What a first 45'! Chelsea seemed
disjointed and downright disinterested in any serious attack during most of the
first half. With only 25% of possession and 2 goals down it seemed the end was
coming early for Chelsea through 44 minutes of this game. Both of Barcelona’s goals
were concise and intelligent. Ramires' chip in the 45th min though was nothing
short of beautiful and seemed to suddenly wake Chelsea out of their funk. It
has to be said that John Terry let his team down in a critical game. On one of
the biggest stages and at the time when his team needed him most he failed,
both as a teammate and more importantly as a Captain. What could he have possibly been thinking?
What an immature and irresponsible thing to do. I don't know how you look at
your teammates after something like that. A player, and Captain no less, of his
age and experience has got to be held to a higher standard than most. Roberto
Di Matteo won't openly punish a player of his status but no one could blame him
if he did. John Terry owes a HUGE thank you to his team for winning in spite of
his stupid mistake.
Chelsea couldn't have started off
the 2nd half any worse than by giving up a penalty in the 47th minute. However when
Barcelona needed their star most Messi's "Chelsea hoodoo" jumped up
again. Six inches lower and I would be writing about Messi being the hero of
Catalonia. But as happens so many times in this game, the team that "deserved"
or maybe better described "should" have won doesn't. Maybe that's one
of the things that make this game "beautiful". But I digress.... I
will say that it was fun watching Lampard and Fabregas rehash old hatreds. I
have to side with Lampard though. If someone uppercuts me in the nuts I'm not
going to be happy either.
Once again Juan Mata was almost invisible for Chelsea. I
would think, or hope, that Di Matteo would start Kalou in the Final. The Refs did a pretty good job of officiating
this game. Cech's yellow card was a little over the top but overall I think
they did a good job. The yellow card to Raul Miereles also was a little harsh
for me but honestly will Chelsea miss him in the final?? You do have to give
Chelsea's defensive skills allot of credit. They rendered Messi ineffective through
both games save for two huge chances in this round. Messi, who is without a
doubt the best player on the planet regardless of what Pele thinks, has to step
up when chances are presented on a stage this big.
How big was the final goal from
Fernando Torres? Not only for him but for all the doubters he has (rightly) had
to deal with. I would love someone to explain to me though how he wasn't
offside? And should Chelsea have not been given a red card for a handball in
the box right before the goal? Regardless Torres made himself a hero for Chelsea
at last. We can only hope that the Final
is as exciting as this game was.
Jay N
Photo AP/Getty Images
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