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By Stuart Watt
With the World Cup just six weeks away, football lovers all over
the world will be treated to the perfect entree when Barcelona
take on Arsenal in the Champions League final in Paris on May 18
(AEST).
In pure footballing terms, this shapes as a dream final. Both
teams are prepared to attack and play the game the way it was
meant to be played - on the ground.
It will also feature two of the most freakishly gifted players of
the past decade in Brazil's Ronaldinho and France's Thierry Henry.
Ronaldinho's game was breathtaking this morning in the 0-0 draw
with AC Milan that saw Barca move through to the final.
The range of his passing is amazing. He mixes short passes flicked
with the outside of either foot with 50-metre efforts that play
team-mates into spaces that only the Brazilian could see.
At one point against Milan he flicked a ball to a team-mate while
looking in the opposite direction - a footballing version of rugby
union's look-away pass.
Henry is scarcely less impressive. He is the consummate
goalscorer, capable of converting half chances with his head or
either foot, whether he's inside or outside the box.
But he also makes chances for other players. While he regularly
contributes 20-plus goals a season for Arsenal, he probably makes
as many for his team-mates.
With so many other class players in each side it seems unfair to
single these two out. But their skills demand it.
It should be one terrific showdown.
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