FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.08.2007 14:35

Barça secure another win (0-1)

Jordi Clos

A second half goal from Giovani Dos Santos was enough to secure a win for Barça against Yokohama F.Marinos. It was a fine performance from Rijkaard’s side, and with a touch more fortune in front of goal, the margin could have been considerably wider.

It was yet more convincing stuff from FC Barcelona, and after drawing on their previous two visits, the Catalans beat Yokohama F. Marinos for the first time, winning 1-0 at the Nissan Stadium. The fans got what they wanted, and in the first half the three mega-stars, Ronaldinho, Eto’o and Henry, teamed up for the first time. Giovani Dos Santos replaced the Frenchman at half time and once again suggested that he also deserves consideration for the first eleven with his insatiable desire to score rewarded with the winning goal.

Ronaldinho, Eto’o and Henry looked to be too much for the Yokohama F.Marinos defence, with constant changes of position, one-twos and spectacular passes, but lack of accuracy meant Marinos were able to hold on to 0-0 at half time. Xavi and Iniesta were also performing well in a midfield that was a constant source of danger.

But despite their technical superiority, the goals just did not want to come. Koji Yamase almost put the home side ahead on 19 minutes, but Valdés was quick to intervene. Shortly after, Samuel Eto’o was on target, but the linesman shockingly raised his flag when the Cameroonian was obviously well onside.

Giovani Dos Santos came on for Henry at half time, and immediately showed the best of his qualities, hitting the post on 53 minutes. Such attacking might was simply too much for the Japanese side, and they were forced back into defence and rarely produced anything to trouble substitute goalkeeper Jorquera in the second half.

Touré Yaya once again demonstrated his extraordinary tackling skills, and also found time to link with the attack. Enamoto was the local hero with a series of impressive saves, and with a quarter of an hour left, it looked like his side might just hold on to secure a famous draw. But it was not to be. Ronaldinho on the counter attack backheeled the ball to Eto’o, who supplied a magnificent through ball to Giovani to convert in expert fashion..

Barça could have added more, although the constant substitutions did little to help their rhythm. In the dying minutes Giovani had a couple more chances to extend the lead, while Ronaldinho received the ovation of the night when he went off in the 88th minute, replaced by Maxi. It has been a vintage display from the Brazilian international, with a series of trademark tricks to delight the adoring home crowd.

The win means it is four out of four so far in the pre-season for FC Barcelona. After the final whistle, the players immediately headed back to the hotel with the trophy awarded to the winners, while the Most Valuable Player trophy was presented to young Mexican Giovani Dos Santos.