A Game Of Two Halves

By: cathal | March 3rd, 2009

Soccer is a game of two halves and if ever there was a match to prove it then Lazio – Juventus was the one. We were sluggish, nervous and many other adjectives in the first half but in the second half we erupted and gave Juve a footballing lesson. Of course we should be celebrating this win but the plot is to be completed and we shouldn’t get carried away with the result. Nah, stuff it, WOOOOOO!!!

Ahem. Let’s get down to the facts. There is absolutely no point dwelling on this game for too long. We were a disaster in the first half and while the Turin giants didn’t exactly own us, they did show their quality. Iaquinta had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside early on but they got their justice with a scrappy, deflected shot that wriggled under Muslera. We can’t blame Nestor, we can’t blame Kolarov but we can point our fingers at Manfredini for a rather stupid clearance. One goal down at half time and no signs of improvement.

Then came the second half and with the greatest respect to Juve, we played them off the pitch. They barely got the ball, there was nothing they could do and two sweet strikes courtesy of Pandev and Rocchi gave us a well deserved win. It was an astounding team effort in the second half and if anything, we can rue the fact we didn’t get a third. As it is, the tie hangs loosely in the balance and Juve will come out knowing they need only one goal to progress. However, with Zarate back (hopefully) for that tie, can they keep us at bay? Our train is finally gathering some steam.

Highlights, pictures, reaction and player ratings will be added below as soon as I get my hands on the material. Until then, Forza Lazio!

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Reaction:

“We found it difficult to move the ball in the first half, but slowly the team found its way and we could have even scored a third goal.”

“Whether we scored a third goal or lost the match, we played well regardless. Defeating Juventus will give us greater morale. We must continue playing like this.” – Delio Rossi

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The result is very important, it gives us a glimpse of UEFA Cup qualification and the hope of winning the cup. We aim to continue our good form.” – Pasquale Foggia

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“With Ledesma, I have a great partnership. I am recovering but still not one hundred percent. I have tried to score but it has yet to happen. The important thing is we are keeping our continuity.” – Francelino Matuzalem

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“We have done battle in a great game despite being disadvantaged. It was not easy. These games can provide a stimulus and my goal was satisfying on a personal level.” – Tommaso Rocchi

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“Everyone, from those on the pitch to the fans deserves the applause. It was difficult after going a goal down but we have emerged on top. It was the perfect evening.”

“The victory improves our morale and helps us to go and face Napoli on Sunday in the best condition possible. However, this game is not yet finished. We must go to Turin and play the game of our lives.” – Emilson Cribari

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Highlights:

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Pictures: http://www.piazzadellaliberta.it/2009/03/04/gallery-le-foto-di-lazio-juventus/

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Player Ratings:

Muslera – 7: In all honesty, he had very little to do throughout the duration of the game as Juventus didn’t threaten us often. Was unlucky to see the ball wriggle under his body for Marchionni’s goal in the first half.

Kolarov – 7.5: One of very few players to have a consistently decent game for the ninety minutes. He was concentrated in defence and played a vital support role in attack. Good game from him.

Cribari – 8.5: Man of the match for me. Some brilliant tackling was backed up with alert, focused defending. For ninety minutes he was absolutely fantastic and has easily justified his starting role.

Siviglia – 6.5: By no means a disaster but I still have my doubts about Sebastiano. Very useful with aerial balls but partly responsible for letting Nedved become Juve’s dangerman tonight.

Lichtsteiner – 6.5: Valiant effort as usual but he definitely found Pavel tricky at times. Made some great physical moves though although that may have taken it’s toll on him as he strolled off the pitch with an injury.

Manfredini – 6: For the first twenty minutes, he was easily the best player in the pitch, dribbling down the left and breaking up Juve attacks. Unfortunately he reverted back to his usual self soon after and was arguably liable for the goal we conceded.

Ledesma – 7: Solid. Helped out in defence when under pressure in the first half and made some neat passes in the second. Unspectacular but crucial, as always.

Matuzalem – 7.5: Had a screamer of a shot that fizzled wide in the first half but other than that, he was very poor. Suddenly he was a transformed character in the second half and made a gorgeous assist for the winner.

Foggia - 7: Pasquale was so bad in the first half I was in complete disbelief. His only contribution early on was fouling Nedved. However, once we hit the back of the net, he was the mazy maestro once again.

Pandev – 8: Took the bull by the horns and inspired us when we looked down and out. Best player on the pitch come the end of the game but was a shadow of himself first half. I won’t complain though.

Rocchi – 7.5: It was our captain’s magic touch that gave us the win tonight but for large parts of the game, like somany others, he was completely invisible. Still, he delivered the goods when it mattered most.

Subs

Mauri – 7: Did well when he came on for us. He looked determined and up for the challenge and definitely helped us in our charge forward. Good to see Stefano back and on some kind of form.

De Silvestri – 6: He stepped on the pitch late in the game and whilst he did nothing wrong as such, he had no influence in the game.

Brocchi – 6: Brought on to steady the ship. I guess he managed that much but had no time to stamp his mark on the game. Nice to see the leg has healed though.