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Franco, Villareal come up short

April 25th, 2006 | By: John | 7 Comments »

Guille Franco got the start in the Champions League semi 2nd leg vs. Arsenal. Franco took his share of shots and headers and came close to scoring a few times, but he ultimately could not finish. Villareal missed a golden opportunity on Riquelme’s penalty miss late in the 2nd half. Add it all up, Arsenal are going to St. Denis. Much to the delight of the Brits who were watching the game with me at a restaurant in Las Vegas.

Franco was shaky with possession, and was unlucky with his finishing. He was clearly frustrated offensively as he was taken off the ball repeatedly by the Gunners defenders. Nevertheless, he responded with tenacity on the defensive front, he continued to press offensively, and the submarino were almost rewarded with a goal.

Overall, I would rate Franco’s performance with a soft 7.

Tags: Champions League, Guillermo Franco, Mexico, villareal

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Comments

By Big-Baller-Shot-Caller | April 25th, 2006 at 6:04 pm

Overall, I could not help but ponder what a weird night of football it was. A british team made up of all foreigners (except Sol Campbell) known for its offensive all out arsenal packed it in for 90 minutes. A completely different style of play for Arsenal this year. Villareal, the south american team of Europe almost pulled it out.

Do you think the English fans cared there was only one english player playing, not likely, they will take it, they’re first final. They deserve it, they have had a solid club for a decade at least.

As for Franco and Villareal, they were unlucky. That first header from Franco that Lehman saved was unfortunate. One has to wonder if EL BOFO or BLANCO could have orchestrated a goal over 90 minutes if given the same chances.

Posted from United States

By Luis Carlos | April 25th, 2006 at 7:47 pm

There goes our great Mexican week. 3 almost goals for Franco.

I do give him an 8 at least I mean he was the best player in Villareal, and fought a lot. He played better than Forlan and Riqulme (withouth counting the pk).

Posted from Mexico

By Rene | April 25th, 2006 at 10:43 pm

Of course, you have to realize that Blanco has not scored in MONTHS and that Bofo only scored his first goals in WEEKS (missing ever easier shots than Franco today) last weekend… and that is even though the do play regularly, unlike Franco.

I think we should dtop doing the guessing game… Blanco and Bofo are not at World Cup level right now.

By El Aclantista | April 26th, 2006 at 9:22 am

Although Guille didn’t score I think it’s a good experience for him to expereience high stakes/pressure European football at least when he is needed in the World Cup he wont be as nervous.Now I got a question who do you guys think would be a better pair of strikers? I would personally go with Kikin and Franco but Borgetti probably will start…either way I’m glad at least both Guille and Borgetti aren’t warming benches in Europe anymore.

Posted from United States

By Big-Baller-Shot-Calelr | April 26th, 2006 at 11:26 am

Why stop second guessing? Will you stop second guessing during the world cup if something should go wrong?

That is pure rubbish.

Franco has a donkey first touch. Period.

Posted from United States

By Rene | April 26th, 2006 at 2:27 pm

I just think you are infatuated with two strikers (Blanco and Bofo) who have been cold for months, and who are no longer at elite level. If we were to second guess, I would rather go towards people like Ochoa and Landin.

By John | April 26th, 2006 at 4:21 pm

There is no question that Kikin has the biggest heart on the team. In a perfect world, I would start all 3 with Kikin taking the defensive responsibility like he did in the Saprissa, let Franco roam, and Borgetti can go up top. But that probably won’t happen.

Posted from Canada