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Great Defenders Deserve More Praise

As I was watching the must win Champions League match between Werder Bremen and Barcelona what stood out was the hustle, energy and physical play of two of Barcelona's defenders, Gianluca Zambrotta and Carlos Puyol.

You can see why Italy won the World Cup, with players like Zambrotta, his tirelessness and understanding of the game, made live a lot easier of their side. At times, he didn't need to make a hard tackle, just read the play and stepped in and won the ball.

These two always seemed to come away with the ball or clear the ball when needed. Both players often sacrificed their body or dove in at the last second to clear the ball. These great tackles or a last second clearance, were as important as the first Ronaldinho free kick that slipped under the jumping wall and Eidur Gudjohnsen second goal, without these defensives plays the game would have changed entirely from the beginning.

With soccer (futbol or football) being such a sport of momentum, a goal scoring defensive play is one that should receive more adulation or at least acknowledgement at times.

Then there�s the third defender for Barca, Rafa Marquez, who not only is usually in the right place at the right times, but can serve a great long ball to put the team out of trouble and lead to an attack.

Later in the game, there was a substitute, and a French international and World Cup winner two times over, Lilian Thuram. The former Juventus star eased into the game at first, made a few passing errors, but then made a great goal saving tackle.

This game, with all of its importance, the Champions of the Champions League got their goals in early to ensure advancement, but must thank their corps of defenders for winning this game in truth.

I guess this idea, defenders receiving more praise has come to fruition, what with Fabio Cannavaro winning the European Footballer of the Year award.