Two Semi Finals

With a little time to reflect on the Champions League Semi Final contests, there are some important thoughts i would like to get out there. 

First, what a stunning final we are in for.  I can not imagine that there are many pundits that would have picked Munich v Chelsea for the final.  Even after the first legs, when these two teams won, most of the press was talking about how the El Classico would play out for Europe's biggest prize.  But it was not meant to be. 

My opinion of the two teams changed dramatically in watching the semi finals.

First, the bad:  Chelsea.  For all the talk of the great tactics and the turn around that DiMatteo has led, Chelsea played the type of game that is difficult to respect.  Frankly, i thought they played scared.  Barca came out and possessed the ball and attacked and got forward.  The major tactical flaw that i could see was that they refused to shoot from distance.  In response, Chelsea parked people behind the ball.  At times, there were nine or ten players behind the ball.  They conceded possession and let Barca do what they wanted.  Chelsea simply sat behind the ball and clogged the middle.  Their only strategy going forward was to hit the ball long and hope that Drogba could outrun players.  After they went down to ten men, the task became more overwhelming.  Chelsea held on and even scored a late goal. 

This is what disturbs me.  Anti-soccer won.  The reward is immeasurable.  There is financial incentive, respect, stature and intangibles tied in with a visit to the Champions League finals.  This is the wrong message to casual fans and young impressionable fans.  In an ideal and just world, the team that is the most committed to imposing their will should be the team that wins.  Barca plays and attacks and moves.  They are a joy to watch.  Chelsea has spent the money on players and coaches that indicate that they should be able to do the same.  However, when faced with a competent opponent, Chelsea defends.  They resort to simply stopping the opponent.  Take the time to look up statistics or watch highlights of the match.  Barca won in every facet except the one that matters.

The frustrating thing is that people and clubs gravitate towards winners.  The last thing that soccer needs is more teams playing like Chelsea.  It is not good for the game.  It is what would have happened had the Knicks won a title in the 90s.  Basketball would have become a thugs game.  I love the Knicks, but for this reason, I am glad they never quite got there... their style of play was not what a championship team should have.

The other semifinal match was different.  Real v Munich was not the prettiest or most memorable match i have seen, but it was what you want in a high caliber match.  It was two teams that tried to play.  Real is coached by the Special One.  In the past, he has resorted to anti-soccer when need be, but on this day, his team came out to play. Bayern took a couple of early shots to the chin and fought back.  These two teams stood toe-to-toe and played the game of soccer.  Two teams tried to win rather than tried not to lose.

I will finish with my thoughts on the four semi-finalists:
Chelsea - despicable.  Lost any respect i had for them.  They didn't try to play and i hope they do not win.
Barca - In spite of their loss, they play the prettiest soccer i have seen.  I hope that Guardiola stays, the team gets healthy and they continue in their commitment to this style.
Real Madrid - I am not a fan of the personalities, most of the players, or the coach... but i am a fan of their play in this tournament.
Bayern Munich - New respect for this team.  They showed perseverance and flair.  They are a well made team.

I think that i have made my point clear, but i wish that i was a little more eloquent to put my point across more clearly.... Please, staff of FC Woof, leave some comments here with your opinions.