Serie A week 12 preview. 

 

Internazionale are in top spot.  Consistently winning; even whilst playing poorly; is a feature of most of their campaign to date.  The title is theirs to lose.  The restart of European competition will have a big impact on the UEFA Cup and Champions League places.  Juventus, Udinese and Palermo don't have any European football to look forward to or provide a distraction.  Inter, Milan and Roma have the Champions League and Fiorentina have the UEFA Cup as a distraction. 

 

 

SERIE A TRANSFERS

 

ATALANTA

Out: Zampagna (A, Vicenza)

 

CAGLIARI - some strengthening of their goalkeeping and looking for goals in order to avoid Serie B next season. 

In: Storari (G, Levante), Jeda (A, Rimini)

 

CATANIA

Out: Minelli (D, Triestina), Bovio (M, Corinthians)

 

EMPOLI

 

FIORENTINA - even more depth in attack to maintain their UEFA Cup spot. 

In: Cacia (A, Piacenza)

 

GENOA - help at the back and in attack, to help push for a UEFA Cup place. 

In: Criscito (D, Juventus), Masiero (A, Central Espanol), Wilson (A, Corinthians)

 

INTER - bolstering the injury hit midfield with creativity and experience. 

In: Maniche (M, Atletico Madrid)

Out: Adriano (A, Sao Paulo)

 

JUVENTUS

Out: Criscito (D, Genoa), Olivera (M, Penarol)

 

LAZIO

 

LIVORNO - strengthening the defence to avoid relegation trouble. 

In: Sidny (D, Nautico)

 

MILAN - bagging the most talked about Brazilian eighteen year old in years to help them in Europe and take them to a Champions League place. 

In: Pato (A, Internacional)

 

NAPOLI

Out: Gatti (M, Modena)

 

PALERMO

Out: Brienza (M, Reggina)

PARMA - last season he bagged 20 goals for Livorno, he'll help them avoid becoming embroiled in a relegation battle. 

In: Lucarelli (A, Shakhtar Donetsk)

Out: Cardone (D, Cesena), Paponi (A, Cesena)

 

REGGINA - defensive help and proven young goalscorer in their battle to stay up. 

In: Cirillo (D, Levante), Stuani (A, Danubio)

 

ROMA

 

SAMPDORIA

Out: Foti (A, Messina)

 

SIENA - two more attacking options, to help balance their goal difference. 

In: Porta (A, River Plate Montevideo), Rigano' (A, Levante)

Out: Bucchi (A, Bologna)

 

TORINO

 

UDINESE

Out: Sivok (M, Sparta Prague)

 

 

FIXTURES

 

Fiorentina V Torino

A midweek cup trouncing might not get any better in Florence.  La Viola is strong and coming off a good win and with Europe coming up and the European spots up for grabs they have plenty to play for.  The manager also seems to be right back in the game.  The Gigliati are at full strength and Granata are struggling with injuries.  Last week Fiorentina won and Torino lost. 

 

Internazionale V Parma

The Nerrazzurri scraped a win last week but expect a different side at the Stadio Meazza.  Maniche is unlikely to get an outing as will Parma's new signing Lucarelli.  Expect a home win but don't be surprised if Lucarelli returns to Serie A with a bang.  Parma hasn't won away from home yet and a loss won't help their slide into the relegation quagmire.  Both sides are at less than full strength but Mancini's charges have plenty of depth.  Last week Inter won and Parma lost. 

 

Genoa V Atalanta

Great result for Genoa last week and they'll need to play just as well to leapfrog Atalanta in the race for a UEFA Cup place.  Expect a home win but this could be a cracking game.  Genoa loses their top Honduran and Doni is back for Atalanta.  Last week Genoa won and Atalanta lost. 

 

Juventus V Sampdoria

A draw for the Bianconeri; a lucky one at that; will need to be erased by a home win.  Juventus can't lose their position but they will not want to slip any further behind Roma or allow Udinese and Fiorentina to catch up.  Sampdoria were on fire last week and will relish this tough away challenge despite having a less than stellar form on the road.  Sampdoria don't have a full compliment of strikers and Juventus are a touch short in defence.  Tiago may start.  Last week Juventus drew and Sampdoria won. 

 

Livorno V Empoli

Already a relegation six pointer and a local derby will make this fixture shine (although last season it remained goalless).  Livorno is unbeaten in five and playing well under a new manager and Empoli are struggling, with their last win coming in 2007.  Empoli are at less than full strength and poor on the road.  Last week Livorno won and Empoli drew. 

 

Napoli V Lazio

Napoli needs to regain their early season form if they are to mount a challenge on a European place.  The strikers and goalkeepers are kept busy in Naples so expect a few goals; from either team.  Lazio continue their poor form.  Gargano will be a loss to Napoli but Lazio has plenty of injury worries.  Last week both teams lost. 

 

Palermo V Siena

Palermo come off an erratic run of form but are still riding high in Serie A, another loss will dent their UEFA Cup ambitions and could see them drop places.  Siena are in deep trouble and really struggle on the road; one win in eight.  This must be the start of the Bianconeri's relegation dogfight, particularly as they showed so well against Inter last week.  Expect goals with both teams wanting the win.  Last week Palermo and Siena lost. 

 

Reggina V Cagliari

Reggina are struggling but Cagliari is awful.  A huge game for both teams.  Another loss and Cagliari will be playing for pride, a Reggina loss helps them not a jot.  Amaruso will be the difference maker and will want to shine so as to stake a place in another Serie A side next season.  History is with the home side and the visitors have their share of injury woes.  Last week Reggina grabbed a point and Cagliari lost; again. 

 

Roma V Catania

Second place needs defended and the visit of Catania is an almost certain three points, last season Catania got thrashed 7-0.  Catania hasn't won on the road this season and nothing is likely to change here, Mancini is in a good run of form and Spinesi is wearing his shooting boots.  The result against Juventus will give the Sicilians heart for this fixture.  Last week Roma won and Catania were robbed of three points. 

 

Udinese V Milan

Possibly the biggest game of the weekend.  Milan is certainly going to be tested by a very strong Udinese side that has only lost once in Udine.  Milan's away form is better than their play in the Stadio Meazza though.  Pirlo's absence will be a tough blow to overcome; Gattuso is fiery but doesn't have the ball skills that Pirlo has.  The three Brazilians will face a tougher test against a tough Udinese back line than they did against Napoli.  The Azzuri have some injury and suspension problems but Quagliarella is in form, history favours the Rossoneri.  Last week both these teams won and will be looking to continue the trend to solidify their European aspirations for the home side and to climb the table for the visitors. 

 

 

My Game of the Week. 

Juventus V Sampdoria

 

What's On FSC?

Fiorentina V Torino (Sat)

Juventus V Sampdoria (Sun)

Internazionale V Parma (Sun)

AC Milan has a trio of Brazilian talent up front.  The Rossoneri grab their first home win of the season.  The Stadio Meazza is full to bursting.  Seven goals go in and a Hero Arrives! 

 

Sunday at the San Siro, the magnificent stadium is chock full; and that includes a sizeable away contingent; the first game of 2008 for the Rossoneri is a tough one, Napoli are ahead of them in the table and have their share of quality and steel.  All eyes are on a duck, kind a like a day out at Disney!

 

Ancelotti thrusts his newish acquisition into the limelight; creating a formidable front three of Ronaldo, Kaka and Pato, behind them sit Pirlo, Ambrosini and Seedorf with the back four of Maldini, Kaladze, Nesta and Bonera protecting Dida.  The formation is more or less 4 3 2 1 until forward players drift wide or drop deep and midfielders get forward, that fluidity; a Milan trait; has been missing for much of the season. 

 

Reja sticks with a fairly settled and battle tested 3 5 2.  Iezzo gets the nod in goal, with a back three of Cupi; he's not normally first choice though; Cannavarro and Domizzi, strung across the middle is Garics, Bogliacino, Gargano, Savini and Hamsik with Sosa and Lavezzi up front.  Plenty of guile from the Argentine attack. 

 

The game starts off at a leisurely pace.  This suits Milan, an older team who likes to keep possession and attack in bursts. 

The relaxed tempo also suits Napoli who are adept at playing counter attacking football. 

Maldini breaking forward provides the first real Milan impetus. 

 

This game was one of goals, seven of them and all good in their own way. 

 

Milan opened the scoring with a Ronaldo shot that Iezzo managed to get a foot to but Cupi couldn't track back fast enough to prevent the ball crossing the line. 

Kaka was the instigator, breaking up a Napoli attack with a determined challenge he brought the ball forward using Seedorf as a foil, after the one-two the Brazilian plays in Pirlo who finds Ronaldo, a one two on the edge of the Napoli area with Pato is broken up but only as far as Pirlo, this time the ball in is almost perfect for Ronaldo. 

 

The second was pure counter attacking genius.  Bogliacino broke up a Milan thrust and plays an intelligent ball to the back post, Lavezzi has the pace to get there first and volleys his cross across the six yard box, Sosa is a poacher and arrives with prefect timing and a deft touch with the outside of his left boot to even up the score.

SOSA WATCHES HIS SHOT OVER THE LINE!

 

Next up is a Dutch Master.  Milan pounce on a poor ball from Lavezzi and attack, Pirlo, Ronaldo and Seedorf bring it forward with a sweet one-two, Il Fenomeno finds Pato in the area and the youngster shoots, Iezzo saves the first effort which comes out to Ronaldo, his cross finds Pato again and yet again Iezzo saves, Seedorf had stayed forward and comes crashing in to slam the ball up into the roof of the net, he wheels away with a big grin and heads for the corner flag. 

 

More counter attacking leads to the second Napoli equalizer.  Domizzi steps in front of Pato to break up an sloppy Bonera pass; his ball forward allows the pace of Lavezzi to trouble Kaladze, contact is made in the area and the diminutive Argentinean instantly finds the lush San Siro grass.  Earlier Lavezzi had used his strength to shrug Kaladze and Nesta off the ball, the youngster knows how to cheat though and went down easy, much too easy.  The referee buys his poor acting and Domizzi steps up to calmly convert the spot kick. 

 

DOMIZZI BAGS A PENALTY!

Two two at the half, Milan are clearly having more of the ball but the game is finely balanced. 

Pato has shown well enough without a goal, some of his touches are neat and accurate; others are ineffective, particularly when he tries to beat Napoli on his own. 

Ancelotti freshens things up at the half he withdraws a thirty nine year old and brings on a thirty six year old.  They must put something in the water at Milan. 

 

Normal goal service was resumed before Napoli had time to do pretty much anything. 

 

Seedorf; who today had a great game; turns Hamsik inside out then fires the perfect cross in for Ronaldo, the Brazilian gets in front of his marker and glances the ball past Iezzo for his second of the afternoon. 

 

Goal number six is again heavily Dutch influenced, Seedorf; seemingly running into trouble deep on the Napoli right; back heels the ball to Favalli, the pass inside finds Kaka who shimmies and turns his man then unleashes a wonderful strike to beat Iezzo at his near post.  Stunning display of skill. 

 

The final goal is a headline writer's wet dream.  Favalli is the provider with a hoof upfield, Pato's first touch is excellent and allows him to burst past Domizzi, his finishing is top drawer and his tears just added to the moment.

THREE BRAZILIANS AND A DUTCHMAN!

 

Reja's Napoli played well but lacked any sort of extra gear or tactical change to get back in the game in the second half.  They have plenty of quality but sitting back and defending a 3-2 deficit or counter attacking just didn't work.  The frustration was obvious as the game wore on with Gargano getting his second yellow.  This leaves Napoli in eighth place with a home game to Lazio next week.  They do have just half the points of Internaz ionale though. 

 

Ancelotti's problems from 2007 melted away with the introduction of an attacking Brazilian triumvirate.  The first half of the season saw them score only three times at the San Siro, this changed dramatically today.  The team seemed full of confidence, Seedorf was particularly vibrant.  Ronaldo and Pato made good starts and each contributed immensely to the Rossoneri.  At times the defence did look easily pulled out of position but held firm for most of the game.  This result can supercharge the AC Milan season with games in hand against Atalanta, Livorno and Reggina eminently winnable.  They still lie in twelfth place (this could be as high as sixth) but look in good shape to face Arsenal in the Champions League and a difficult trip to Udine next week. 

 

Rossetti had a decent game, soft penalty decision; especially as he was practically miles away at the time. 

 

 

AC Milan:-

Dida

Bonera

Nesta

Kaladze

Maldini (Favalli 46)

Seedorf

Pirlo (Gourcuff 80)

Ambrosini

Kaka

Pato

Ronaldo (Emerson 69)

 

Goals:-

Ronaldo 16

Seedorf 31

Ronaldo's Hair 46

Kaka 68

Pato 74

 

Napoli:-

Iezzo

Cupi

Cannavarro

Domizzi

Garics

Bogliancino

Gargano

Savini (Capparella 70)

Hamsik (Dalla Bona 78)

Lavezzi

Sosa

 

Goals:-

Sosa 28

Domizzi 38 (P)

 

 

Referee:-

Rossetti

AN ASIDE - AC Milan are tracking the results of Arsenal on their webpages. 

PICTURES COURTESY OF ACMILAN.COM & SSCNAPOLI.IT

Goodison Park, top six clash, Everton hosting Manchester City.

Certainly the biggest game of the day. The two sides have aspirations and a first meeting between the two teams will ascertain whether those aspirations will be met.

Certainly a game of two halves, Everton dominated the first and scored, City dominated the second but Howard's first save came in extra time. The second half was a consummate display of defending.

Buzzing and vibrant on Liverpool, the short trip down the East Lancs road meant plenty of away support as a counterpoint to the expectant and vociferous home crowd. The atmosphere was loud and pure football.

Moyes; bereft of three key players to the African Cup of Nations goes with a 4 4 1 1. Howard keeps goals with Hibbert works the right with Lescott and Jagielka in the centre back Valente gets the nod on the left. Carsley sits in front of the back four with Neville, McFadden and Arteta providing a fair amount of class and bite. Anichebe gets the nod up front whilst Cahill operates behind him

COYB!

The less orthodox 4 3 3 is the choice of England's ex-Swede. Eriksson keeps faith with the youngster Hart in goal, behind a back four with the pace of Onuoha and Richards and two ex Blues Dunne and Ball. Corluka, Hamman and Elano form a midfield trio with Vassell and Petrov wide and Castillo through the middle, certainly no lack of skill but not the tallest front line. .

SWEDISH SIGN LANGUAGE

Even and bright; as befits two teams with barely any points between them. The early going sees half chances for Anichebe and McFadden whilst Vassell gets a sniff for City.

The early going is tight for both teams with chances at a premium, Everton edge the play and possession with some neat passing.

The battles on the pitch are developing nicely, Richards and Anichebe, Petrov and Hibbert with Carsley taking on everybody.

YOUNG GUNS!

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!

The first chance comes to the home side and Cahill blazes over from close range when a cool tap in would have been a much better choice, Hibbert and Anichebe showed well to set up the opportunity and Hart and Richards did well to stop the first two chances from being taken.

Everton are using the whole width of Goodison, Arteta is key with his ability to hold up the ball and find teammates.

The dead ball delivery of the Spaniard provides the breakthrough, a good corner is cleared out to Neville who plays it intelligently back to Arteta, the ball is fizzed into the six yard box and Lescott holds his position to stab the ball past Hart, the defence was poor but the score is one - nil.

TWO DEFENDERS A 'KEEPER AND THE WINNING GOAL

Howard gets his first sniff of a save when an Elano free kick takes a deflection of the wall and loops onto the top netting.

Everton are content to let City play in front of them and always look the most likely to score, although an effort from Neville is an easy save for Hart.

Manchester City builds some pressure before the break, the effort from Corluka flies well wide and high.

Neither manager makes half time changes. Eriksson's team talk certainly lights a fire under the collective arses of the visitors.

City come out strong in the second half, Everton can barely keep possession and the bulk of the play is in their own defensive third. For fifteen minutes questions are asked of the home side with City playing with much more fire and vim. Howard is still largely a spectator. Carsley is everywhere; seemingly.

Eriksson tries a double substitution to break Everton down, Castillo; largely ineffective; and Hamman; tiring; are brought off for The zip of Fernandes and the attacking intent of Bianchi. Nothing much changes, Everton are pressured but comfortable.

Howard remains largely a spectator.

The introduction of Vaughn for McFadden around the hour mark shows another aspect of the Everton defensive strategy; hassle the opponents defensive unit.

The game is still largely City but Everton get more and more into it and things kind of even themselves out for the last twenty.

Cahill gets a chance but heads wide of a corner kick as Everton get back into the game.

Vaughn is a terrier, chasing everything and not allowing the City back four time to play anything of quality forward.

Anichebe and Petrov try some handbags.

BULGARIA V NIGERIA - HANDBAGS AT THE READY LADIES!

Cahill has another chance but heads wide.

Hibbert blocks Petrov, again.

The pressure builds as City frantically look for something from the game. Petrov gets free in the area but his shot is well held by Howard. The American is just as secure when a last ditch Bianchi header loops into his arms.

Everton had to make do with their team selection today, injuries and ACoN absentees gave chances to squad players. The entire team responded magnificently. The entire back four was outstanding; keeping the pressure off Howard for more than ninety minutes. As a team they held up well under incessant Manchester City pressure. Going forward they were a tad lightweight but always looked more likely to score and forced saves from Hart. It certainly wasn't the prettiest but a brilliant performance nonetheless, more so when you look at what Manchester City's new imports have been able to do to other teams. The trip up the East Lancs road towards the end of the season is a much anticipated game.

Eriksson showed his managerial skill with and incisive half time team talk but his players couldn't deliver. Although they defended well they couldn't break down a resolute Everton back four. He will be worried that the first save Howard made was in extra time. Castillo looked lost but showed a few brief touches of his Copa form and the inability of Elano and Petrov to cause damage was a testament to the home defence.

Halsey had an inconsistent game. His advantages weren't great and he let Carsley get away with a horrible one on Corluka. I just wonder if referees feel they shouldn't make a decision that the crowd howls for.

OWH! C'MON REF, I HARDLY TOUCHED HIM!

Gordon McQueen is a tough sell. The Scottish inspired team and the wonderful defensive display earned his grudging respect as the final whistle blew.

Everton:-

Howard

Hibbert

Lescott

Jagielka

Valente

Arteta

Carsley

Cahill

Neville

McFadden (Vaughn 59)

Anichebe (Baines 89)

Bookings:-

Cahill

Carsley

Goals:-

Lescott 30

Manchester City:-

Hart

Onuoha

Richards

Dunne

Ball

Corluka

Hamman (Fernandes 55)

Elano

Vassell (Ireland 68)

Castillo (Bianchi 55)

Petrov

Bookings:-

Hamman

Goals:-

Attendance:-

38474

Referee:-

Mark Halsey

PICTURES COURTESY OF EVERTONFC.COM

A draw at the Riverside but who dropped three points?  Bright and energetic but mistake prone 'Boro get punished by one lapse by the brilliance of Torres.  RIP League Championship number nineteen for this season. 

 

Big crowd at the Riverside, Steve Gibson, an excellent backer for his club spearheaded the expectation of the home fans, Liverpool had failed to score at this ground for five years.  Eighteen points and ten places split the teams and the traveling fans provided a tense yet vocal aside to the home fans noise. 

 

Southgate had to mix and match experience with inexperience for his starting eleven.  Schwarzer provided the goalkeeping prowess with a back four of Huth and Wheater in the centre; both strong in the air and less so when being ran at.  Young occupied the right with Grounds getting a debut on the left.  Downing, Rochemback, Boateng, and O'Neil providing mostly solid play with some wide options to feed the two pacy strikers, Aliadiere and Tuncay. 

 

Benitez decides that 4 4 2 is the way to play and without Couch traveling to Middlesbrough he went with Voronin and Torres up front.  Mascherano and Gerrard occupied the middle with Benayoun and Riise wide of them.  A back four of Arbeloa, Hyypia, Carragher and Finnan protected Reina. 

 

Liverpool started brighter, spending the first five minutes camped in the 'Boro half.  Nothing came of their attacking though and the home side's confidence grew. 

 

This game was all about confidence.  'Boro have played some decent football this season with little to show for it, their inability to score their main achilles heel. 

Liverpool has shown everything from the sublime to the ridiculous this season, and this game seemed to be considered their last chance at the title. 

 

As Liverpool failed to find the net; they came closest when a short Gerrard corner saw the captain cut inside and unleash a fierce drive which tested the big Australian to the full; and 'Boro mounted more attacks the confidence tilted inexorably towards the home side. 

 

Neither side could string together too many passes, the game being littered with errors.  Boateng applied himself diligently in midfield and started the move he was to finish.  He mopped up the loose play and played a beautiful ball out wide to Downing.  The England International put the cross into the back post where O'Neil was able to head it back across goal, a scrambling Reina was unable to beat Aliadiere to the ball and the neat header down into the six yard box was firmly met by Boateng ahead of the lethargic Hyypia.  Poor defending and dogged play from 'Boro gave the home side the first goal.

OH YES!

 

Confidence was visibly ebbing away from Liverpool.  Despite a brief flurry near the half time whistle the away side were shaky in possession, error prone and perhaps worst of all bereft of ideas.  Middlesbrough, on the other hand, started to exude assurance and have plenty of options; they did lack the quality to cap their excellent first half with a second goal. 

 

Babel came on for the ineffective Arbeloa and Riise dropped into the back four.  The Dutchman would be able to test Young, something which the tortuously narrow Liverpool play had done in the first half. 

 

Voronin typified the visitors today, trying to get onto a lovely dink into the area from Torres he lacked the guile or strength to hold off Huth, then soon after a great, strong and bursting run from Torres enabled to the Spaniard to find the Ukrainian who promptly lost the ball.  That Voronin stayed on for as long as he did should raise questions. 

 

Liverpool couldn't sustain any real pressure on 'Boro in the second half, the home side had adopted more of a counter attacking mentality and seemed to be able to keep the narrow Liverpool play easily in front of them.  It had almost reached the hour mark before Babel's pace on the flanks caused Young problems.  Then when the Dutch winger evades the poor Young challenge and has acres of space in which to work with time to look up he plays a truly godawful cross behind his two teammates in the area. 

 

The visitors almost see themselves two behind when a shoddy Liverpool clearance comes back off the referee, Tuncay receives the loose ball and despite overrunning it manages to cut it back for Downing, the strike is goalbound but for a fine fingertip save from Reina, O'Neil is quickest to the rebound and with time to take aim and keep the ball low he blazes it over.  You can just imagine what Gibson and Southgate thought about that, particularly as to what happened soon after.

 

Back to confidence, the near miss really didn't change the balance much, but the little was enough. 

 

Boateng and Rochemback purposely focused on breaking up play and spreading it forward or wide, are negligent as Babel finds Torres in the middle of the park, time and space is gold for the Spaniard and he rights himself after a slip, takes aim and unleashes a screamer past Schwarzer.  A sublimely good strike and one which certainly saves the manager's blushes.

I'M JUST SO GOOD!  PETER WHO?

 

Confidence, Liverpool got some from the equalizer but that of 'Boro's didn't dip significantly.  The game opened up as both teams looked to take away three points.  Gerrard and Hyypia came closest for the visitors.  Three strikes for the captain saw two fly wide and one pushed over the bar by Schwarzer.  The Australian did well to get down to the only one of the three headers that the big Finn made off a corner that actually was on target. 

 

 

One point apiece is not a good result for either manager. 

Southgate will be gutted to see the extra two points slip from his grasp and Benitez will be hugely relieved to not be embarrassed by a loss.  'Boro played with plenty of heart and fight and despite lacking too much in the way of pure quality they looked the better side throughout most of the game.  Liverpool looked to be a side under pressure and under the microscope.  A moment of pure class from Torres gave them a lifeline but for almost the entirety of the other eighty nine minutes they looked poor.  Failing to put pressure on a twenty year old debutant is pretty dire. 

 

David Fairlcough, the game commentator and holder of twelve pieces of Liverpool silverware; summed it up when he didn't even consider any Liverpool player for Man of the Match.  He actually gave it to Boateng. 

 

The referee did well, his moment of the game was allowing play to continue with Huth manhandling Torres then handing the defender a yellow at a later break in play.  Great use of the advantage rule. 

 

 

Middlesbrough:-

Schwarzer

Grounds

Huth

Wheater

Young

O'Neil

Rochemback

Boateng

Downing

Tuncay

Aliadiere (Hutchinson 73)

 

Bookings:-

Huth

 

Goals:-

Boateng 25

 

 

Liverpool:-

Reina

Finnan

Carragher

Hyypia

Arbeloa (Babel 46)

Benayoun (Alonso 59)

Gerrard

Mascherano

Riise

Torres

Vornin (Kuyt 75)

 

Bookings:-

Alonso

 

Goals:-

Torres 71

 

Attendance:-

33035

 

Referee:-

Andre Marriner

PICTURES COURTESY OF BBC.CO.UK

Mario Kempes picks a perfect XI - he's best remembered for a stunning 1978 World Cup.


KEMPES CELBRATES AGAINST HOLLAND

GK - Miguel Reina - Cordoba CF, Barcelona & Atletico Madrid
RB - Jose Antonio Camacho - Real Madrid
CB - Juan Carlos Arteche - Atletico Madrid
CB - Andoni Goikoetxea - Osasuna, Real Sociedad, Barcelona, Atletic Bilbao
RB - Paul Breitner - Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Eintracht Braunchsweig
RM - Junior - Flamengo, Torino, Pescara Calcio
CM - Miguel Alonso - San Sebastian CF, Real Sociedad, Barcelona
LM - Zico - Flamengo, Udinese and others
CF -Emilio Butragueno - Real Madrid, Atletico Celaya
CF - Paolo Rossi - Como, Vicenza, Juventus, AC Milan, Verona
CF(behind the front two) - Juan Carlos Heredia - Barcelona
Manager - Javier Clemente - many teams managed
BENCH- Jorge D'alessandro
Benito
Migueli
Roberto Bettega
Diego Maradona

More details can be found at
www.fourfourtwo.com
This is a synopsis of an article which appeared in the November 07 issue of FOURFOURTWO, The credit is all theirs.  Martin Mazur wrote the article. 

I like this XI because it's unexpected, workable and players that Kempes actually played with or against.