Bavarian giants vs. Barcelona’s best
As Bayern Munich take on FC Barcelona in the final hurdle before the Champions League final, KICKTV called on our man Dan Leydon to illustrate the epic clash that awaits.
Andres Iniesta: “You learn fast that possesion is king. And that never changes.”
Many began their development on the streets or in a playground, a stage which would then take plenty of aspiring footballers to the next level, the 5-aside arena, where futsal is played. A style of football religiously practised throughout South America and Spain, where illustrious names such as Redondo, Ronaldinho and Iniesta mastered the art of this game that revolves around fast touches and controlling the ball in small confined areas. It became a key influence behind their technical abilities and the widely praised ‘tiki-taka’ performed by Iniesta on a weekly basis. And as he points out, possession is key.
To celebrate Iniesta’s style of play and the launch of the new mint green Elastico Finale II shoe, Nike took Iniesta back to his roots, to Fuentealbilla, his hometown and to his ground. Where a much younger talented kid mastered the game of futsal, before jumping into the Albacete youth set-up and then joining Barcelona at the age of 12.
Although the game changed from 5 men to 11 as Iniesta grew up, his style and ability hasn’t, they remain loyal to futsal, which clearly shaped him into the world class player he is today. This is my ground. [Posted by Dom]
The comeback / La remontada
The Copa del Rey was lost. Doubt was rising throughout Europe, but Barça showed us that nothing has changed. Before the match, Piqué said, “Any fan who doesn’t think we can turn it round against Milan should give his ticket for the game to someone who does.” The Camp Nou crowd supported their side all night long. This one was for Tito, and it was a performance for the ages.
[Posted by Eric. Gifs by Dale Con Comba]
Daydreaming with Iniesta
“I realised how much I admire Iniesta as a player and a person after reading Graham Hunter’s BARCA book. I love his style of play. He is the epitome of skill, but what hits home is his personality. The guy seems to be so humble and appreciative of his position in life. With him being so down to earth, I wanted to show him in an everyday situation while simultaneously reminding us that everything starts as a dream.” - Dan Leydon
Iniesta and the Other Earth: Whatever happened to Cristiano and Fernando?
By Jordan Brown, who imagines an alternative world for our protagonist.
Andres Iniesta woke to a familiar pounding of his heart and a tense anticipation. It was a foreboding sense that came from a basic and instinctual part of himself, the same way someone might know, as they walk back to their just momentarily parked car, that they have just been given a parking ticket. Andres knew that today would be one of the perplexing days that seemed to drain him empty and leave his body with a whole crop of fresh scrapes and bruises—a kind of day that other logistics supervisors of other fluid pump & seal manufacturers do not have.
How can FIFA distinguish Iniesta, Messi and Xavi?
By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal
Tonight the answer to the everlasting debate is finally revealed in Zurich, will Iniesta, Messi or Xavi win the newly created FIFA Ballon d’Or? For the first time in 21 years the top 3 prizes will be awarded to players from one club, FC Barcelona. However, it’s the first time that the 3 finalists were all produced through the same club and a circumstance according to midfield maestro Andres Iniesta “will never repeat itself”. There was always controversy with the selection of these three names especially because players such as Sneidjer and Forlan performed phenomenally for their respective club and country. However, the three Barcelona players enjoyed another successful year playing consistent collective sublime trademark football; can the three of them win the award Mr.Blatter?
A Football Report’s 2010 Review: What was your best memory in 2010?
It has been a defining year for us at A Football Report and we could not have done it without your support. In this video, we’ve collected about 300 posts that chronologically look at all the major events that unfolded in the world of the beautiful game throughout the year, as well as the wonderful pieces that have been featured on the site throughout the year. Here’s to a brilliant 2011! Happy New Year and thanks to everyone that helped us along the way!
Cheers,
Eric and Jordan Beard, AFR Founders
Assists of the Week are here again and the likes of Iniesta, Llorente, Giovinco, and Nani light up the compilation. However, one name you probably don’t know is Kees Kwakman on NAC Breda who lifted an absolute beauty. Anyway, which is your favourite?
Spain Are Kings Of The World!
By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal
The world has been painted red and yellow! Andres Iniesta made history last night scoring the winning goal in the grand final against the Netherlands in front of 94,000 at Soccer City, Johannesburg. The 26-year-old majestically controlled a sublime Fabregas pass in the 116th before blasting the ball in the back of Stekelenburg’s goal. It was a very close battle between two strong, organised, and collective European sides.
