Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Memorable European Confrontations, Part 11-1994 Barcelona vs. Manchester United

Barcelona and Manchester United were in the same First Phase Group for the Champions League in the Fall of 1994.
The Spaniards, managed by Dutchman Johann Cruyff, had won their Fourth Consecutive League Title and had been the losing Finalist in the previous edition of the Champions League, as well as winning it just two years previous.
The team contained a host of International stars such as Brazil’s Romario, Bulgaria’s Hristo Stoichkov, Holland’s Ronald Koeman, as well as new signing Romania’s Gheorge Hagi.
They had lost in the offseason long-serving goalkeeper Andoni Zubizaretta to Valencia, as well as, Julio Salinas and Juan Goicoetchea.
International defender Abelardo was signed from Sporting Gijon.
Carlos Busquets, who conceded two goals to Manchester United in the 1991 Cup Winners Cup Final, was now the starting goalkeeper.
Cruff’s son Jordi had also been promoted to the First team.


Two Times defending English Champions Manchester United had just had one of their best seasons by winning the Double.
Alex Ferguson had been managing the side since 1986.
The team was led by French star Eric Cantona and contained a host of internationals, such as Welshman Ryan Giggs, English Midfielder Paul Ince, Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and Ukrainian (though Russian International) Andrei Kanchelskis.
Its key acquisition was Blackburn defender David May, while they had transferred out ageing players such as Bryan Robson and Mike Phelan.


The first leg, on October 19th, was played in Manchester’s Old Trafford Stadium.
Eric Cantona was still suspended from European play from the previous season’s sending off vs. Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Manchester were missing Giggs through injury, Lee Sharpe started in his position.
Steve Bruce was omitted, as Ferguson believed that the Bruce-Pallister central defense partnership would not work against Romario.
Paul Parker was given the task of marking Romario.

Photo From: France Football, October 25, 1994
(Bakero between Parker, Pallister and May)

Paul Ince captained Manchester United in Cantona and Steve Bruce’s absence.
Due to foreign player restrictions, Romania’s Gheorge Hagi also did play for Barcelona.
Barcelona was missing defender Albert Ferrer through injury and midfielder Guillermo Amor was on the bench.
Both teams played in a 4-4-2 formation.
Manchester United scored first in the 19th minute, when Mark Hughes scored off a header from a cross by Sharpe from the left.

Photo From: France Football, October 25, 1994
(Hughes and Koeman)

Barcelona tied the match in the 34th minute, after Bakero sent Romario clear to score one on one vs. Schmeichel.
Eusebio replaced the ineffectual Luis at halftime.
Barcelona went ahead early in the second half, after Koeman’s cross from the right was chested and volleyed home by Bakero.

Photo From: France Football, October 25, 1994
(Paul Parker and Romario)

Manchester tied with 11 minutes remaining, from a brilliant back heel by Sharpe from a cross by Keane on the right after some good work by Ince.
David May’s booking in the 57th minute for a foul on Stoichkov meant that he would miss the November 2nd Match.

Photo From: France Football, October 25, 1994
(Manchester United players celebrating a goal)

He was also substituted and replaced by Steve Bruce in the 69th due to injury.
Nadal’s booking for Barcelona also meant that he would miss the November 2nd clash.
On leaving the field, Stoichkov was heard to tell Jordi Cruyff that he had given him two good balls and missed both; therefore he would receive no more.

October 19, 1994
Manchester United Football Club (England) 2- FĂștbol Club Barcelona (Spain) 2
Champions League- First Phase, Group A, Matchday 3
Venue: Manchester-Old Trafford
Attendance: 40,064
Referee: Ion Craciunescu (Romania)
Goalscorers: (Manchester United): Mark Hughes 19, Lee Sharpe 79
 (Barcelona): Romario 34, Jose Maria Bakero 49
Lineups:
Manchester United:
1-Peter Schmeichel (Denmark), 4-David May (12-Steve Bruce 69th), 2-Paul Parker, 6-Gary Pallister, 3-Dennis Irwin (Republic of Ireland), 5-Nicky Butt (15-Paul Scholes 66th), 9-Roy Keane (Republic of Ireland), 8-Paul Ince, 11-Lee Sharpe, 7-Andrei Kanchelskis (Russia), 10-Mark Hughes (Wales)

Coach: Alex Ferguson (Scotland)
Booked: David May 57th

Other Subs:
13-Gary Walsh
14-Gary Neville
16-Simon Davies (Wales)

Team Captain: Paul Ince
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro
Shirt Sponsor: Sharp
Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, White Shorts, Black Socks


Barcelona:
1-Carlos Busquets, 2-‘Ablelardo’ Fernandez, 4-Ronald Koeman (Holland), 5-‘Sergi’ Barjuan, 7-Luis Cembranos (15-‘Eusebio’ Sacristan 46th), 9-Miguel Angel Nadal, 6-Jose Maria Bakero, 3-Josip Guardiola, 11-Aitor Beguiristain (14-Jordi Cruyff (Holland) 66th), 10-Romario (Brazil), 8-Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria)

Coach: Johann Cruyff (Holland)
Booked: Miguel Angel Nadal 55th

Other Subs:
12-Sanchez Jara
13-Julen Lopetegui
16-Guillermo Amor

Team Captain: Jose Maria Bakero
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Kappa
Shirt Sponsor: None
Uniform Colors: Light Blue Shirts, Light Blue Shorts , Light Blue Socks






The second leg, on November 2, was played in Barcelona’s Nou Camp Stadium.
Eric Cantona was still suspended for Manchester United and due to foreign player restrictions; Alex Ferguson chose to select Gary Walsh instead of Peter Schmeichel in goal.
Schmeichel sat next to Cantona in the stands.

Photo From: France Football, November 8, 1994
(Cantona and Schmeichel in the stands)

David May’s suspension paved the way for Steve Bruce to start and captain Manchester United.
Ryan Giggs was also back and started ahead of Sharpe.
For Barcelona, Albert Ferrer was back in defense and Amor in midfield and Jordi Cruyff was selected ahead of Beguiristain.

Photo From: France Football, November 8, 1994
(Guillermo Amor)

Barcelona completely dominated and won 4-0 to inflict Manchester United one of its heaviest defeats.
For the First goal in the 8th minute, Jordi sent a through ball for Romario that forced Walsh out, he crossed for Amor who mis-hit and Ince deflected the ball back to Jordi who crossed across for Stoichkov whose volley took a bounce before going in.

Photo From: France Football, November 8, 1994
(Jordi Cruyff and Paul Parker)

Just before halftime, Stoichkov sent a long ball from the halfway line for Romario who chested it down and dribbled across and fired a low a low shot into the net with Pallister and Walsh unable to stop him.
In the 53rd minute, Stoichkov scored after a one -two with Romario.

Photo From: France Football, November 8, 1994
(Romario between Pallister and Parker)

A few minutes before the end, Albert Ferrer crossed across the goalmouth from the right that was deflected back to Ferrer himself by Pallister and he scored from the rebound.
Alex Ferguson called this match as his biggest disaster as Manchester United Manager up to that point.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 70, November 1994
(Romario between Nicky Butt and Steve Bruce)

Manchester United did not have one shot on target in the entire match.
Ferguson maintained defiant in his decision to start Walsh ahead of Schemichel as his tactic was to isolate Stoichkov and had no regrets in his selection policy.
Many view this match as the reason Fergsuon abandoned the 4-4-2 for European Cup Matches.

Barcelona qualified to the quarterfinals from this group along with IFK Gothenburg and Manchester United was eliminated. Barcelona themselves were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Paris St. Germain.

November 2, 1994
FĂștbol Club Barcelona (Spain) 4-Manchester United Football Club (England) 0
Champions League- First Phase, Group A, Matchday 4
Venue: Barcelona-Nou Camp
Attendance: 114,432
Referee: Joel Quiniou (France)
Goalscorers: (Barcelona): Hristo Stoichkov 8, 53, Romario 45, Ferrer 87
 (Manchester United): None
Lineups:
1-Carlos Busquets, 2-Albert Ferrer, 5-‘Ablelardo’ Fernandez,, 4-Ronald Koeman (Holland), 11-‘Sergi’ Barjuan, 7-Guillermo Amor, 6-Jose Maria Bakero (15-Sanchez Jara 77th), 3-Josip Guardiola, 9-Jordi Cruyff (Holland) (12-Ivan Iglesias 63rd), 10-Romario (Brazil), 8-Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria)

Coach: Johann Cruyff (Holland)
Booked: Ronal Koeman 2nd

Other Subs:
13-Jesus Angoy
14-Aitor Beguiristain
16-Luis Cembranos

Team Captain: Jose Maria Bakero
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Kappa
Shirt Sponsor: None
Uniform Colors: Blue and Burgundy Vertical Striped Shirts, Blue Shorts , Blue and Burgundy Horizontally Striped Socks


Manchester United:
1-Gary Walsh, 4-Steve Bruce, 2-Paul Parker, 6-Gary Pallister, 3-Dennis Irwin (Republic of Ireland), 5-Nicky Butt , 9-Roy Keane (Repoublic of Ireland), 8-Paul Ince, 11-Ryan Giggs (Wales) (16-Paul Scholes 80th), 7-Andrei Kanchelskis (Russia), 10-Mark Hughes (Wales)

Coach: Alex Ferguson (Scotland)
Booked: Paul Ince 75th, Paul Parker 76th

Other Subs:
12-Gary Neville
13-Kevin Pilkington
14-David Beckham
15-Simon Davies (Wales)

Team Captain: Steve Bruce
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro
Shirt Sponsor: Sharp
Uniform Colors: Black Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

 

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Old Team Photographs-Part 18f

Photo From: Voetbal International, February 6, 1988
(Ajax Amsterdam squad 1972)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, April 28-May 3, 1983
(Aberdeen Squad, 1982/83)

Photo From: France Football, September 30, 1986
(Olympique Marseille squad, 1986/87)

Photo From: France Football, June 11, 1985
(Bayern Muncih Squad, 1984/85, Top, left to right: Klaus Aughentaler, Wolfgang Dremmler, Hans Pfleugler, Bernd Martin, Soren Lerby, Lothar Matthaus, Bottom, left to right: Norbert Nachtweith, Raimond Aumann, Norbert Eder, Michael Rummenigge, Reinhold Mathy)

Photo From: France Football, June 5, 1984
(Stuttgart Squad, Bundesliga Champions, 1983/84)

Photo From: France Football, April 12, 1983
(Ajaccio Squad, 1970/71)


Photo From: Four Four Two, September 1997
(Swansea Squad, 1981/82)

Photo From: Charles Buchan's Football Monthly, December 1967
(Aston Villa Squad, 1935/36)

Photo From: As Color, December 18, 1988
(RCD Espanol squad, 1988)

Photo From: As Color, December 16, 1990
(Real Madrid squad, 1990/91)

Photo From: World Soccer, April 1979
(River Plate squad 1979)

Photo From: World Soccer, May 1992
(Torino Squad, 1991/92)


Old Team Photographs-Part 18e

Photo From: World Soccer, September 1977
(Wolverhampton Squad, 1977/78)

Photo From: World Soccer, November 1972
(Leeds United Squad, 1972/73)

Photo From: World Soccer, December 1970
(Sevilla squad 1970/71)


Photo From: World Soccer, May 1968
(Torpedo Moscow squad, March 6, 1968, Cup Winners Cup, Cardiff 1-Torpedo Moscow 0)

Photo From: World Soccer, June 1964
(Boca Juniors squad 1964, Top, left to right: Marzolini, Rattin, Roma, Orlando, Magdalena, Simeone, Bottom, left to right: Rulli, Rojas, Menendes, Sanfilippo, Gonzales)


Photo From: World Soccer, August 1963
(Racing Club de Avellaneda squad)

Photo From: World Soccer, January 1961
(Bayern Munich squad 1960/61)

Photo From: World Soccer, October 1960
(Rapid Vienna squad 1960)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(USSR Squad, May 23, 1980, USSR 1-France 0)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(USSR Squad, June 5, 1966, USSR 3-France 3)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(USSR Squad, October 21, 1956, France 2-USSR 1)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Uruguay Squad, September 30, 1917, Southamerican Championship, Uruguay 4-Chile 0)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Sweden Squad, June 24, 1958, World Cup, Sweden 3-West Germany 1)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Spain Squad, May 23, 1972, Spain 2-Uruguay 0)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(West Germany Squad, April 18, 1987, West Germany 0-Italy 0, Top, left to right: Guido Buchwald, JĂŒrgen Kohler, Hans PflĂŒgler, Klaus Allofs, Rudi  Völler, Lothar MatthĂ€us , Bottom, left to right: Pierre Littbarski, Matthias Herget, Eike Immel, Wolfgang Rolff, Olaf Thon)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(West Germany Squad, June 23, 1966, West Germany 2-Yugoslavia 0)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Portugal Squad, October 31, 1965, World Cup Qualifier, Portugal 0-Czechoslovakia 0)


Old Team Photographs-Part 18d

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Peru Squad, August 31, 1969, World Cup Qualifier, Argentina 2-Peru 2)
Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Mexico squad, 1928 Olympics)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Metz Squad 1977/78)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(France Squad, October 30, 1960, Sweden 1-France 0)
Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Barcelona Squad 1989/90)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(England Squad, June 12, 1977, Argentina 1-England 1, Top, left to right: Phil Neal, Emlyn Hughes, David Watson, Trevor Cherry, Ray Wilkins, Ray Clemence, Bottom, left to right: James Stuart Pearson, Brian Talbot, Kevin Keegan, Mick Channon, Brian Greenhoff)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Manchester United squad 1996/97)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Rangers Glasgow Squad 1995/96)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Denmark Squad, June 29, 1958, Nordic Cup, Denmark 1-Norway 2)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Colombia Squad, June 20, 1957, World Cup Qualifier, Colombia 2-Paraguay 3)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Benfica squad 1972)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Ajax Amsterdam Squad 1969)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Fiorentina Squad 1976/77)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Manchester United Squad 1968)


Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Chile Squad, July 22, 1930, World Cup, Argentina 3-Chile 1)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Sao Paulo squad 1983)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Corinthians Squad 1981)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Vasco Da Gama squad 1972)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Bangu Squad, 14 year old Pele is on bottom row, second from left)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Brazil Squad, March 12, 1986, West Germany 2-Brazil 0)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Brazil Squad, July 10, 1977, World Cup Qualifier, Brazil 1-Peru 0)


Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Brazil Squad, March 8, 1970, Brazil 2-Argentina 1)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Brazil Squad, March 29, 1959, Copa America, Brazil 4-Paraguay 1)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Brazil Squad, June 15, 1966, Brazil 2-Czechoslovakia 2)