoff game between the United States and Costa Rica on March 22, 2013 was especially memorable. Played in the middle of a storm in Colorado, the game was the closest thing to blizzard soccer fans had seen in awhile.

For 90 minutes, players had to contend with an increasingly torrential downpour of wet, white flakes. Afterwards, the severity of the conditions had millions of soccer enthusiasts wondering: should play in such treacherous conditions really be allowed?

 

Why Continue?

World Cup games are obviously the most important in the sport and can be difficult to reschedule. When a team and its fans have already traveled thousands of miles for the game, canceling is something to avoid at all costs. In addition, postponing the game may mean players won’t get enough rest before their next round.

In this particular game, it didn’t look like the weather would cooperate any time soon. If the game hadn’t been played that night, it wouldn’t have been for quite awhile.

 

Is It Safe?

In spite of tight tournament schedules and pending forecasts, the safety of the players should be the number one consideration when choosing to continue a game. Looking back, was it really safe to continue a game in the middle of a blizzard?

In defending their decision to continue play, refs saidthe players hadn’t been sliding on the snow very much. While this may be true, any soccer player will tell you injuries don’t necessarily happen during slides.

These players were cold, wet, and covered in so much snow that they could run it through an EDI water purification system and use it to hydrate themselves. In these conditions, even the slightest misstep can cause an injury. If nothing else, the players’ immune systems were lowered by the weather.

 

Who Should Make the Call?

If the game has already started, refs make the final call as to whether it will continue. However, is this fair? Shouldn’t the league, coaches and players have more of a say in whether conditions are safe?

 

Written by Michael Deaven

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Infographic: The Top Paid Football Players Throughout History

  By O-Posts Team | May 18, 2013 - 21:40 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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The argument over how much footballers are paid in the modern era has been going on for years now and shows no sign of stopping. Some of the world’s biggest names are now playing with wage packets that let them take home more in a week than many of us will make in our lifetimes, and all for kicking a ball around – if they even get on the pitch of course!

It hasn’t always been the case that players earned hundreds of thousands each week, however. In actual fact, some players were earning the equivalent of £228 each week back in the 1900s, the same as what many full-time workers in the “real world” earn today.

This infographic, created by equipment retailer The Soccer Store, shows just how times have changed, from the early days of £4 per week right up to the £200,000-a-week contract signed by Carlos Tevez in 2009.

 

 

 

Written and created by Matt Rawlings

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The Upcoming Football Video Game That Plunges you Into the Seedy World of Match Fixing

  By O-Posts Team | April 26, 2013 - 19:33 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Video games and football have gone hand in hand for decades, with games like FIFA 13, Pro Evolution Soccer and Football Manager hitting the bestseller lists year on year, giving players the chance to play at managing or playing as their favourite teams.

A new game that is currently under development aims to turn the football management game on its head, taking players deep into the sinister underworld of football corruption and allowing them to play as a shady match fixer.

Game Changer – The Football Match Fixing Game is being made for iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices, and will be made available in early 2014 if the developers successfully gain funding with their upcoming campaign on popular crowdfunding site Kickstarter.

In Game Changer, you can bribe players, pay off police and officials, blackmail referees and do all kinds of other interesting and immoral things to try and ensure the results you want, and then make a fortune by betting on your fixed outcomes.

As you grow in influence in the criminal underworld, you can fix games in bigger and more prestigious leagues around the world to gain higher profits, as well as being able to team up with crime boss characters and even your real life friends (thanks to social media integration) to get better results.

The game promises to blend elements of conventional football games and sims with the kind of stories and gameplay you normally see in crime games and RPGs, as well as featuring a sophisticated gambling system that allows you to implement all kinds of interesting strategies to make your fortune.

The developers, Game Changer Games, are also keen to make sure the game contains plenty of dark humour, because match fixing is, after all, a pretty horrible thing.

If you are interested in finding out more about the plans for Game Changer and the Kickstarter campaign that will hopefully make the game possible, you can check out the official website at www.gamechangergame.com or follow the developers’ official Twitter account @gamechangergame.

 

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Dede: Towering Brazilian Attracting Some Of Europe’s Biggest Names

  By O-Posts Team | April 25, 2013 - 15:58 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Brazil have created some of the most talented and gifted footballers over the years. The likes of Pele, Falcao, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo have all dazzled the world with their samba brilliance, yet their footballing history has possibly been too top heavy. Too many attackers, not enough defenders to be held in such wondrous regard.

Even full-backs, Roberto Carlos, Carlos Alberto and Cafu have been marvelled at, but not centre-backs. Anybody but the centre-back, the unheralded job that provided the base to a side seemingly not cool enough for Brazilian recognition.

But now, with Bayern Munich’s Dante, Chelsea’s David Luiz and PSG’s Thiago Silva, that is all due to change. The Brazilian centre-back is entering a new age; big, physical, strong and extremely comfortable on the ball, they are all attributes that makes up the aforementioned trio as well as Dede, Cruzerio’s much-coveted 24 year old. Who is he?

Let’s take a look at Anderson Vital De Silva.

 

Background

After impressing with his hometown club Volta Rotunda in the Brazilian State Championship, the big defender earned himself a move to Vasco De Gama in 2009, only to find first team opportunities hard to come by upon his initial arrival. With his one year deal running out a year later, it looked like he may be returning to Volta, or even moving to South Korea.

Dede, however, had other ideas, “there was something I was determined upon” he told World Soccer Magazine back in 2011, “I wasn’t going to leave Vasco by the back door”. And so he didn’t, with injuries hitting the club in a Brazilian Cup game against Vitoria, he was given a chance, repaying the opportunity with a performance of such authority and assurance that it instantly certified him as first choice and earned himself a new contract, stretching to 2014.

He went on to produce some imperious form for Vasco, being recognised as the best right centre-back in the Brasileirao of 2010 and generating comparisons to the Fluminese-made Silva, then at Milan, who was widely-regarded as the most outstanding centre-half to recently hail from Brazil.

His commanding performances helped Vasco to win the 2011 Brazilian Cup and his partnership with Anderson Martins saw them both elected as the best central-defenders of the 2011 Campeonato Carioca. His impressive form also alerted former national-team coach Mano Menezes who included him in the squad for friendlies against Germany and Ghana in the autumn of 2011.

His transformation with Vasco from potential discarded talent was meteoric. By the end of 2012, he was considered as one of the best centre-backs in Brazilian football, seeing high acclaim from Vasco fans who endeared to him by giving him several nicknames; “O-Mito” (The Myth) and “Dedelicia” (or “Dedelicious” as female fans chose).

He was included in numerous advertising campaigns for the club and was elected by SBT, a Brazilian television network, as one of the 100 greatest Brazilian’s of all-time. His popularity in Vasco was clear and he honoured his potential departure by kissing the badge in one of his final games for the club. In total, he made 154 appearances for Vasco.

To date, Dede has received 7 caps for the Brazil national team, appearing often in friendlies and tournaments that are only eligible for native-based players, allowing him to win the Superclasico De Las Americas in September 2011.

Dede is currently the fourth-choice centre-half in the Brazil squad and he will be hoping that his exemplary performances, partnered with Luiz Felipe Scolari’s insistence that he will look more to the Brazilian league set-up for options, will help his cause for regular call-ups as the team head into a World Cup year.

 

Strengths, style and weaknesses

Dede is strong, powerful and athletic, making full-use of his 6ft 3 inch frame in order to be adept at winning challenges in the air or on the ground. His height means that not many strikers are able to beat him in the air whilst a fine reading of the game, impressive at the relatively young age of 24, sees him able to cut out danger on the ground. His imposing height also makes him a threat at set pieces, suggested by his 18 goals during his time at Vasco.

His extremely impressive pace also means that he is rarely out-foxed by the through ball, cutting out the threat that strikers pose lying on the shoulder of the back four. As well as boasting fine intelligence and strength to block and intercept many shots and dangerous passes, he also possesses superb technical ability that allows him to be comfortable in bringing the ball out of the defence and moving it on.

As well as the two nicknames Vasco fans creatively derived for Dede, they also named him “Dedekenbauer”, suggesting his likeliness to the famous German defender who revolutionised the role of the central-defender, operating on a fine reading of the game, imperious positioning and superb ability on the ball.

Dede really is a complete defender who has attracted the interest of Manchester United, Milan, Benfica and Liverpool during his time with Vasco, all top European clubs basing their interest in the knowledge that Dede, with his physicality and ability on the ball, would not look out of place on the continent should he ever head east from Brazil.

 

His move to Cruzeiro

With the Selecao heading into their home World Cup of 2014, Dede has seen best to stay in his native league and head to Cruzeiro in a deal that is worth £4.7 million. The two clubs are believed to have arranged a 55% and 45% share in player ownership which helps to ease cash-strapped Vasco’s financial troubles. Three players, Diego Rennan, striker Allison and Wellington Paulista will also head to Rio in exchange for the defender.

After moving, he voiced his reluctance to leave Vasco De Gama but understood such a move would help to aid the financial crisis at his former club. He said that even though he was moving to a new setting, his heart would remain with the Rio-based club.

There has been a financial dispute with the transfer, with the move being blocked by the FERJ, a main football institution from Rio, who claim Vasco owe a debt to the Brazilian Federal Justice. They have ruled that until the dispute is sorted, Dede is unable to play for any club, disrupting his immediate start with Cruzeiro. However, that will only be a small snag in a career that threatens to go very far.

Look out for Dede at next year’s World Cup.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Champions League: The Semi-final Preview

  By O-Posts Team | April 23, 2013 - 18:08 | , , , , , , , ,
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An enthralling and exciting semi-final slam awaits us. Four European giants, who play some of the most brilliant football ever seen throughout, battle it out for the chance, the opportunity to take the most prestigious club competition on the continent. Who are the favorites? Who are the underdogs? Here’s our world-class (somewhat) preview of what potentially awaits us all.

 

Bayern Munich – Barcelona

Bayern Munich have turned things around this season in grand style. It has even been said that Pep Guardiola might have nothing left to achieve by the time Jupp’ Osram’ Heynckes quits the Bavarians. News coming out of Germany this morning say that Mario Gotze is switching allegiance next season.

His next destination? The Allianz Arena to join his Nationalelf teammates, Neuer, Muller, Lahm, Schweini etc in what will be perhaps the best squad of players even assembled in Munich. The 6-1 mauling of Hannover 96 at the weekend was too good to be true. The Roten have scored for fun from the beginning of the season and only Arsenal have beaten them since the turn of the year. Against Wolfsburg in the Pokal Semis, Bayern also scored six and conceded one-a beauty from Deigo Ribas.

These goals galore have been done without the bulk of their first team players. The likes of  ‘EL Conquistador’ Pizarro who has been described as the best ’3RD STRIKER’ in the world by many, Jerome Boateng who has dropped to the bench since the start of the season, Xherdan Shaqiri, the diminutive Swiss winger, Arjen Robben who has found himself among the starters recently because of Toni Krooss’ layoff, etc have come in and done a great job. The Bundesliga champions are battle-ready for any team. Even Barcelona do not scare them considering the form they are in presently.

Barcelona are one of the favourites for Champions League glory. But before they secure a Wembley date against either Real Madrid or Dortmund, Bayern Munich must be stopped. However arduous it seems to be, the Blaugrana are unfazed by the challenge in front of them. A late 1-0 win over Levante nonetheless, the Spanish champions-elect have the ability to unsettle any team.

Tito Vilanova and his coaching staff are sweating over the fitness of star man, Lionel Messi. The Argentine has been sidelined for the last three League games and only came on versus PSG because it was absolutely expedient. Whether he can feature from the start today is something the management have kept close to their chest. If Messi does not play, the task will be made all the more difficult.

Barcelona have stars like Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas, Villa, Busquets, and Pedro, but without Messi, they are not so special. Forget the 5-0 success over an already condemned Mallorca. Carles Puyol and Javier ‘Jefecito’ Mascherano are currently sidelined through injury.

That leaves gaps in the Catalan rear guard which is likely to be filled by the returning Eric Abidal whose story has been one of greatness and determination. The Frenchman completed 90 minutes against Levante on Saturday. His height and balance will give him an edge over Adriano because of the giant nature of the Bayern point men.

Marc Batra can also line up alongside Pique if Abidal is not trusted enough to carry the responsibility.

 

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BAYERN: Neuer, Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba, Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Muller, Ribery, GOMEZ.

Lahm and Schweini return to the starting eleven after being left out of the team that won emphatically at Hannover. Mario Mandzukic is suspended for this fixture, so the other Mario, Gomez, will step in his shoes. Javi Martinez has been vocal in his praise of his Spanish friends at Barcelona. Paying homage to Xavi and Busquets especially. He must perform every well to also earn their eulogies. Arjen Robben has a point or two to prove tonight. His mistakes cost Bayern dear in last year’s final. He must make amends to get back into the fans hearts in a positive light.

Bastian Schweinsteiger, as usual, has a big role to play tonight. The German machine kept Andrea Pirlo quiet in the two matches against Juventus. A similar showing is expected of him when Xavi steps foot on the Inflatable boat in a few hours. Lahm, Gustavo and Dante will all miss the 2nd leg at the Nou Camp if they are cautioned in this game.

 

BARCA: Valdes, Alves, Pique, Batra/Abidal/Adriano, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi, Villa.

For all of Christian Tello’s runs, goals, and assists in the last couple of weeks, it is unlikely that he will start tonight. The experienced heads of Villa and Pedro will be preferred to the youthful exuberance of the pacy winger. Messi could return to the team and Sergio Busquets has shaken off a hernia problem to face the Bavarian giants.

It is in defence that the problem lies. Bartra, Adriano or Abidal? The answer lies with Tito and Jordi Roura. Gerard Pique was uttering some annoying things against Germany in the build up to his great game. He has  to do the talking on the pitch tonight.

 

Real Madrid – Borussia Dortmund

The Schwarzgelben might have shot themselves in the foot with the shocking news that Mario Gotze is set to join arch-rivals, Bayern Munich in the summer for 37 Million Euros. However tempting the offer may be/or have been, Germany’s Lionel Messi who says he’d rather be called the CR7 of DIE MANNSCAFT, should not be allowed to go for any price.

The Signa Iduna landlords are becoming a major force in Europe and to move further, their best players must stay put. That is beside the point. Some of immediate greater importance is before them. The visit of high flying Real Madrid who are so willing to win their 10th European trophy popularly called ‘LA DECIMA’ by the Merengues faithful.

Borussia Dortmund do not give a hoot about Real Madrid’s quest to win the Champions League – they harbour their own ambitions, too. The Borussens have relinquished their Bundesliga crown to Bayern already and are looking for silverware this season. A 2nd European triumph, 16 long years after the first, will be a fantastic accomplishment. Jurgen Klopp has been bullish in his assertions that BVB can do the impossible this term. No one can doubt the quality they possess.

Robert Lewandowski cannot stop scoring. If the Pole scores in his next 5 league games, he will break Gerd Muller’s long standing record of scoring in 16 consecutive League games  Mats Hummels has returned to full fitness and is poised to start alongside Neven Subotic in defence, leaving Felipe Santana on the sidelines. The Brazilian will be infuriated by this. After all, it is because of him that Dortmund are in the semi-finals. Rolls Reus scored against Real at the Bernabeu in their group encounter and can repeat the same feat if given the opportunity.

Real Madrid have a few injury problems. The war against Betis was won not without a few casualties. Benzema and Modric picked up minor injuries, while Marcelo was stretchered out of the pitch following a hamstring issue. Varane, Coentrao and Sergio Ramos are all likely to return to the starting 11 tomorrow. Di Maria and Xabi Alonso are also set to take their places in midfield and Pipita Higuain will lead the line with CR7 as usual, carrying the team’s hopes and aspirations.

Jose Mourinho has to decide yet again if Iker Casillas will return between the sticks or continue with the very impressive Diego Lopez. He wants to win the Champions League at all costs after three consecutive semi-final appearances. Dortmund stand in the way, just like Bayern last time out and Barcelona two seasons prior. The Portuguese is set to leave the Spanish capital at the end of the season. What better way to sign off than with a record breaking 10th UCL title.

Real will not look beyond this game despite the capital derby showdown at the weekend which will go a long way to decide who finishes as La Liga runners-up. The’whits’ must do better than their last showing in Rhine-Westphalia. The 2-1 loss was deserved by the Ruhr giants and they almost won at the Bernabeu until a late Ozil free-kick sealed a 2-2 draw for the hosts.

Tomorrow night, both sides will attempt to get an early goal and ultimately secure an unassailable advantage before the 2nd leg in Spain.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BORUSSIA DORTMUND: Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Hummels, Subotic, Schmelzer, Bender, Gundogan, Kuba, ROLLS REUS, Gotze, Lewandowski.

Lewandowski has shaken off a minor problem to play in this game. Despite Gotze’s imminent departure, the playmaker will do everything humanly possible to destroy Real Madrid. Captain Sebastian Kehl who just signed a contract extension will start on the bench with Bender taking his place.

 

REAL MADRID: Lopez, Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Coentrao, Khedira, Alonso, Di Maria, Ozil, CR7, Higuain.

The back four will feature Ramos-Pepe and Varane from the start for the first time this season in Europe. Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira return to their adopted country. This time around, not to represent them, but to stop one of its leading teams from emerging victorious tomorrow.

CRISTIANO RONALDO is the top European goal scorer this season with 11 goals. Two more and he will reach the 50-goal milestone in the Champions League. He has 50 already this season in all competitions and 196 in Real colours.

 

Written by Ohiskaka Eboreime

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Bayern Munich: Gotze deal shifts the landscape in Munich and further still

  By O-Posts Team | April 23, 2013 - 16:23 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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There was only one thing for Bayern Munich to do after storming to the Bundesliga title by a margin of 20 points with 6 games left, and that was to exercise their financial muscle in order to get even stronger in anticipation for the arrival of Pep Guardiola in the summer. A campaign in which they have lost just once, scored 89 goals and conceded just 14 is seemingly not enough for the Bayern hierarchy as Karl Heinz-Rummenigge, Mathias Sammer and Uli Hoeness have green-lighted a €35 million euro move for Mario Gotze.

20 year old Gotze has been integral to Borussia Dortmund’s recent success after emerging from the club’s impressive youth system back in 2009. Two consecutive Bundesliga titles and this season’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League are already on the honour role for the youngster who Sammer once described as “one of the best we’ve ever produced” whilst in his role as technical director for the German FA. Blessed with fine balance, skill and the nimbleness that allows him to dictate play so majestically in the final third, he fits the mould of a Guardiola footballer quite perfectly.

The attacking midfielder has already scored 31 goals for Dortmund, 10 of which have come in this campaign alongside 9 assists as he remains pivotal to Jurgen Klopp’s wonderfully-gifted young side.

It was Klopp who sparked Bayern’s regeneration after he guided Dortmund to the championship in 2011 and 2012, also managing to land the DFB Pokal with a 5-2 demolition of Munich in Berlin. To compound the frustration, Hoeness and co. had to watch Chelsea steal the Champions League title in their own backyard of the Allianz Arena as Bayern could not turn their dominance into goals. That was the watershed, the club president could take no more and he used last summer as a launch-pad for a relentless pursuit of dominance that has intensified with the acquisition of the mesmerically talented Gotze.

Domestic dominance has been achieved as the club have marched to the title with the utmost arrogance and hubris, also booking another spot in the final of the DFB Pokal with a 6-1 thrashing of Wolfsburg in the semi-final. Now the target is the continent as the Champions League has proved elusive for eleven years despite two recent finals and the recruitment of Guardiola, who won the coveted trophy twice with Barcelona in four years, instigated immediate big-spending to suggest the Bavarians are obstinate on ending their barren-run.

It is Barcelona who stand between Munich and another Champions League final this season, but there is a over-hanging feeling of doubt that Jupp Heynckes, despite transforming Bayern into a Bundesliga behemoth, he does not have the charisma or guile to finally end their long-wait for European success. Hence his ruthless ousting in favour of Guardiola who directed the Barcelona juggernaut to a zenith of footballing brilliance during his four years as coach in Catalonia.

The announcement of Gotze as his first signing suggests he will go about turning Bayern into a nouveau Barcelona, with the German’s technical brilliance joining Toni Kroos and Franck Ribery in an interchangeable attacking-midfield trio.

Gotze’s versatility will allow him to play anywhere behind the potent striking force of Mario Mandzukic, scorer of 19 goals in his debut season at Bayern, or Mario Gomez, who has built on his 83 goal-total of the last two years with 11 this time round. Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller can also stake a claim for inclusion as Guardiola will have to wrestle with the most outrageously talented of squads.

Guardiola.... takes advantage of the Bavarians' financial muscle to sign the outrageously talented Gotze.

Guardiola…. takes advantage of the Bavarians’ financial muscle to sign the outrageously talented Gotze.

Klopp meanwhile will be left with the unenviable task of repairing the damage left behind by Gotze’s exit. He will have the money for reinvestment, but many will argue the understanding he had with Marco Reus that devastated many sides is irreplaceable. With Dortmund also rumoured to be likely to lose Robert Lewandowski as he heads into the final year of his contract, the 44 year old coach faces potential dissolution of the side he has moulded into one of the finest attacking sides in Europe. It will be the toughest examinations of Klopp’s burgeoning reputation as Guardiola sets the accelerator off into the distance, fuelled by imperious financial power.

It is a fascinating deal, one that is likely extend the gap between Dortmund and Bayern further than the 20 point chasm that separates them now, and one that comes in the sensitive week both clubs compete in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Despite their comparable achievements on the pitch, this deal highlights the financial disparity that promises to be a huge threat to the competitiveness of one of Europe’s best leagues.

Javi Martinez arrived last year for €35 million and now Gotze comes for €37 million, it is the work of a club intent on competing in an atmosphere of its own.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Champions League: A Brief Look At This Year’s Semi-finalists

  By O-Posts Team | April 12, 2013 - 17:20 | , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona are the final four out of the 32 teams that qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Borussia Dortmund replace Chelsea if you take last season’s semi-finalists into context. Real, Barca and Bayern have been consistent over the last two seasons and their qualification to the semis is testament to the fact that the pendulum has swung.

English teams were left to lick their wounds as none got past the last 16, even though Arsenal left with pride and Manchester United denied amid Nani’s controversial sending off.

It is important to note here that the last teams standing fully merit their places. Dortmund staggered into the semi-finals with a last gasp revival v Malaga- a game marred by controversy. Bayern annihilated Juventus home and away, Real Madrid sorted Galatasaray out, 5-3 on aggregate….While, Barcelona sent PSG packing on away goals rule.

Let’s find out what all the teams possess in their arsenal.

The ‘FAB 4′ of European Football by all standards this season will slug it out for the chance to line up in Wembley for this year’s UCL final. All four teams have equal chances of hoisting the most coveted trophy in European club football.

 

REAL MADRID

‘La Decima’ is the aim and once again, Jose Mourinho has qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League for the 3rd straight year. A fantastic achievement worthy of praise. This time however, failure to at least reach the final will be seen as a major letdown by all those associated with the Capital club. Cristiano Ronaldo has once again carried the team on his shoulders. His 11 Champions league goals is the highest he has ever scored in this competition since his debut for Manchester United.

He became the 3rd player ever to score 10+ goals in consecutive seasons after Messi and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos sat out the 3-2 defeat at the Turk Telekom Arena through suspension, but are expected to return for the double header v Barcelona, Bayern or Dortmund. Real Madrid know all about these three teams. In the last two seasons, they have encountered all of them and most recently defeated Barcelona twice in four days.

It seems Mou has found the strategy to beat Barcelona. Bayern Munich and Dortmund have been successful against the Merengues and the Borussens won one, drew one in the Group Stages of this season’s campaign.

 

Borussia Dortmund

Jurgen Klopp is trying to make up for what has been an appalling season for the Schwarzgelben. They relinquished the Bundesliga crown to Bayern Munich last weekend in what has become the earliest time the German League trophy has been won. Being 20 points behind Bayern and eliminated by the team in the DFB POKAL is a terrible pill to swallow.

They have switched attention to the European cup and were within 3 minutes of bidding farewell to the tournament until a stroke of luck and some astonishing decisions sent Pellegrini’s Malaga packing. Mario Gotze and Marco ‘Rolls’ Reus are elated to say the least.

A shot at ultimate glory is two steps away and they are determined to give it their all. Robert Lewandowski scored his 6th UCL goal in the Malaga game. The man who has scored in ten consecutive League games is the main attacking threat for the 2nd placed team in the German top flight.

 

BAYERN MUNICH

No one will doubt Die Roten’s title credentials. The 23-time German Champions have been almost impeccable this season. In the year 2013, only Arsenal have won against them. The dismissal of Juventus sent a clear statement to other aspiring winners that the Munich based club want their 5th European trophy at all costs.

The bitter taste of last year’s defeat in their own home is still in the mouths of all those connected to the Bavarian outfit. Anything but a win will be seen as a step backwards. Jupp Heynckes lost all three trophies last season and wants to make amends. One is in the wraps, the other two are withing sight.

Bastian Schweinsteiger proved yet again that he can mix it up with the best deep lying playmakers in the world last night when he kept Andrea Pirlo quiet for much of the game. He himself was phenomenal throughout. Another excellent performance by the German machine. Mario Mandzukic will not be available for the 1st leg of the semi-final after he picked up a needless booking in yesterday’s game. Gomez or Pizarro will take his place. The latter has scored 5 goals in his last three games in all competitions.

They’re a definite threat.

 

BARCELONA

The best team in the world were saved from elimination by a Pedro pile driver after the introduction of 4-time Ballon D’or winner, Lionel Messi. El Pulga’s entry into the field of play galavanized the Blaugrana and it was no surprise when Barca scored barely minutes after his arrival. He is on eight goals (3 behind CR7). It will take the bravest of men to bet against him winning the Ballon d’Or for the 5th straight year anyways. He is the highest goal scorer in League play anywhere in the World with 43 La Liga goals.

Andres Iniesta is the most brilliant footballer in the world in my opinion. His football is more enjoyable than sex. One skill yesterday sent me shivering for minutes. If Barca are to go all the way, Iniesta yet again must come good in both legs. Tito Vilanova will not want to play Real Madrid yet after recent disappointments. Any of the German teams will be welcomed with open arms.

Barcelona are 2nd favourites after Bayern to win the competition. The Catalans defence is very shaky and that could be their greatest downfall.

 

Written by Ohireime Eboreime

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Champions League Last 8: Tuesday Night Second Leg Preview

  By O-Posts Team | April 9, 2013 - 17:53 | , , , , ,
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Real Madrid will be looking to finish the Gala job when they travel to the Turk Telekom Arena tonight. Fatih Terim and his boys will be looking to salvage some pride at least. A three goal deficit against a great team like Real Madrid is impossible to overcome. Although, impossible is nothing.

They could borrow a leaf from the phenomenal Depor side under Javier Irueta who came from 4-1 down to dismantle an A.C Milan team comprising of Andrea Pirlo, Kaka, Seedorf, Sheva, etc by four unreplied goals at the famous RIAZOR stadium in La Coruna. Juan Carlos Valeron ran the show that day. A repeat of that performance is highly unlikely.

Meanwhile, Malaga and bereaved manager, Manuel Pellegrini travel to Dortmund with the sole aim of trying to qualify for the semi-finals. The Iduna will be made very uncomfortable for the Boquerones. Tomorrow, Paris St Germain travel to the Camp Nou, while Bayern Munich visit the home of the Old Lady of Italian football to complete the demolition job. Conte awaits their arrival.

 

DORTMUND- MALAGA

The excellent Manuel Pellegrini is grief-stricken. The Chilean had to travel home over the weekend to be with his family as a result of the death of his father. It was looking increasingly unlikely that the Leader of the Malaga orchestra will be available for the biggest match of their history yet.

The Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg v Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund who couldn’t find the net at the Rosaleda despite having many scoring chances. The Borussens relinquished their status as German Champions to Bayern Munich at the weekend and will be looking to get to the semi-finals in what has been a near impeccable Eurpean adventure. The 1997 European champions will rely on the firepower of Robert Lewandowski to guide them past Joaquin’s Malaga.

The Andalusians also have Francisco “Isco” Alarcon to count on when the going gets tough. Julio’ the beast’ Baptista can also turn things around on his day. Labista Sevilla was marvellous at times in his career and can make things happen when it matters most.

Pellegrini is aware of the importance of the away goals rule and has underlined his ambition to take the game to Dortmund from start to finish. It can get all messy for the host if the first half ends scoreless. Pressure will begin to mount and they can buckle.

Defensive rock, Mats Hummels and the energetic Kuba are doubts for this game. Not that it really matters as Klopp has alternatives to choose from.

 

Probable Lineups

Dortmund:

Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Santana/Hummels, Subotic, Schmelzer, Kehl, Gundogan, Reus, Gotze, Kuba/Groskreutz, LEWANDOWSKI.

Polish predator, Lewandowski, came of the bench to score in his 10th successive Bundesliga game at the weekend and will be looking to add to his 5 Champions League goals this term. Gotze has missed far too many chances in the last two games. He will also be determined to make amends for the number of chances that went begging in the first leg.

Marco ‘Rolls’ Reus should be feared as always. He rarely puts a foot wrong and his partnership with the diminutive Gotze is one of the deadliest in world football.

 

Malaga:

Caballero, Jesus Garmez, Lugano, Demichelis, Artunes, Toulalan, Iggy Camacho, ISCO, Joaquin, Baptista, Saviola.

Los Boquerones will be without Weligton, who has been a rock in the center of defence and Midfield linchpin, Manuel Iturra whose play complements Toulalan’s. Huge losses. But ISCO is fit and set to roar.

 

GALATASARAY – REAL MADRID

Selcuk Inan was overshadowed and outplayed by Xabi Alonso in the battle of the World’s finest Deep lying playmakers at the Bernabeu. He wouldn’t want to be dominated in his own home, even though Alonso is suspended for the game. Luka Modric is also a fantastic footballer and can compete with the very best in the business.

Didier Drogba made his presence felt at the weekend with two fine goals in league play, but has done nothing for Gala in the European scene. If not for anything, he should at least chip in with a goal tonight.

Real Madrid will know better than to sleep on this game. If recent capitulations by A.C Milan are anything to go by, then ‘never’ is a word meant for the lame and tame-hearted. Fatih Terim will throw all that he possesses at the Merengues tonight for what it’s worth.

Jose Mourinho will not be able to call upon Roja Centurions, Alonso and Sergio Ramos tonight due to suspension. Pepe is a doubt after pulling up in training. French teenager, Varane is a certain starter and could be joined in central defence by the much maligned Raul Albiol if the Portuguese defender cannot shake off whatever ails him.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the UCL top scorer with 9 and can add to his tally tonight to stretch his lead at the top of the chart over Messi and the suspended Burak Yilmaz who have 8 a piece.

 

Probable Lineups

GALA:

Muslera, Eboue, Balta, Kaya, Riera, Inan, Melo, Altintop, Sneijder, DROGBA, Elmander

The crushing blow for the Turkish League leaders is that top scorer, Burak Yilmaz is unavailable for this game due to suspension. Somewhat needless and stupid. The Norwegian referee (Svein Oddvar Moen) in charge of the match at the Bernabeu wrongly booked the marksman for diving when indeed it should have been a penalty.

Dany Nounkeu is also out. Too many yellows accumulated by the central defender. Hakan Balta takes his place.

 

REAL MADRID:

Diego Lopez, Arbeloa/Essien, Pepe/Albiol, Varane Coentrao, Khedira, Modric, Ozil, Di Maria, CR7, Benzema.

The ‘whites’ made 7 changes to the team that spanked Levante on Saturday. Still the 5-1 result flattered Real who only started playing in the final stages of the match. San Iker is back after a 9 week layoff, but cannot unseat Diego Lopez from the goalkeeping position. It will be a travesty of epic proportions if that happens.

The Pipita-Benz centre forward battle might likely be won by the latter. Coentrao is a more disciplined left back and should replace Marcelo in that department. Sami Khedira returns to shore up the midfield, while Luka Modric will get the nod in the absence of Xabi Alonso. Kaka likely to be on the bench yet again even after scoring a goal at the weekend.

The Ozil-Di Maria axis will return to bolster the team.

 

Written by Ohireime Eboreime

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