FA CHARITY SHIELD--A mark of things to come or just a jumped up friendly?
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by Jgiuffra
United win first Silverware of 2007/2008 season
Now it’s not my contention that the FA Community Shield is in any way an important trophy, but a win is a win.
Yesterday at 3PM BST 2 of last year’s giants squared off at Wembley to settle the 2007 Community shield.
United started the stronger with Ryan Giggs finishing off a tidy move spurred on by Ronaldo to slot the ball past the Blues number 1, Petr Cech. The lead lasted about 20 minutes until just before half-time. Malouda showed why the ‘Special One’ was so interested in signing him. The former Lyon winger burst past a slightly tired looking Rio to finish magnificently with his right foot past the diving Van der Sar into the far side of the net.
The real drama happened at the end of regular time when the teams set up to take penalties—unlike most finals there is no extra-time in the Charity Shield. Edwin Van Der Sar saved Chelsea’s first three penalties, denying Cheslea new boy Pizarro, Frank Lampard and Shaun Wright-Phillips to give United the victory. I guess Edwin heard the talk about Tomas Kuszczak taking his spot after some lacklustre keeping on United’s Asian tour. Van der Sar is eying a lucrative contract extension that will be available to him if he has another good season. He is 37 years old but feels he has more than 1 season left in him.
There is an asterisk next to the victory for more than one reason. Firstly, it just one step up from a friendly--each team gets 6 substitutions and there is no extra-time. Secondly, there were some notable absences from the Chelsea squad including, John Terry, Ballack (not sure if would have started anyway), Drogba and Shevchenko. United dominated play having 3 times as many shots on goal and corners than the blue Londoners.
So, I guess the question is: is this a sign of the Premiership season to come or just a one off game that means nothing?
Any thoughts?
