International Friendly Match: Barcelona B 0-3 vs. Brazil – Full Time Report
If there is one club team in Europe that produces the best "young" players, it is definitely the Spanish club Barcelona. On the other hand, if there is a nation that is famous for producing the best players, then it is definitely Brazil, as they have won the FIFA World Cup more than any other nation in the world.
Players like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Romario and Pele are only a few examples of the legendary players that the South American side has been able to produce. In recent young talent, the AC Milan striker Pato is a perfect example for everyone, as the 20-year old youngster is a great striker and with his quick feet can be a threat to many defences in the world.
However, Barcelona are no less in making "legendary" players. Players like Lionel Messi, Pedro Rodriguez, Romario, Ronaldinho, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta have all been a part of the Barcelona youth academy and such players are still making a name in the world even though a few of them have retired, while some of them are not even playing in the same club.
Today, both the teams collided together in a "training" match as both of them played their young stars to see which one of them can outplay the other. The new coach of the Brazilian squad after Dunga's retirement, Mano Menezes, introduced his squad half an hour before the match and gave out a rather experimental squad, as many of the big names were not included. The goalkeeper was the youngster Diego Alves while he was assisted with 4 full backs. The Barcelona man Dani Alves was playing as a right-back for the Brazilian team while Andre Santos featured as a new left-back for the South American side. The centre-backs were the two amazing defenders Thiago Silva and David Luiz. The Liverpool player Lucas also featured in the match along with the new Chelsea signing Ramires in the centre. Carlos Eduardo and Coutinho played as right and left midfielders, respectively. The whole team was behind the two strikers, Robinho and Pato.
On the other hand, Barca B were playing Jordi Masip as the goalkeeper. The four full-backs were Barta, Armando, Abraham and Planas. Riverola and Saul featured as two defensive midfielders while Ilie played at the centre. Edu Oriol, Victor Vazquez and Rochina featured as the three strikers for the team as Barca B players came down to play the South American side in their Blaugrana colours.
The match kicked off with Barcelona's coach Pep Guardiola and Barcelona's defender Eric Abidal watching from the stands. The match began after a minute's silence for the Reus player Jordi Pitarque, who died this weekend.
Liverpool's holding midfielder Lucas was able to make it 1-0 for Brazil, as the Spanish team sent down players who were not a part of the game against Xerez on the weekend. The first counterattack helped the Brazilians take first blood as Luis Enrique's men couldn't really defend the goals and the Brazilians scored the first goal.
Right after three minutes, the AC Milan striker Pato made it 2-0 for the Brazilian side; Coutinho was the man who was actually behind the marvellous move. The Brazilian team showed the Blaugrana coloured "kids" that tough teams are not very easy to beat. They were able to score goals from the two attacks that they made and Barcelona's defensive lines were no match for the Brazilian attack. However, it was Abraham's two long range shots that barely troubled Diego Alves on the other side of the pitch.
Barca B lost touch as they were unable to keep possession of the ball, but finally in the second half, they started to find the ball at their feet. At half-time, the Brazilian coach changed a few things around for the side and tried to put in a totally new combination by introducing the Manchester United youngster Rafael along with the new Barcelona signing Adriano. The young players Álex, Douglas Costa, Hernanes, Sandro, Henrique and Fernandinho were also added to the Brazilian team in the second half. Later, the Portuguese club, Porto's sensation Hulk was introduced. On the other hand, Barca B only substituted two players after the first half as Dalmau and Benja came on for the two defensive midfielders, Riverloa and Saul. Later in the half, Rafa Alcantara and Jesus Unzue also featured for the Spanish club.
Finally, when Barcelona found some ball, it was too little too late and on another counterattack, Fernandinho managed to score the third goal as Barcelona's players lost the ball in the midfield. The third goal sealed the deal for the Spanish side as the Brazilian team walked away raising their hands in victory.
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