Barca are through to the final of the World Club Championship after crushing Mexican side America with a dazzling and ruthless display of first-touch football, accuracy and technical superiority.
Just how well the players would react to the jet lag after the long flight to Japan was the main doubt hovering over the preparations for the match. The opening minutes of the game made it plain this wasn't going to be a factor, with the team transmitting a sense of superiority and absolute control right from the kick-off. First half goals from Gudjohnsen (minute 11) and Márquez (minute 30) put Barca well on the road to victory and allowed the team to play a patient, creative game. Two more goals in the second half from
Ronaldinho and Deco put the seal on a comfortable performance from the reigning European champions.
Barca started in spectacular style and kept total control of possession, with the game being played out mostly in the opposing half. Deco and Iniesta took control in midfield and the team in general showed great mobility and penetration down the wings. The opportunities soon started to flow, with shots from
Ronaldinho, Márquez and Deco.
First-touch football
Barca's evident superiority was soon rewarded with a goal that came as the culmination of a superb combination of first-touch passing between Deco,
Ronaldinho, Iniesta and Gudjohnsen. The speed and precision of the build-up was tidily finished off by Gudjohnsen and brought the crowd (mainly supporting Barca) to their feet.
Barca continued to pile on the pressure and limited America to the occasional counterattack and dead ball move. The Mexican side's best effort came as a result of a fierce Cabañas free kick in the 22nd minute, which Valdés saved at the post.
Márquez makes it 2-0
Barca's second gaol came from a Deco corner. Barca's Mexican international Rafa Marquez found the back of his marker to head home from inside the goal area, thus scoring his first gaol of the season against his fellow countrymen.
With the match very much under control, Barca came out in the second half to play a patient, holding game. Xavi replaced Motta in the 61st minute and contributed to even greater control, leaving the Mexicans with few opportunities. Barca continued to look for a third goal and provided some excellent entertainment for the Japanese fans.
Unstoppable
With
Ronaldinho and Deco leading the display of creative football, the Barca players were making the best possible advert of the Club - a continuous advertisement of spectacular, attacking football. After yet another superb combination,
Ronaldinho seized on a rebound off the keeper to make it 3-0 (minute 61).
Deco gets his goal
The excellent football - and the chances - continued to flow during the closing minutes of the match and a fourth goal was almost inevitable. Once again,
Ronaldinho pulled three defenders towards him and set up a shot for Deco from outside the area. The ball fizzed into the net just inside the post to put a fitting end to a superb display of attacking football that will have delighted fans everywhere.
our two favourite brazilians are in form
