Barca Blaugranes - 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or: Full Coverage#GraciesTitohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47187/barca-fave.png2013-01-07T20:00:52+01:00http://www.barcablaugranes.com/rss/stream/36095892013-01-07T20:00:52+01:002013-01-07T20:00:52+01:00Lionel Messi Wins 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or
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<img alt="Congrats Leo!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TaUfVwFw8GxcGl4rQG1UIPfrW4k=/31x0:561x353/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6199151/bab2uhaceaapmtv.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Congrats Leo! | via @messistats</figcaption>
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<p>Lionel Messi fought off competition from Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo to claim his fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or, thus securing his place in the pantheon of all-time greats</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In a team packed full of superstars, there is one that rises above. The pick of the bunch, the crème de la crème; the best player in the world. <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> have their nonpareil centre-forward: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a>. His influence is unrivalled; La Pulga is undoubtedly the foremost player in a generation stacked with talent.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The Argentine maestro plays football as if it is a work of art; each swing of his boot like the delicate caress of an artist’s brush on the canvas. Each pass chipping away at the opposition as if they are made of marble, and he is Michelangelo. Every goal is a building block; lifting the diminutive forward closer to the heavens. Even at the tender age of 25, Lionel Messi is already seen as a footballing God – and with good reason too.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">His reputation is beyond compare, even at a club that has seen countless world-class players don the famous Blaugrana jersey. FC Barcelona has been home to the original Ronaldo, in what some consider the finest season of his career. Fellow Brazilians Rivaldo and Ronaldinho graced the Camp Nou in their prime, dazzling crowds with their skill and imagination.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110856/carles-puyol" class="sbn-auto-link">Carles Puyol</a>, even Josep Guardiola himself; all pale in comparison to the great Lionel Messi. The records he has set are likely to be insurmountable; his trophy haul (both individually and as part of a collective) will put any player to shame and with this, his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, Messi has surely secured his place in the pantheon of all-time greats.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Seldom have we seen a footballer with such finesse in the final third and never before have we seen a player this clinical, or a striker who is this creative; he truly is one-of-a-kind. Just when you think he has reached his peak, Messi continues to improve – and he does so at an alarming rate, smashing records as he goes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Who knows? Maybe this award can be taken as an indication that Lionel Messi is already the greatest player to ever grace the game – certainly this writer thinks so – but in truth, does it really matter? You might prefer Pele, Maradona, or even <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> – it makes no difference, for we all know that whenever Messi takes the field, there is only one winner and that’s football.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/7/3847138/lionel-messi-wins-2012-fifa-ballon-dorArron Duckling2013-01-07T19:43:37+01:002013-01-07T19:43:37+01:00Vicente del Bosque Named FIFA Coach of the Year
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<img alt="Congratulations to Vicente del Bosque!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3-jYqY1HhYQ_zjSJgXhC8v0tMbs=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6197713/159065363.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Congratulations to Vicente del Bosque! | Christof Koepsel</figcaption>
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<p>Vicente del Bosque held off competition from Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho to claim the award for the first time in his prestigious career</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Vicente del Bosque, the mastermind behind Spain's success at the past summer's UEFA European Championships has been named as the FIFA Coach of the Year, despite competition from <span>Pep Guardiola</span>, and <span>Jose Mourinho</span>. In an illustrious career, Del Bosque has guided Spain to their first World Cup triumph and has also lead Real Madrid to UEFA Champions League glory, but this marks the first time that the veteran coach has scooped the award.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Despite missing out on the night, Guardiola made headlines by revealing that he "is ready to start coaching again", although he would not be drawn into revealing where he will resume his highly successful managerial career. Let the rumours begin...</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/7/3847068/2012-fifa-ballon-dor-vicente-del-bosque-named-fifa-coach-of-the-yearArron Duckling2013-01-07T19:23:44+01:002013-01-07T19:23:44+01:00Five Barcelona Players Named In FIFPro World XI
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<img alt="Messi, Xavi and Iniesta were all named in the XI" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rMpLroyAN-u7vUyggy2KZR9-nL8=/0x0:998x665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6196427/129662694.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Messi, Xavi and Iniesta were all named in the XI | David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>Five Barcelona players were named in the 2012 FIFPro World XI, and all eleven players in the team plied their trade in La Liga. The Barca players recognised were Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The 2012 FIFPro World XI has just been named in Zurich, and FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> make up the backbone of an all La Liga team contributing five of the eleven players. Despite losing out in La Liga and falling short in the UEFA Champions League, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110855/gerard-pique">Gerard Pique</a>, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> were all named in the prestigious team - with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110845/iker-casillas">Iker Casillas</a>, Marcelo, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos">Sergio Ramos</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Falcao rounding off the XI.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The team in full:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">GK - Iker Casillas (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>/Spain)</p>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">RB - Dani Alves (Barcelona/Brazil)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">CB - Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid/Spain)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">CB - Gerard Pique (Barcelona/Spain)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">LB - Marcelo (Real Madrid/Brazil)</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">CM - Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona/Spain)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">CM - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso">Xabi Alonso</a> (Real Madrid/Spain)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">CM - Andres Iniesta (Barcelona/Spain)</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">RW - Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">ST - Falcao (Atletico Madrid/Colombia)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">LW - Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/Portugal)</div>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/7/3846994/2012-fifa-ballon-dor-five-barcelona-players-named-in-fifpro-world-xiArron Duckling2013-01-07T09:18:39+01:002013-01-07T09:18:39+01:00Poll: Who Should Win The 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or?
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<img alt="Can Messi claim his fourth successive Ballon d'Or?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YBUV9uBCHxYikON14Jr8QPsupyU=/0x21:477x339/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6175239/136629222.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Can Messi claim his fourth successive Ballon d'Or? | Scott Heavey</figcaption>
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<p>A chance to vote for your winner of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or and the 2012 World Coach of the Year</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The wait is nearly over. In less than twelve hours, we will find out the winner of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or. Here at Barca Blaugranes, we have put forward a case for each <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> nominee, including a case for the departed <span>Pep Guardiola</span>, who is up for the Coach of the Year award.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/5/3838754/why-andres-iniesta-should-win-the-2012-ballon-dor/in/3609589"> Sam Cooper argued that it's time for Andres Iniesta to receive the recognition he deserves</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/6/3841784/why-lionel-messi-should-win-the-2012-fifa-ballon-dor/in/3609589">Guidance Mhlari reminded us of Lionel Messi's incredible achievements in 2012</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/6/3841634/why-pep-guardiola-deserves-to-win-the-fifa-coach-of-the-year-2012/in/3609589">while </a><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/6/3841634/why-pep-guardiola-deserves-to-win-the-fifa-coach-of-the-year-2012/in/3609589" target="_blank">Gabriel Roberts brought attention to the lasting legacy that Pep Guardiola has gifted Barcelona</a>. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, there are of course other nominees. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has a strong case for the Ballon d'Or after leading <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid</a> to the La Liga title not to mention that both <span>Jose Mourinho</span> and Vicente del Bosque have been more successful than Pep in 2012. With that in mind, who do you think should win the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, and who do you think should be named the FIFA Coach of the Year? </p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/7/3845558/daily-poll-who-should-win-the-2012-fifa-ballon-dorArron Duckling2013-01-06T14:00:07+01:002013-01-06T14:00:07+01:00Why Lionel Messi Should Win The FIFA Ballon d'Or
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9Z1wzKjv7Njqi1ReeB8L_28hoP0=/0x58:4000x2725/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6131533/157273130.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>Lionel Messi had a fantastic season, and despite Barcelona losing La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, he deserves to win the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">It is yet again that time of the year when the football community is merely counting the hours to when the prize for the best footballer in the world will be given. The long list of nominees has been chopped down to three: two men have Blaugrana blood running in their veins while the other leads the line for arguably the most successful European club. Obviously different people might have different views all over the world about who they view as the best footballer and the criteria they use but nobody will deny that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, Andres Iniesta and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> deserve to be the in the final shortlist for their performance over the previous season and it is hereby argued that only the latter deserves to walk away with the accolade.</p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Messi is not new to this game; in fact he's been part of the final three nominees for 5 years in a row.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">1. He finished 3rd in 2007-2008</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">2. He finished 2nd in the 2008-2009, and</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">3. Finished 1st in all of 2009-10, 10-11 and 11-12.</div>
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<p><span style="text-align: justify;">After losing to the Portuguese superstar in 2008 Messi's retaliation was not to be the eye-for-an-eye kind of a thing; he's already taken three eyes if we continue with the metaphor, and he does not seem to be slowing down. Being a holder of the joint record of three awards, Messi could even go on to double that number, his current run of form and consistence strengthens his case and at 25, age is definitely on his side.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Individually, La Pulga had an enormous season. His stats in the previous campaign compete with those of some European teams in the big 5 leagues. With his goal scoring ability, one might easily mistake his ruthlesness in front of goal for selfishness but that is not the case at all; Messi creates a lot of goals for teammates too, in fact most teams would gobble at the opportunity to sign a playmaker of his calibre in their ranks.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Records (2011/2012)</b></p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li style="text-align: justify;"> He surpassed Cesar Rodriguez's 232 goals to become <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona's</a> all time goal scorer in official games. He is currently on 288 official goals.<b></b> </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> He became only the first player to score five goals in a Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen, a game FC Barcelona won 7-1.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> He scored a record 14 goals in the Champions League and has finished as top scorer for the last four seasons in a row - another record</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> With 73 goals, he became best scorer in the history of any single European season.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> In the league, he became the all-time best scorer in a single season with 50 goals, breaking Ronaldo's 40 from the season before.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> His 16 assists in La Liga meant he came second to Mesut Ozil's 17 (A Playmaker by profession).</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> His 5 assists in the Champions League meant he ended the season with a massive total of 29 in all competitions.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> He currently shares the record for the most international goals (25) in a calender year with Vivian Woodward.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> His 79 goals for Barcelona in 2012 are the most ever by any European-based footballer in a calendar year.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Further Records (2012)</b></p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li style="text-align: justify;"> He beat Cesar Rodriguez's 190 goals to become Barcelona's all time leading goalscorer in La Liga, currently on 195 goals.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> With 12 international goals, he became Argentina's joint record holder for most goals in a calendar year.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> He finished the year 2012 with a record total of 91 goals for both club and country.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> He's currently the tied with Platini as the one to have won the Ballon d'Or award for three concecutive years. Only four footballers have collected the award three times.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>2011/2012 Team Accolades </b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona missed out on the two biggest trophies in the previous campaign, bowing out in the semi finals of the Champions League to eventual winners Chelsea as well as finishing second in La Liga behind Cristiano's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>. Nonetheless the team did pile-up the rest of the trophies on offer; winning the <b>Spanish Supercopa</b>, the <b>European Supercup</b>, the <b>Club World Cup</b> as well as the <b>Copa del Rey</b>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona's poor consistency in away league matches cost them the League as their season's success boiled down to two crucial games against Chelsea and Madrid, games they lost, so with that in mind; <b>Why exactly does Leo deserve it more than the other two you might ask. </b>Well I will tell you why:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1. For starters, the accolades some of us are counting against Messi are purely "Team" awards. If we are comparing Barcelona to Madrid or to Chelsea it's fine because that's what team awards are good for. Nobody "single-handedly" wins trophies, at least not in football. A minimum of ten other men (plus substitutes) run their socks off to help get their team the result; it's not a one man kind of a thing. Managers, directors, team doctors and even club presidents occationally take some of the credit when the team wins and deservedly so. It is a team because the many individuals in it work together for a common goal; the defence trying to keep out goals, the offence trying to get them, subs coming in to relieve tired teammates and bring fresh blood just to make sure their team maintains a lead or fight for a comeback. Even <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110848/pepe-reina">Pepe Reina</a> and Victor Valdes won Euro and World Cup medals for being part of a "team" that performed well even though their contributions might have been minimum at best, and there are a lot more footballers who won even more trophies across Europe and the World, they don't go around taking all their teammates' credit for a team performance.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. Messi had an incredible "individual" season in all competitions. He boasts numbers most winners of the award have never thought possible. He's broken records after records and some were his own. Scoring 73 goals is no child's play, it takes serious determination. Top scorer in the Champions League as well as in La Liga, I'm sure if it was that simple to score we would have at least 5 players walking around boasting their 50 goals in a season, but it's not.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Messi had no consistant teammate to score goals when he couldn't, unlike his rival from the capital club who did. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa">David Villa</a>, who was already showing a major dip in form, got injured last season. Alexis Sanchez was visiting the treatment table almost every month and even then, Alexis and Pedro Rodriguez were so bad (in front of goal) last season that you'd be sure they'd still hit a stationary goalkeeper with the ball, or miss him in preference for the frame of the goal. This meant that almost all of Barca's attacks relied solely on Messi's boots for the finish and the numbers speak for themselves, but at the end of the day it's a team sport and even HE can't score for 100 percent of the games. Once in a while a team will come with a plan to keep him at bay and it is at that time when offensive teammates need to come to his (and the team's) aid. Just for the sake of comparison; Ronaldo had both his striker friends racking over 20 goals. In fact if Gonzalo Higuain was the penalty taker at Madrid, he could easily have finished the season with numbers similar to those of Cristiano's. Madrid was more consistent than Barcelona because when their superstar couldn't get the goal, someone else did. This is of course admittedly this author's opinion and other reasons might have accounted for Messi's Barcelona losing the league.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The game against Chelsea is a practical example of what's already been said about having teammates who occasionally leave their scoring boots at home. The English club had ten men congested in the middle who effectively marked Messi out of the game, or at least where he likes to play; that and the fact that Cech was in scintillating form. His winger teammates couldn't help break the deadlock either and when he missed that penalty, the big trophy with the ears was not to be. That's exactly what happened, an excellent run of form by Messi and Barcelona that had Bookmakers sure they would retain the trophy all came crumbling down because he could not get the goal and nobody else could.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">All teams lose at some point and players know that better that anyone, which is why when the season starts players just want to do really well, taking it game by game and winning as much as possible and also hoping (for the team) that the day they lose, it will not be a season destroying loss. Messi did the same for the team as an individual in 2011-2012, he started the season scoring as much goals as he possibly could to help the team and help the team he did.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One should not mistaken his incredible scoring records for selfishness either, because you need not go far but look at his assists statistics to be convinced that he does indeed lookout for his teammates.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With his incredible scoring stats from the previous campaign as a striker/playmaker dwarfing those of rivals Iniesta and Ronaldo, Messi will and should win the upcoming Ballon d'Or award for the record 4<sup>th</sup> time. With his goals so far this season, make no mistake because he'll still be part of the final shortlist next year.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/6/3841784/why-lionel-messi-should-win-the-2012-fifa-ballon-dorGuidance Mhlari2013-01-06T09:18:25+01:002013-01-06T09:18:25+01:00Pep Guardiola: World's Best Coach in 2012
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<img alt="Pep "The Man" Guardiola: football's best coach of 2012" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XwzV-LcHj0zkjzNkHVmmfD4E2gk=/0x0:997x665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6129785/143469692.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pep "The Man" Guardiola: football's best coach of 2012 | David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>Pep Guardiola is one of three men named by FIFA as candidates for the 2012 Coach of the Year award. While strong cases can be made for both Jose Mourinho and Vicente del Bosque, here's the case for Pep.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The case for Pep Guardiola is a tough one, as Barcelona failed to capture a major title in 2012. But surely there is case for Pep, one based on the style of play Barça exhibited, their success in the second half of 2012, and the overall effect Pep Guardiola had on world football.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If the FIFA Coach of the Year was awarded solely based on trophies won, Roberto di Matteo (who led Chelsea to the Champions League in 2012) or Roberto Mancini (who coached Manchester City to a Premier League title) would be in the final three, not Pep Guardiola. Both of these trophies are considered far more significant than the Copa del Rey-the only title won by Barcelona under Guardiola in 2012. What Pep Guardiola did in 2012 was exactly what he's been doing the previous four years: cultivate a culture of pure football at FC Barcelona, managing a team that plays the best football on the planet. For this, he well deserves to be FIFA's Coach of the Year in 2012.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">FC Barcelona changed when Pep Guardiola took over in 2009. What was before a flashy team comprised of big stars and big egos became a true team that worked hard, played together, and won titles. Guardiola stepped in the year after "Los Cuatro Fantásticos" (Ronaldinho, Henry, Eto'o, and Messi) failed to win a single title, and barely challenged Real Madrid in La Liga. He brought his unparalleled work ethic, his humility, and he let go of any players that didn't fit in-even national icons like Ronaldinho. Instead of deferring to high-priced superstars, Guardiola asserted himself and his system, believing that a player who puts the team first is more valuable than even the most talented of those that put themselves first.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The system worked. Players that loved to play attacking, aggressive, stylish football bought in instantly, and were given the opportunity to succeed. Youngsters from the youth system were brought up, while superstars were let go. Veterans who had been overlooked were featured and played the best football of their career.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Most importantly, the team began to exude Guardiola's own ethos: hard work, self-confidence, and humility. No squad trained harder, was better organized, or more unified. There was a renewed sense of purpose, a belief in the success of a style, and for four years FC Barcelona set a new standard for excellence in football, hauling in an absurd 14 titles.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Pep Guardiola poured his heart and soul into his work, and the effect was more creative than managerial. While other managers may be applauded for nifty tactics or motivational speeches, Pep will be remembered for building a system of total football, for defining and exemplifying the values of an entire organization, and for the most beautiful football ever played.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some may point to the immediate success of Tito Vilanova as evidence that Guardiola was perhaps not so important-that a monkey could manage this team to a few titles. On the contrary, Barcelona's continued excellence under Vilanova is proof of Pep's immense influence and importance to the club. Tito was Guardiola's right-hand man and pupil since 2007. When Pep left, Tito stepped in, and the FC Barcelona machine kept on going.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So complete was Guardiola's formation of the club that the man at the top of the ladder became, at least for a while, inconsequential. Pep may be gone, but his philosophy is carried on by his pupils-starting with Vilanova, and working down through the team captains. The footballing machine of FC Barcelona was engineered and constructed by Pep, and having flipped the switch and ensured that all systems were running smoothly, he stepped away. As Barcelona heads for possibly their best season ever, we watch as the machine continues to run.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Early 2012 was disappointing for FC Barcelona, as Real Madrid took back La Liga's title and Barça was bounced from the Champions League by an inspired and opportunistic Chelsea. Although Barcelona did finish strong and hoist the Copa del Rey, 2012 was in many ways the least successful year of Pep's reign.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Even so, a strong argument can be made that Guardiola deserves the award. 2012 was the year that Pep put the final touches on his project. Players like Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi solidified their standing as world-class players in the specific roles designed for them by Guardiola. A small rotation in personnel furthered the tradition of home-grown talent, as youngsters Thiago, Cuenca, and Tello came up big, and Cesc Fabregas made his triumphant return to the club. Most importantly, Barcelona continued to dominate ball possession, win games by wide margins, and delight fans around the world with their stylish, aggressive football. Barcelona ousted Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey, nearly pulled off a ridiculous comeback in La Liga, and came within a penalty kick of the Champions League final.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The other candidates-Jose Mourinho and Vicente del Bosque-also achieved great success in 2012, but were either a better manager than Pep?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mourinho led Real Madrid to their first La Liga title since 2008, setting a record with 100 points in 38 games, scoring a record 121 goals, and finally defeating Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Madrid also beat Barcelona to win the Spanish Supercup-albeit after Guardiola had left Barcelona. Without a doubt, Mourinho managed Madrid to a superb season, and is a worthy candidate for coach of the year, but let's consider the context.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Real Madrid's current side is the most expensive ever assembled, with mega-signings Ronaldo, Benzema, and Kaka making up a second coming of "Los Galácticos" in Madrid. With the inclusion of Mourinho-fresh off a treble with Inter Milan-expectations were stratospheric in Spain's capital. Above all, Real Madrid and Mourinho were after a 10th European Title, but after two seasons in charge, Madrid has only gotten as far as the quarterfinals of the Champions League.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The second half of 2012 saw Madrid fall sixteen points behind Barcelona in La Liga, with chances of European success shaky at best ( an upcoming tie against Premiership leaders Manchester United looms). <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641846&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fteams%2Freal-madrid%2F9764142%2FCrisis-talks-at-Real-Madrid-raise-doubts-over-manager-Jose-Mourinho-after-captain-Iker-Casillas-is-dropped.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.barcablaugranes.com%2F2013%2F1%2F6%2F3841634%2Fwhy-pep-guardiola-deserves-to-win-the-fifa-coach-of-the-year-2012" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">There is general unrest in the Madrid Camp</a>, Kaka<a target="_blank" href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4682114/Kaka-could-leave-Real-Madrid.html"> looks to be on his way out</a>, Cristiano Ronaldo <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2254124/Cristiano-Ronaldo-linked-Manchester-United-return-rejecting-Real-Madrid-deal.html">doesn't want to sign a new contract</a>, and Mourinho himself <a target="_blank" href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2012/12/12/3596966/inside-real-madrid-mourinho-intent-on-leaving-as-blancos">seems likely to move on</a>. So after hundreds of millions spent and just over two years of Mourinho's management, Real Madrid is on the brink of a catastrophic season, faced with the loss of its best player and yet another rebuilding effort. This precarious position most certainly is related to Jose Mourinho, his style of management, and his actions in 2012.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Aside from a fantastic league campaign, Mourinho brought Madrid no closer to their coveted "décima", and in the latter stages of 2012, quickly found himself conceding La Liga back to Barcelona and Pep Guardiola's pupil. If one considers the overall effect Mourinho had on his club in 2012, it's clearly a mixed bag.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Vicente del Bosque is the third candidate for FIFA's Coach of the Year award, based on his management of Spain's national side and an unprecedented run of international success. In 2012, Del Bosque led "La Roja" to their second consecutive Eurocup title. Among the challenges faced by Del Bosque was unifying a team composed largely of fierce rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. He deserves great credit for the work he's done and the incredible success Spain has enjoyed, but there are two major points against his candidacy for Coach of the Year:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">First, managing a national team is nothing like managing a top European squad. This is not to say it's an easy job, but the sheer number of games played, hours of training, and hectic travel schedule make managing a club like Barcelona or Madrid a much greater task. Del Bosque is perfect for Spain's coaching position, but his days of running a massive European club are most likely over.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Secondly, much of Spain's success in 2012 has to be credited to FC Barcelona and Pep Guardiola himself. Throughout the Eurocup, more than half of Spain's lineup was composed of Barcelona players, and their style of play was virtually identical to that of Barça, thanks largely to Xavi, Iniesta, and Cesc calling the shots in midfield. It's no coincidence that Spain's ridiculous run of international success mirrors FC Barcelona's dominance under Pep Guardiola.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">While Del Bosque has done a fine job of managing Spain's talent, the cohesive, aggressive, possession football that won the Eurocup in 2012 was born in Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the end, all three managers are worthy winners. On paper, Mourinho's fabulous title run of 2012 and Del Bosque's Eurocup win easily outweigh Guardiola's Copa del Rey. However, FIFA's award is about more than just titles, and takes into account the overall effect each candidate has had on their club or country, and the entire calendar year. Pep Guardiola has almost single-handedly created a total-football machine called FC Barcelona, a team that is often regarded as the best ever. While the results of 2012 didn't fall his way, a vote for Pep in this gala is a nod to the tremendously positive effect he's had on his club and on the entire sport of football. Guardiola showed that beautiful, stylish, technical football can be winning football, and Spanish, European, and World Football will never be the same again. The odds are against him, but a second straight Coach of the Year award would be well deserved by Pep Guardiola.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/6/3841634/why-pep-guardiola-deserves-to-win-the-fifa-coach-of-the-year-2012Gabriel Roberts2013-01-05T18:00:05+01:002013-01-05T18:00:05+01:00Why Andrés Iniesta should win the 2012 Ballon d'Or
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v3315uhLAcixGwY6Ecke1I3iZkE=/0x12:4000x2679/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6090211/156595321.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>Competition for this year's golden ball is tough but surely Andrés Iniesta deserves the title.</p> <p align="justify">6th of May 2009. Stamford Bridge. Andrés Iniesta scores the goal that paves <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona's</a> way to the Champions League final. The goal came seconds before the final whistle.</p>
<p>11th of July 2010. Soccer City. Andrés Iniesta scores the goal that secures the World Cup for Spain. The goal came seconds before the final whistle.</p>
<p align="justify">28th of May 2011. Wembley Stadium. Andrés Iniesta assisted Messi for the second Barcelona goal as the red and blue outclassed Manchester United for their fourth European Cup.</p>
<p align="justify">Euro 2012. Andrés Iniesta is the player of the tournament as Spain break history by becoming the first side to win three major titles in a row.</p>
<p align="justify">Every year there is a golden moment for this golden player.</p>
<p align="justify">The Barcelona number eight has been described as the situations man. When times are tough you can rely on Iniesta to find a way out of trouble. 2012 was no different.</p>
<p align="justify">The year started with Iniesta finishing fourth in the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> gained second place sandwiched by Iniesta's teammates Xavi Hernandez and the winner <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a>. The result meant a two place drop from his 2010 finish for Iniesta but by no means should it be taken as a negative.</p>
<p align="justify">Iniesta received 6.01% of the votes, just 3.22% shy of Xavi and was included in the FIFA World XI. Combining with Xavi and compatriot <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso" class="sbn-auto-link">Xabi Alonso</a> to create the perfect three man midfield.</p>
<p align="justify">Like Iniesta, Xavi and Messi, Barcelona also started the year in good form. The side progressed through the Copa del Rey, beating Real Madrid in the process, while a late charge for the La Liga title looked in full flow.</p>
<p align="justify">After recovering from a muscle tear in his left thigh sustained during Barça's 2-2 Copa del Rey draw with Madrid, Iniesta experienced a long run free of injuries. This extended run of playing time saw him demonstrate why he is considered one of the best in the world.</p>
<p align="justify"><span>Pep Guardiola</span> described him as "unique." Xavi hailed him as "Spain's most complete player." Cesc Fàbregas described him as a "source of immense confidence." They are all right but in particular Pep.</p>
<p align="justify">Iniesta is one of a kind playing in a team that is also one of a kind. Part of "The Barça Holy Trinity" Iniesta represents not just modern day Barcelona but modern day football. The little man taking back the soul of football from the big guy. Never before have we witnessed an era where the diminutive magicians have dominated as much as they do now. <span>Santi Cazorla</span>, <span>Juan Mata</span>, Leo Messi, Xavi, Sergio Agüero and Andrés Iniesta among others have shown that technical brilliance wins over brute force.</p>
<p align="justify">A philosophy Barça thrives on. It is no secret that Barcelona are strongest in midfield. The "pivote" of <span>Sergio Busquets</span>, the false 9 of Leo Messi and the pass masters of Xavi and Iniesta regularly dominate games and carve open oppositions. To understand how to beat Barcelona you need to understand how important your midfield is.</p>
<p align="justify">Busquets' role is to convert defence to attack as quickly as possible, Messi's role is to convert these attacking chances in to goals and Xavi and Iniesta's role is to control the game. That is what is key to Barcelona's success.</p>
<p align="justify">Pinpointing Iniesta's biggest strength is difficult but for me it's his intelligence. He is a 28 year old playing with the head of a 40 year old. The guy thinks at lightning speed and nearly always picks the right decision. Let's start with his off the ball work.</p>
<p align="justify"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY7MB9lXNkc">This clip</a> highlights how Iniesta is always thinking. Like Messi, Iniesta regularly pulls defenders away from their comfort zones because of his great positional play. This creates space in between for players such as Pedro and Alexis Sánchez to run in behind and attack goal. Genius work from Barça's number eight.</p>
<p align="justify">Unjust criticism is often thrown at Barcelona for their unwillingness of players like Iniesta to shoot from distance. "They don't have the power" and "afraid to shoot" are just some of the hollow accusations thrown towards these great players. It's not that they're afraid to shoot or lack the talent, it's that they see a better option. A killer pass that increases the half chance to a clear cut chance. That is why Iniesta will go down as an all-time great.</p>
<p align="justify">FC Barcelona's 2011-12 season and Guardiola's era came to end with a 3-0 triumph in the Copa del Rey final over <a href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Athletic Bilbao</a>. Iniesta played the full ninety which was his last competitive game before he donned the red, yellow and blue of Spain for the European Championship.</p>
<p align="justify">While Iniesta's form was brilliant for Barcelona, in 2012 Iniesta's best performances came at Spain's successful defense of their European Championship crown. In a team of midfielders, Iniesta was head and shoulders above the rest.</p>
<p align="justify">The tournament started with Spain coming from a goal down against eventual finalists Italy. Barça's Cesc Fàbregas scored the equalizer but Iniesta won the man of the match award.</p>
<p align="justify">Next was the Republic of Ireland and an impressive 4-0 victory from La Furia Roja. Iniesta played eighty minutes before being replaced by Santo Cazorla. Spain looked strong and talk of a historical third major title in a row outweighed the talk of a "boring" Spain.</p>
<p align="justify">Iniesta's next game earned him his next man of the match award. Spain progressed through to the knockout stages as Jesús Navas scored a late winner against Croatia allowing Spain to top the group.</p>
<p align="justify">The quarter finals saw a tie against a French side going through transition. Spain coasted to a 2-0 Xabi Alonso inspired win while Iniesta clocked another 84 minutes before being replaced by Santi Cazorla again.</p>
<p align="justify">The semi-finals was Spain's toughest test. A tie against neighbours Portugal led by <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid's</a> golden boy Cristiano Ronaldo. The game was tight, Spain were struggling to hit top gear but still had the majority of possession with 57%. Neither side could break the deadlock, five shots on target for Spain, two for Portugal. This game looked destined for penalties even with Spain's extra time charge. 120 minutes came and went and both sides prepared for the shootout.</p>
<p align="justify">Moutinho and Alonso both missed the opening penalties. Pepe scored his, Iniesta replied successfully. Nani scored as did Gerard Piqué. Still no Ronaldo, surely destined for the fifth penalty but then disaster for Portugal. Alves missed. Meaning if Fàbregas scored his, Spain would be through. As he did in the Euro 2008 quarter final against Italy, Fàbregas won the shoot out for Spain.</p>
<p align="justify">Portugal were out and Spain were heading for a first round replay against Italy. What happened next was absurd. Not only did Spain beat Italy they beat them by four goals. <span>David Silva</span> opened the scoring before the new Barcelona signing Jordi Aba doubled their lead before half time.</p>
<p align="justify">Spain's victory was ensured when Chelsea boys Mata and Torres scored. Capping off a remarkable tournament for both Spain and Iniesta.</p>
<p align="justify">Man of the match three times and the man of the tournament, Iniesta showed the world why he is one of the greatest. The picture of him worming his way past an Italy defence will be remembered as much as the sight of Casillas lifting the trophy.</p>
<p align="justify">The celebrations while joyous had to be cut short as Barcelona were entering a new era. The Tito era. "Pep's gone, the title's gone, is it over for the Dream Team?" and "is Tito not suited for the spotlight?" just some of the questions being asked of this side. There was no doubt there was doubts. But not from within the Barça camp.</p>
<p align="justify">The players started the season determined, still hurting from the pain of losing the league title to Madrid. Focusing on winning at grounds they dropped points at last season but most importantly for Vilanova, he has discovered a way of playing Xavi, Fàbregas and Iniesta on the same pitch.</p>
<p align="justify">With Iniesta pushed up to the left wing, he, Xavi and Fàbregas now have the chance to attack the goal. While I still feel Iniesta's best position is in the centre, there is evidence to show that the team plays superbly with all three of the La Masia graduates on the field.</p>
<p align="justify">Iniesta has made seven appearances from starting in the centre, scoring once and assisting once with an average rating of 7.32 according to whoscored.com. Whereas when he has started on the left wing, in just four appearances he has scored once and assisted six times giving him an average rating of 8.36.</p>
<p align="justify">If we also look at Cesc Fàbregas, he has started fourteen games from the centre, scoring six time and assisting seven times with an average rating of 7.62. Coupled with Xavi's nineteen appearances, three goals, five assists and average rating of 7.37, it is clear that this new style is working for Barcelona.</p>
<p align="justify">Iniesta's highlight of this new season so far has been the away tie against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/levante" class="sbn-auto-link">Levante</a>. He was magnificent. From his left wing position he assisted Messi twice and Fàbregas once before getting on the score sheet himself, earning himself a perfect 10 rating. This coming from a ground where Real Madrid had labored to a 2-1 win two weeks earlier.</p>
<p align="justify">Iniesta and Barcelona continued to dominate La Liga winning all but one game so far this season. Nine points ahead of Atlético, thirteen points ahead of Real, comfortably through the Copa del Rey and topping their Champions League group. Barça with Iniesta at the helm look almost unbeatable this season.</p>
<p align="justify">So why Iniesta should win the 2012 Ballon d'Or? Simply he has been the best this year. Remember the award is not for the best player but for the best player of 2012. That has to be Iniesta. I will leave you with this table as my final argument.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 312.0pt right 446.0pt;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Major</span></u></b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></u><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Titles Won in 2012</span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 312.0pt right 446.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid;"><b><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrés Iniesta</span></b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
<p> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid;"><b><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lionel Messi</span></b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid;"><b><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cristiano Ronaldo</span></b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copa del Rey</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copa del Rey</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">La Liga</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Euro 2012</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">European Golden Shoe</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Supercopa de España</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">UEFA Best Player in Europe</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pichichi Trophy</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">UEFA Euro Best Player of the Tournament </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament </span></p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/1/5/3838754/why-andres-iniesta-should-win-the-2012-ballon-dorSam Cooper