Translated material
Closing of "America"
Barcelona reached the final of the Club World Cup
The Spanish “Barcelona” in the match with the Mexican “America” did not allow for a moment to doubt that it deserves a place in the final of the Club World Cup. Having defeated the Mexicans 4:0, the European Cup holders can prepare with peace of mind for the final meeting with the winner of the Libertadores Cup, the Brazilian Inter.This final is very important for Barça. Never before have the Catalans won the Intercontinental Cup, which was replaced by the Club World Cup. But Barcelona head coach Frank Rijkaard held this trophy in his hands twice (1989, 1990) when he played for the Italian Milan. “The whole point is that Milan wanted this cup. He won it,” Rijkaard revealed the secret of victories to Spanish journalists, not forgetting to complain about the time difference, because of which Barcelona was forced to start the match with “America” approximately when noon had not yet struck in Spain.
Ronaldinho spoke in the same spirit. “This is the first time in my memory that we are not favorites in the tournament,” the Brazilian said before the match. - We just arrived in Japan and have not yet adjusted to the change in time zones. “America” spent several days more here and has already adapted to local conditions. This is what makes them the favorites for the upcoming game.” Perhaps Ronaldinho needs this victory more than others. According to the Spanish press, he is the main contender for the FIFA Best Footballer of the Year award. And if on November 18 Ronaldinho arrives in Zurich for a ceremony as a world champion, albeit a club champion, this will add weight to him.
The protracted acclimatization of the Catalans who arrived late in Japan was “America’s” only trump card. But the Mexicans were not going to give up in advance. In the quarterfinals, “America” beat the militant Korean club “Jonbuk” - 1:0 and was preparing to give battle to “Barca”. But the Mexicans failed to organize stubborn resistance. They conceded the first goal in the 11th minute. The combination, during which Ronaldinho played with his heel, giving the attack an element of surprise, was completed by Gudjonsson with an accurate falling shot. In the 30th minute, Barça scored for the second time: after a corner kick, Márquez delivered an irresistible header. In this situation, all the hopes of “America” were connected only with Claudio Lopez. The Argentine striker knows how to score against Barcelona. While playing for Valencia, Lopez upset Barcelona goalkeepers 12 times. But neither he nor his partners managed to score.
After the break, the Mexicans unleashed their latest secret weapon - Mexican football legend Cuatemoc Blanco entered the field. The football player received such an intricate name in honor of one of the Aztec leaders, and it must be admitted that Blanco did not disgrace him. Just look at his signature feint: Cuatemoc squeezes the ball between his legs and jumps over the defender’s leg. However, Blanco did not have the opportunity to demonstrate his trick.
But Ronaldinho frolicked with all his might. He minted the ball, tossed it from one foot to another, willingly passed out passes with his heel and generally fully justified his status as the first star of the tournament. All that was missing was a goal scored. The flaw was corrected in the 65th minute. Ronaldinho was the first to reach the ball, which had been hit by the “America” goalkeeper, and sent it into the top corner of the goal with a calculated strike. To top it all off, Ronaldinho passed the ball to Deco, who completed the defeat of “America”.
Now the leader of Barcelona and the Brazilian national team will have to beat their compatriots for the next title: on Sunday, in the final of the Club World Cup, Ronaldinho will meet with the Brazilian Inter.