There are the serious wars like the Champions League knockout stages and there are those friendlies. The big matches might take away all the news but the 'smaller' ones are the ones which you need to look out for, as these showcases the matches of the future, because these are the matches when today's youngsters are given a major role to play. It is in these matches that the boys make their bones and become the 'men' of the future! And so it was. Barcelona, playing without most of the stars, gave out the opportunity to the number of youngsters in the club, the products of the very prestigious 'La Masia', the youth academy of FCB in the 2011 edition of the Audi Cup.
The first match for Barca was bumpy. True. But then the final against the hosts, Munich was again a smooth and arty affair! Goals by Thiago were not exactly as the style of typical Barca football, carefully passed to the net, but these looked even better! These goals were the artistic ones, to swivel in the air and embrace the net of the opponent. With most of the stars absent, Barcelona was not the clear favorites, but that is how the boys do it! Pinto on the gloves looked classy and proved valuable too!
In the end, with the new 'Qatar Foundation' shirts on, this was a good start to what has to be another great year to come.
Football has always fascinated its followers by the beautiful uncertainty it provides. On its day any team can defeat any opponent, no matter how big or powerful they are. It is this unique mystery that draws millions of supporters to the ground and in front of the T.V. sets. Barca has however diminished this romantic mystery by emerging as champions on almost every occasion for the last few years.
ReplyDeleteWhile this may be great news to the Barca fans, it has to some extent created a repellant effect to some of the followeers of the game. But football being the greatest leveller will for sure bring things back to level playing field and the other clubs no doubt are scrutinizing every move they are making, has been making and will be making. The song "Every Breath You Take" by The Police comes to mind. So I have more than a passing feeling that things are going to get very interesting for Barca in the coming season. Till then bask in your glory boys, you have earned it and you deserve it.