Werder Bremen 1 Milan 1
Its never easy to go to Germany and play your natural football. The fan-craze and stadium environment is electric. Renowned as the most vibrant and enthusiastic on the continent. AC Milan sent their second string side to face Werder Bremen, at the Weserstadion. This being the case after UEFA Cup took precedence over the Scudetto overnight. Let me just give you an insight as to why I have a problem here. AC Milan's first team can barely compete with the second string teams of several European giants, and sending out a second string team in a competition which is the only realistic trophy to be won now, either indicates arrogance, or stupidity. I wouldn't be surprised if its both, because both these attributes have become an integral part of our mentality.
All eyes were on star man Diego as the game was about to begin. Who knows, he could very well be playing for an 'Old Lady' next season. Right from the word go, Bremen attacked when a corner from the above mentioned player struck the head of Per Mertesacker, only to go off target. Pirlo was demonstrating why he is an over-rated player as his pass was intercepted by Hugo Almeida but the effort went wide. Inzaghi and Flamini both had good chances but couldn't capitalize like they should have. Both the teams seemed to be focussing on maintaining a strong defense. Maybe both Schaaf and Ancelloti took Maldini's words a bit too seriously. Milan started to dominate after half an hour and this dominance brought rewards, as a poor clearance from Frtiz had Flamini run down the wide and cross into the box. Inzaghi managed to score a scrappy goal, and Milan took the lead. Germans were showing what they were good at, persistance, as they continued to push ahead. Peruvian hitman, Pizzaro visually demonstrated why he was thrown out of Stamford Bridge as he wasted a great chance to level the terms from a Diego flick.
Right after the break, Pizzaro had a chance and if not for some good defending from Zambrotta he might have scored. 51 minutes, Almeida tried his luck from a free-kick, but his shot went marginally wide. Diego got the better of Pirlo only to be denied by a sedulous Dida. Flamini was threatening with his usual long rangers, but Tim Wiese was upto the task. Seedorf and Ronaldinho comebined well to set up Inzaghi who hit the crossbar with a good effort. These were the only chances the visiting side were having as they preferred defense to attack. Flamini was playing really well, especially on the wide side of the pitch, and his cross on this occasion was supreme, but Inzaghi's ageing legs just couldn't get him there on time. Diego scored a typical 'derby' goal, as a long ball was brought down by Almeida before Diego volleyed it past Dida. A similar goal to the one we conceded last Sunday, frustrating! Pizzaro continued his poor form in front of goal, just before the final whistle, as Diego presented him with the opportunity. But the target man just wasn't able to convert.
What gets on my nerves is that the coach decides to play defensive football, with an one goal lead against Werder Bremen, away from home, with a defense comprising of Favalli, Zambrotta, Senderos and Bonera. None of these defenders know the meaning of the word 'jump'. They merely lift their feet of the ground and therefore win no headers. I remember an occasion where Naldo jumped over Bonera, his legs almost at the Italian's neck, and if not for Dida, the Brazilian defender might have scored. This defense is not fit for Sunday league, UEFA Cup is distances away. Flamini was Milan's best player yet again, but I am sure he wont be used. As a journalist rightly mentioned, Ancelloti's infatuation would have the reckless Ambrosini donning the midfield. We are apparently favorites for the home leg, but lets not be so sure. Recently, San Siro hasn't been The San Siro.
Video highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk1u0iJZTWA&eurl
Goal Scorers -
Werder Bremen - Diego (84')
Milan - Inzaghi (36')
All eyes were on star man Diego as the game was about to begin. Who knows, he could very well be playing for an 'Old Lady' next season. Right from the word go, Bremen attacked when a corner from the above mentioned player struck the head of Per Mertesacker, only to go off target. Pirlo was demonstrating why he is an over-rated player as his pass was intercepted by Hugo Almeida but the effort went wide. Inzaghi and Flamini both had good chances but couldn't capitalize like they should have. Both the teams seemed to be focussing on maintaining a strong defense. Maybe both Schaaf and Ancelloti took Maldini's words a bit too seriously. Milan started to dominate after half an hour and this dominance brought rewards, as a poor clearance from Frtiz had Flamini run down the wide and cross into the box. Inzaghi managed to score a scrappy goal, and Milan took the lead. Germans were showing what they were good at, persistance, as they continued to push ahead. Peruvian hitman, Pizzaro visually demonstrated why he was thrown out of Stamford Bridge as he wasted a great chance to level the terms from a Diego flick.
Right after the break, Pizzaro had a chance and if not for some good defending from Zambrotta he might have scored. 51 minutes, Almeida tried his luck from a free-kick, but his shot went marginally wide. Diego got the better of Pirlo only to be denied by a sedulous Dida. Flamini was threatening with his usual long rangers, but Tim Wiese was upto the task. Seedorf and Ronaldinho comebined well to set up Inzaghi who hit the crossbar with a good effort. These were the only chances the visiting side were having as they preferred defense to attack. Flamini was playing really well, especially on the wide side of the pitch, and his cross on this occasion was supreme, but Inzaghi's ageing legs just couldn't get him there on time. Diego scored a typical 'derby' goal, as a long ball was brought down by Almeida before Diego volleyed it past Dida. A similar goal to the one we conceded last Sunday, frustrating! Pizzaro continued his poor form in front of goal, just before the final whistle, as Diego presented him with the opportunity. But the target man just wasn't able to convert.
What gets on my nerves is that the coach decides to play defensive football, with an one goal lead against Werder Bremen, away from home, with a defense comprising of Favalli, Zambrotta, Senderos and Bonera. None of these defenders know the meaning of the word 'jump'. They merely lift their feet of the ground and therefore win no headers. I remember an occasion where Naldo jumped over Bonera, his legs almost at the Italian's neck, and if not for Dida, the Brazilian defender might have scored. This defense is not fit for Sunday league, UEFA Cup is distances away. Flamini was Milan's best player yet again, but I am sure he wont be used. As a journalist rightly mentioned, Ancelloti's infatuation would have the reckless Ambrosini donning the midfield. We are apparently favorites for the home leg, but lets not be so sure. Recently, San Siro hasn't been The San Siro.
Video highlights - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk1u0iJZTWA&eurl
Goal Scorers -
Werder Bremen - Diego (84')
Milan - Inzaghi (36')
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