Cristiano RonaldoFC Zurich 1 AC Milan 1
Shame isn't a part of AC Milan's dictionary. I realized this after watching the game between the Swiss minnows Zurich and the so called European giants AC Milan. After having lost disgracefully at home to the whipping boys of the group, one would naturally assume that Milan would travel for vengeance and pride. But that wasn't on the agenda. All eyes were on Ronaldinho. There was a lot of talk about his rebirth. And rightly so. We have won 5 games on the trot domestically, and he has a large hand in it. He also heads the assist table in the Serie A. Borriello was another who had the limelight on himself. He simply had to prove his European pedigree.
The game started, and Zurich began strongly. They played like a side that had nothing to lose. Our players was caught napping on Nikci's shot. We were playing a high line of defense, and would inevitably get caught by the pace of the Swiss. Our only resolve to score was to counter, which was a baffling strategy. We were superior in every department then why not choose to control? We were giving up the ball comfortably and weren't trying to win it back. Only if the Swiss got bored of keeping the ball would we try to improve the possession stat. Gajic's magnificent strike gave Dida no chance. Down, bottom corner. Unlike the Rossoneri, Zurich were getting their shots on target. I find it incomprehensible that we couldn't break down a mediocre defense that wasn't even putting 11 men behind the ball. Ambrosini missed a free header from a Ronaldinho corner, which is very uncharacteristic. Kaladze was cleaning up for Nesta. Huh?! We were just not able to construct an attack. Borriello was incredibly wasteful with the service provided to him, especially in the second half. Rochat brings down Borriello in the box, sees red. Maybe he should have let the Italian shoot. Going by what we had seen during the game, he would've probably missed. Another opportunity from a set piece went missing, as Kaladze headed wide. Dida was reduced to a spectator in the second half, and for that I am grateful. He wasn't one bit assertive in the first half.
If we did go through, it is because Madrid decided to stamp their authority in France. Ronaldo put in a performance that should give people the understanding that he still is probably the best player in the world. Marseille were reckless with the opportunities provided to them, but Madrid made a meal of those that came their way, deservedly grabbing first place in the group. We have become a blur in Europe, something is amiss. Formation, players, coach? What is it? Well, we have till Feb to figure it out. For now lets just say, thank you Madrid.
Scorers -
Zurich - Gajic 30'
Milan - Ronaldinho 64' pen
The game started, and Zurich began strongly. They played like a side that had nothing to lose. Our players was caught napping on Nikci's shot. We were playing a high line of defense, and would inevitably get caught by the pace of the Swiss. Our only resolve to score was to counter, which was a baffling strategy. We were superior in every department then why not choose to control? We were giving up the ball comfortably and weren't trying to win it back. Only if the Swiss got bored of keeping the ball would we try to improve the possession stat. Gajic's magnificent strike gave Dida no chance. Down, bottom corner. Unlike the Rossoneri, Zurich were getting their shots on target. I find it incomprehensible that we couldn't break down a mediocre defense that wasn't even putting 11 men behind the ball. Ambrosini missed a free header from a Ronaldinho corner, which is very uncharacteristic. Kaladze was cleaning up for Nesta. Huh?! We were just not able to construct an attack. Borriello was incredibly wasteful with the service provided to him, especially in the second half. Rochat brings down Borriello in the box, sees red. Maybe he should have let the Italian shoot. Going by what we had seen during the game, he would've probably missed. Another opportunity from a set piece went missing, as Kaladze headed wide. Dida was reduced to a spectator in the second half, and for that I am grateful. He wasn't one bit assertive in the first half.
If we did go through, it is because Madrid decided to stamp their authority in France. Ronaldo put in a performance that should give people the understanding that he still is probably the best player in the world. Marseille were reckless with the opportunities provided to them, but Madrid made a meal of those that came their way, deservedly grabbing first place in the group. We have become a blur in Europe, something is amiss. Formation, players, coach? What is it? Well, we have till Feb to figure it out. For now lets just say, thank you Madrid.
Scorers -
Zurich - Gajic 30'
Milan - Ronaldinho 64' pen
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