powerless progression

Portsmouth 2 Milan 2
Many believed this would be a breeze for Milan. And considering the side that Milan put out, it can be safely assumed, that's pretty much what Milan expected as well. Fratton Park was buzzing with life and according to reports, it had intimidatory effects on Kaka. So Milan's best player was intimidated by Fratton Park after plying his trade in San Siro for 4-5 seasons? Who are these Journo's?

Pompey and Rossoneri were going at each other from the whistle with Portsmouth creating more chances. However it was Inzaghi who was going to be the first one to get a clear cut opportunity, which he used to hit the post. Crouch also got his chance which he misfired, not unusual for someone like Crouch. He missed one again, this time on the volley. Belhadj and Traore were impressing on the flanks and yes that is quite astounding. Pippo had a chance with a misplaced pass from Gattuso, but he lobbed it over the net. Kaka then blasted one into outer space, and thats not the first time he has done that this season. Crouch had another chance and the tall Englishman was creating a nuicanse for the terrible back four.

Kaka continued to struggle as the game progressed, with Glen Johnson firing over. This guy at Pompey seems like a different human being now when compared to the one at Stamford Bridge. The excellent right back put in a delicious ball and Younes Kaboul headed Pompey ahead deservedly. I think teams have now understood the key to score against Milan - aeriel balls into the penalty box. The English wingback was at it again, providing his second assist for the night, sending the home fans into raptures. He got past 2 players with relative ease and crossed in for Kanu, and the former gunner shook off the challenge from Zambrotta to finish cooly sending the home side 2 goals up.Milan then went into combat mode, bringing on Pato, Seedorf and Ronaldinho. All went on to have outstanding games. The results manifested almost instantaneously. Dinho's cross had Inzaghi hitting the bar for the 3rd time in the game. Johnson who was the architect for the goals scored by Portsmouth, made a soft foul. The result of this was a fantastic free kick, one I would term world class. Who else but Ronaldinho! His goal scoring spree continues. The home side kept pressing in, and Zambrotta looped in a good ball into the penalty box, the poacher king was there for the finish. Inzaghi wearing the captain's armband scored, and celebrated like we won the Serie A as he had scored deep into stoppage time.

Player performances are not worth mentioning. Senderos cannot and should not defend, largely responsible for both the goals. Favalli's age could easily spell his pace, and to put him against a team from a league that is known for its pace was as good as suicide. Ancelloti decided to commit suicide. Zambrotta and Antonini were patently average. Shevchenko was anonymous, and a good number of friends think he is finished, I dont disagree.

Everything said and done, this was an excellent performance by Pompey. Never showed signs of intimidation even though they had a virtual second string team out. This one was surely for the fans. Milan however would like to recuperate after what happened, as more dangerous foes await them back home.


http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=t-XB9TLhVYE

Goalscorers -
Portsmouth - Younes Kaboul (61'), Kanu (73')
Milan - Ronaldinho (84'), Inzaghi (90+)