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| Monday, September 16, 2002 |
Group H
By Nick Bidwell
Out of the hat for Group H - Barcelona, Galatasaray, Lokomotiv Moscow and Club Brugge.
FC Barcelona (Spain)
The Star Turn - Patrick Kluivert:
Extravagantly gifted, highly mobile striker who burst onto the European scene
as a teenage substitute in the 1995 Champions League against Milan, scoring
the only goal of the game, winning the biggest prize in club football and
announcing his arrival on the world stage in no uncertain terms.
He never settled in an ill-fated one-season stint with Milan, but since
moving to Barcelona in the summer of 1998, he has bounced back with a
vengeance, playing outstandingly for Holland at Euro 2000 and netting 36
goals for Barca in the past two seasons.
Said to be angry that Barcelona were reported to be linked with Sporting
Lisbon's Brazilian hit-man Jardel, so he will be out to prove a point this
season. Always a confident striker, he will have been hurt to sit out the
World Cup after Holland's failure to qualify.
The New Face - Gaizka Mendieta:
Twelve months ago, this midfielder became the most expensive Spanish player
in History when he joined Lazio from Valencia for £28 million. However, he
flopped spectacularly in Rome and after failing to find any takers for a
permanent deal, Lazio loaned him to Barca this summer.
Barca will be banking on him rediscovering the qualities which made him such
an exciting performer at Valencia: the dynamic approach work through the
middle or on the flanks, his non-stop industry and composure in front of goal.
Considered one of the best midfielders in Europe when helping Valencia finish
runners-up in the 2000 and 2001 Champions Leagues, the Basque has not become
a bad player overnight. He sparkled for Spain in the World Cup finals this
summer and has a point to prove after last season's setback.
One to Watch - Carles Puyol:
A ferociously combative right-back, who can also play at centre-back if
required, the 24-year-old has arguably been Barca's most consistent player in
the last couple of years.
While a never-say-die spirit and uncompromising marking form the core of his
game, he also loves to surge forward down the right and recently, his final
ball has improved out of all recognition.
A cult hero at the Nou Camp, he can do no wrong in the eyes of Barca fans.
Not only is he a local boy, but he always gives 100 per-cent effort for club
and country. Puyol is coming off the back of some fine displays for Spain in
the World Cup finals.
Coach - Louis van Gaal:
Many eyebrows were raised in Catalonia when it was announced that the
Dutchman was returning there for a second spell in charge.
In his first
experience at the Nou Camp (1997-00), he may have taken Barca to a pair of
Spanish League titles in 1998 and 1999. But he never won Nou Camp hearts,
receiving much criticism for signing Dutch players at the expense of local
Catalan talent.
Sacked as Dutch national Coach after failing to qualify them for World Cup
2002, Van Gaal does, however, have a fine pedigree in European club football,
steering Ajax to the 1992 UEFA Cup and 1995 Champions League.
Employing a complicated 4-3-3 formation, more than a few players have been
confused by Van Gaal's tactics over the years, but he has a proven track
record.
History: For the second consecutive year, Barcelona left it until the final
week of the season to seal fourth place in the Spanish top flight, only
making sure of a Champions League chance with a 1-1 draw at Real Zaragoza.
They clinched a place in Europe's top club competition by comfortably seeing
off the Poles of Legia Warsaw 4-0 on aggregate. Performed well last season to
reach the Champions League semis, though losing out 3-1 to arch-rivals Real
Madrid was still a bitter pill to swallow.
There are few bigger names in the game and they will expect a good run in the
Champions League after their most recent triumphs in 1992. The Champions
League just wouldn't be the same without the mighty Barcelona.
VERDICT - Only victory will do and they will fall short
Galatasaray (Turkey)
The Star Turn - Hasan Sas:
A brilliant left-sided midfielder, whose pace, trickery and creativity played
such a key part in Turkey's bronze medal at World Cup 2002.
He scored an outstanding goal in Turkey's 2-1 first round loss to Brazil and
was also on the score-sheet in the win over China. But surprisingly for
someone of his talent, at club level he is not known for his finishing,
usually contributing a half-dozen strikes a season.
Previously with Ankaragucu, he was banned for six months in 1999 for failing
a dope test. This may be the season when he finally proves his class in the
Champions League.
The New Face - Umit Davala:
Back at Galatasaray after spending much of last season on the bench at Milan,
his versatility will come in very useful in the months ahead. He is often
used as a right wing-back, although Umit has played in every position but
keeper in his career.
One of the many German-born players in the Turkish squad, he had a fine World
Cup, heading home the winner in his country's second round victory over Japan
and always pushing forward with purpose. Famous for his Mohican hairstyle, he
is one of the most distinctive figures in European football.
Davala's arrival at Gala has buoyed the dressing room and now they believe
the squad is strong enough to take on the best in the Champions League.
One to Watch - Bulent Korkmaz:
The veteran central defender and club captain has spent his entire career
with Galatasaray and continues to play each game as though his life depended
on it, though he can, at times, be hot-headed.
Korkmaz made his first Champions League appearance as long ago as the 1994-95
season and was a member of the 'Gala' side which won the 2000 UEFA Cup.
Capped 74 times for Turkey, he played in all but one of their World Cup 2002
matches and did a fine job for his country.
He will go down as a legend in Turkish football as he has been a part of the
national football scene in its golden era.
Coach - Fatih Terim:
After a rather unhappy time in Italy with Fiorentina and Milan, Terim
returned to old club Galatasaray this summer, taking over from the Romanian,
Mircea Lucescu, who was shown the door despite winning the League title.
Terim is nothing less than a legend in Turkey. Under his guidance, Turkey
qualified for Euro'96 - their first major tournament in 42 long years - and
Galatasaray won the UEFA Cup in 2000, beating Arsenal on penalties.
With Terim back at the helm, all at Turkey's biggest club believe the success
will flow and he has some reputation to protect. He will do it with the 4-4-2
formation that has served him so well throughout his career.
History: After losing out to Istanbul rivals, Fenerbahce in the 200-01
Turkish championship race, 'Gala' turned the tables last season, finishing
three points clear at the top of the table. They certainly will not be short
of Champions League experience.
This is their eighth campaign in the competition and the days when Turkish
players feared big-name continental opposition are long gone. Enjoyed their
best Champions League result when progressing to the quarter-finals in
2000-01, Real Madrid knocking them out 5-3 on aggregate.
Their finest hour in European club football came in the 2000 UEFA Cup Final
when they beat mighty Arsenal in the Final to lift the trophy. They will be
dreaming of going one better and winning the top prize this season.
VERDICT - Should progress to the later stages
Lokomotiv Moscow (Russia)
The Star Turn - James Obiorah:
With talented Russian international schemer, Marat Izmailov currently on the
sidelines with a broken foot, the onus will be on the 24-year-old Nigerian
forward to carry Lokomotiv's attacking threat.
Previously with Grasshopper Zurich and Anderlecht, Obiorah has proved a
sensation since arriving at Lokomotiv early in 2001, making and taking
chances and destroying the old myth that most foreign imports into Russian
football are second-rate.
Equally effective as an out-and-out front runner or attacking midfielder, he
thoroughly deserved his call-up to the full Nigerian squad this summer and
lined-up against England at the World Cup. In a side that were struggling
throughout, Obiorah didn't get the chance to show his best form.
The New Face - Julio Cesar:
A 22-year-old Brazilian attacker who was signed from Rio de Janeiro
side Fluminense last August and already a big favourite with the
Lokomotiv fans.
Very fast and blessed with typical Brazilian ball skills, he has adapted
amazingly well to his new sporting life in Russia, quickly opening his goal
scoring account in both the domestic league and the Champions League
pre-qualfier against Grazer AK. So he has proved his worth and now he has to
go on and make an impact when this competition gets under way for real.
Cesar has talked up his chance of getting into the Brazil squad, but try
ousting Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.
One to Watch - Dmitri Loskov:
A hard-working midfielder with an eye for goal bought from FC Rostselmash
Rostov back in 1997.
He was overshadowed by the emergence of young gun Marat Izmailov, Loskov is
an excellent player in his own right. A free-kick-expert, he has weighed in
with 41 goals over the last three complete seasons (1999, 2000 and 2001) and
was the top scorer in the Russian League in 2000 with a 15 goal haul.
Though not included in Russia's World Cup 2002 squad, Loskov was recently
recalled by new national Coach Valeri Gazzayev. No one at Lokomotiv would
underestimate his importance to the side.
Coach - Yuri Semin:
Long-serving Lokomotiv Coach who, in two spells at the club's helm, has
clocked up no less than 14 years of service, notably guiding them to Russian
Cup triumphs in 1996 and 1997 and a pair of semi-final appearances in the old
European Cup-winners' Cup (1997 and 1998).
Formerly a classy midfielder for Spartak Moscow and Dinamo Moscow, he has
also coached the New Zealand Olympic side and worked as an assistant on the
Russian national team.
Now facing his biggest challenge as he leads his club into Champions League
action, he is likely to pack the midfield with a 3-5-2 formation and try to
nullify the opposition as well as launch attacks on the break.
History: Runners-up in the 2001 Russian League, behind perineal victors,
Moscow Spartak, the 'Railwaymen' made sure of a Champions League pass by
beating Austrian outfit, Grazer AK 5-3 in the third qualifying round.
Although they were eliminated after the first phase of last season's
Champions League, they did have their moments, especially a 5-1 win at
Anderlecht and a great 2-0 win over mighty Real Madrid. They have never
enjoyed too much success in this competition, but do have a decent record of
achievement in the UEFA Cup and the now defunct European Cup-winners' Cup.
VERDICT - May cause a few upsets
Club Brugge (Belgium)
The Star Turn - Gert Verheyen:
Despite a rather ungainly running style, there can be no question about this
Belgian international's effectiveness as a right-sided midfielder or central
striker. He works tirelessly, bristles with determination and certainly has
an eye for goal.
The runner-up to Genk's Wesley Sonck in the Belgian Player of the Year poll
in 2001, Verheyen joined Club Brugge back in 1992 from Anderlecht and has
been a pivotal player ever since.
Formerly club captain, only to step down earlier this year after a difference
of opinion with Coach Sollied. That should not trouble him when the heat of
Champions League battle gets the blood flowing this season.
The New Face - Alin Stoica:
After months of trying to get away from Anderlecht, the young Romanian
finally had his wish granted this summer, leaving for domestic rivals, Club
Brugge.
A very skilful left-footer, he has operated in the past as a wing-back. But
he is easily at his best as a midfield playmaker. In Romania, he has often
been compared to the great number ten Gheorghe Hagi and it is not merely hype.
Outstanding for Anderlecht in the 2000-01 Champions League, scoring four
goals.
One to Watch - Timmy Simons:
Bought from Lommel two years ago, Simons has developed into one of the team's
most important players. Not only does he perform an excellent job as a
midfield holding player; he has also filled in competently in central defence.
Broke into the Belgian national team last year and appeared in all four of
the Red Devils' matches at World Cup 2002, impressing with some solid
displays.
Club Brugge's penalty taker and he was on target in the Champions League
third preliminary round victory over Shakhtar. A good man to have in your
Fantasy Champions League side!
Coach - Trond Sollied:
Hard-nosed Norwegian Coach, who first came to prominence by taking unfancied
Gent to a surprise third-place finish in the 1999-00 Belgian League and was
promptly snapped up by Club Brugge.
Once a powerful centre-back in his homeland with Valerenga, Rosenborg and
Bodo/Glimt, he has taken his knowledge on to the Coaching field with great
success and is now one of the most respected figures in the Belgian game.
Employing a rigid 4-2-2 formation, he is unlikely to change for any
opposition and will live or die by his beliefs.
History: Belgian League runners-up for the past four seasons, Club Brugge
had to compete in two Champions League qualifying rounds, first beating
Dinamo Bucharest 4-1 on aggregate and then edging out Ukraine title-holders
Shakhtar Donetsk on penalties.
Losing finalists to Liverpool in the 1978 European Cup Final at Wembley -
when the great Kenny Dalglish scored the goal that gave the English side
glory on home soil - was the closest they have come to landing the top prize
in club football and it is hard to see them getting that far this time.
VERDICT - May have to settle for the UEFA Cup.
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RELATED
Group F: Man Utd, Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiakos, Maccabi Haifa
Group A: Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, PSV, Auxerre
Group C: Real Madrid, Roma, AEK Athens, Genk
Group D: Inter, Lyon, Ajax, Rosenborg
Group B: Valencia, Liverpool, Spartak Moscow, Basle
Group E: Juventus, Feyenoord, Dynamo Kiev, Newcastle
Group G: Bayern Munich, Depotivo, AC Milan, Lens
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