By Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo
Throughout most of the game, with possibly the last half of the second half on December 28, 2007, Barcelona dominated the field with control of the ball and good passing. This style of play is commended, but they lost anyway. The final score of the Match was Madrid 1, Barcelona 0.Real Madrid’s Julio Baptista scored the only goal at minute 35. He received a great pass from teammate Ruud Van Nistelrooy, controlled the pass while running and kicked a hard shot from the goal’s left side into the upper right corner. Barcelona’s goalkeeper Victor Valdes had no chance to save the shot.
This appeared to me as a game between an attacking team--Barcelona opposing Real Madrid, a team shored up by a strong defens. Barcelona had many attacks on goal and chances to score while Real Madrid had relatively few. The difference is that Real Madrid usually had a wall of 7 defensive players spread across the goalmouth forming a strong impedance against attacks. Furthermore, these defensive players did not appear to be chasing opposing attackers dribbling the ball, at any time in the game. Defenders chasing opponents is a sure sign that defensive players are out of position. This was not the case with Barcelona’s defense: The goal scored by Real Madrid’s Baptista was with a clear shot with no opposition from Barcelona except by two defenders chasing him. And Barcelona typically had few, if any, midfielders back at the goal area during dynamic play, i.e., not counting corner kicks and free kicks.
Here is a little added note about a few players: For Real Madrid, one such defender for his defensive role should be commended. He is Sergio Ramos. And for Barcelona, a key playmaker for their attacks is Lionel Messi. Unfortunately for Barcelona, he was absent during this game due to an injury. Messi along with Ronaldinho are quite a powerful combination on the front line.
Which style of soccer do I favor?
Defense, of course. While I was coaching I learned to win championships by thinking first of defense then and only then about offense. After many years of coaching (and playing) I learned that if the defense were in proper order, somehow the offensive players would do their job.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
Throughout most of the game, with possibly the last half of the second half on December 28, 2007, Barcelona dominated the field with control of the ball and good passing. This style of play is commended, but they lost anyway. The final score of the Match was Madrid 1, Barcelona 0.Real Madrid’s Julio Baptista scored the only goal at minute 35. He received a great pass from teammate Ruud Van Nistelrooy, controlled the pass while running and kicked a hard shot from the goal’s left side into the upper right corner. Barcelona’s goalkeeper Victor Valdes had no chance to save the shot.
This appeared to me as a game between an attacking team--Barcelona opposing Real Madrid, a team shored up by a strong defens. Barcelona had many attacks on goal and chances to score while Real Madrid had relatively few. The difference is that Real Madrid usually had a wall of 7 defensive players spread across the goalmouth forming a strong impedance against attacks. Furthermore, these defensive players did not appear to be chasing opposing attackers dribbling the ball, at any time in the game. Defenders chasing opponents is a sure sign that defensive players are out of position. This was not the case with Barcelona’s defense: The goal scored by Real Madrid’s Baptista was with a clear shot with no opposition from Barcelona except by two defenders chasing him. And Barcelona typically had few, if any, midfielders back at the goal area during dynamic play, i.e., not counting corner kicks and free kicks.
Here is a little added note about a few players: For Real Madrid, one such defender for his defensive role should be commended. He is Sergio Ramos. And for Barcelona, a key playmaker for their attacks is Lionel Messi. Unfortunately for Barcelona, he was absent during this game due to an injury. Messi along with Ronaldinho are quite a powerful combination on the front line.
Which style of soccer do I favor?
Defense, of course. While I was coaching I learned to win championships by thinking first of defense then and only then about offense. After many years of coaching (and playing) I learned that if the defense were in proper order, somehow the offensive players would do their job.
All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.
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