UEFA CL SF 2L - Manchester United vs Barcelona - Apr 29
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Originally posted by zocoss:
Yup, he is already over the hill... But not only that, his expected replacement Nani is also not good enough as well... skill wise still ok but too selfish and not alert enough....
Giggs will score the winner in the final...old ginger still hotter one ok..
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VAN DER SAR DARES TO DREAM
Veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar can scarcely believe he is on the verge of becoming a two-time Champions League winner.
Manchester United's formidable keeper is daring to dream again after helping Ajax become kings of Europe in 1995.
The Dutch side came within a whisker of regaining their crown the following year but van der Sar had to settle for a loser's medal as they lost to Juventus on penalties.
He later moved to the Italian giants before joining Fulham and then United in June 2005.
At 37 Van der Sar is savouring every moment as the team chase a glorious double of league and Champions League.
United booked their place in the final in Moscow thanks to a 1-0 aggregate victory against Barcelona and the Dutchman said: "You remember 13 years ago you won it and 12 years ago you lost it.
"It has been a long time in between and it is a great feeling to go to the final again and try to win it for a second time.
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How Man U heroes rated
RIO FERDINAND - STAR MAN
EDWIN VAN DER SAR
DESPERATE for another Champions League medal to add to the one he won with Ajax in 1995. Produced a great save from Messi in the 19th minute. 7
OWEN HARGREAVES
ONCE again adapted to a right-back role. A Champions League winner with Bayern Munich and used all his European experience in patrolling his flank. 7
WES BROWN
JUST signed a new deal and deserves one too for some of his displays this season. He invariably fits in well as Ferdinand’s partner when Vidic is out. 7
RIO FERDINAND
DREAM TEAM STAR MAN. Alex Ferguson said it was his destiny to become the next United captain — and he looked it last night. Commanding display. 9
PATRICE EVRA
CAUGHT up in controversy after the Stamford Bridge defeat but you would not know it last night. Strong in the tackle and excellent going forward. 7
JI-SUNG PARK
SHOCK inclusion at the expense of Giggs. Nobody can doubt the South Korean’s workrate as he charges all over the pitch and blocks clearances. 7
PAUL SCHOLES
IT was like turning back the clock to the Scholes of old. Broke from deep to latch on to the loose ball before firing home a sensational winner. 8
MICHAEL CARRICK
REALLY growing into his role at United. Used to look overshadowed next to Scholes but after a poor first half looked calm and assured. Booked. 7
NANI
HAD a very poor game at Stamford Bridge and many doubted if he would play last night. But the Portuguese star bounced back to perform last night. 7
CRISTIANO RONALDO
WAS never going to get the freedom of the park against a side like Barca. But struck fear into their hearts when he got the ball and raced forward. Booked. 7
CARLOS TEVEZ
AT his terrier-like best scurrying around the pitch. While he may not have the guile of Rooney he certainly makes up for it in sheer effort. 7
SUBSTITUTES
GIGGS (Nani 76) 6, FLETCHER (Scholes 76) 6, SILVESTRE (Evra 90) 5. Not used: Kuszczak, Anderson, O’Shea, Welbeck.
Barcelona: Valdes 6, Zambrotta 5, Puyol 7, Milito 7, Abidal 7, Toure Yaya 6 (Gudjohnsen 88m, 5), Messi 7, Xavi 5, Deco 7, Iniesta 5 (Henry 60m, 5), Eto'o 5 (Bojan 72m, 5). Subs Not Used: Pinto, Edmilson, Sylvinho, Thuram. Booked: Zambrotta, Deco, Toure Yaya.
Att: 75,061
REF: Herbert Fandel (Ger) 8