I'm in complete agreement with Nic in his blog post on the whole Chelsea-Barcelona semi-final tie. Very ironic that what was ridiculed as the 'moaning' of a team unable to handle the manly game, transforms into a conspiracy theory when the tables are turned. Hypocritical, don't you think? Chelsea gave a very impressive show of it, and asked some serious questions of the Blaugrana--questions that need to be addressed by 27 May. That aside, the postgame response from Chelsea can be ignored, since they themselves have remarked that in the end all that matters is who wins. So ... we win! Buh bye, Blues! Might I suggest something to aid you Chelsea types as you reflect on past events during the long summer ...

And by 'old argument' I mean the debate of Finesse vs. Pragmatism, Creativity vs. Organization, Offense vs. Defense. Given the nature of the football community it could even be seen as Light vs. Dark, depending on your perspective. In any case, many if not most supporters are staunch adherents of one view or the other. The upcoming match at Stamford Bridge has brought this debate to the fore especially after that display at Camp Nou.

Historically, football has been a sport that began in the offensive spirit, then over time slid steadily into a defensive mindset. Why? One possibility is that it's just plain easier to implement a defensive strategy than an attacking one. To attack effectively requires a squad who work well as a group and implicitly understand the value of space and movement. It also requires...

I had a gut feeling this might happen. Nothing is ever sure in this sport, but something told me Barça would be out for blood. Chelsea, doubtless, had something to do with the unbelievable clarity of the Calatan club's play, and the match's result. Iniesta and Xavi were quite literally electric with possibility--Masters of Reality those two. They touched the ball and the situation altered, space appeared, a body would vector in, and the Pass would slice through. Toure backed them up solidly, overseeing the hole and pouncing on threats. I should stop with the names because it really was the entire squad who were responsible for that mauling of Real Madrid. The squad were firing smoother than a Porche 911, and their passing was otherworldly, such was the precision and timing. Runs with and without the ball were continuous and creative. The caliber of play was rare, even for the Blaugrana. It was a good day ...

So, Hiddink and his boys in blue are all patting themselves on the backs for not allowing Barça to score in leg no.1 of the Champions League semi-final at Nou Camp? How odd. No, how pathetic. I thought football was won by scoring goals, not by insuring the other side didn't score. Barcelona may be the hottest thing this season since, well, 05/06, but they still only dedicate about 3 of their squad to out and out attack, with 3 more in direct support (of course it's not that simple, but that's a subject for another article). Stuff your own box with all your field players and you can bet the Blaugrana are going to have a time of it trying to make goals. Simple math really: 10 vs 3 at worst, and 10 vs 6 at best.

At least Hiddink sent the Russians out to attack Spain in Euro '08. They lost, but with their chins up and with many...