The Champions Youth Cup Kuching 08/08/07

I spent a good RM12 for some quality football last night.

I was a little surprised that one match is only 70 minutes instead of 90, but we have to remember that these are basically kids playing.

Kuching is Hosting Group G that includes Bayern Munich, Chelsea, PSV Einhoven and Malaysia.

Its a safe bet to say PSV and Chelsea are the favourites to go through because these clubs have a very good youth system. Even so, you can have the best system in the world, but you can make talent, they have to be discovered.

Here are some pictures.


PSV players drinking water.. (oooo)


Bayern Munich warming up.



The start of the Malaysia vs Bayern Munich


Half time, people filling holes with sand. What???


Shevchenko?

Match one was Bayern Munich vs Malaysia. I've heard about our under-19 team being rather strong, eased my fears of watching my home side getting trashed. And nope, that didn't happen. Although Bayern was attacking most of the time, holding possession a little longer, it took them 35 minutes to finally score a goal, right before the end of the first half. In the second half, Malaysia bounced back with a quick counter and I actually get to use my flag! When it looks like 1-1 would be the final scoreline, a completely embarrassing mix up near the end gave Bayern an easy goal to win 2-1.

Malaysia can leave the pitch with no shame and their heads held high, heroes of the day. The goal scorer can walk around telling everyone that he scored a goal against Bayern Munich and no one can take that away from him.

Second match of the night was Chelsea vs PSV Einhoven. Now this is a match to remember. You can really experience the beauty of the game, and the intelligent plays that you take for granted all the time on tv. It was a close game with PSV scoring one goal to win 1-0.

Now lets talk about the players that were somewhat impressive last night and might have a good future in professional football.

From Bayern Munich I can pick out one that can be potentially good, but not great.

This is 18 year old Thomas Müller, looks younger in real life. What he can do is to get into space and make intelligent runs. He even assisted the first Bayern Munich goal.


18 year old Miroslav Stoch from Chelsea. This is one fast dude, and when I say fast I meant really really fast. Fast = dangerous = fast.


And this is 16 year old Gael Kakuta. From last night, this French player is the next Mekelele. No joke, he's a really good complete midfielder. No joke, really no joke. Really, really.



17 year old Nigel Hasselbaink. I was told he is Jimmy Floyl Hasselbaink's sone. This kid has poor fitness, but he makes up in his unique dribbling skills.


Mr Sunsilk here is 17 year old Stijn Wuytens from Belgium. He has the word playmaker written all over him, what do you mean you cant see? Creates chances for team mates and isn't afraid to take some of them.

Hopefully we will see these kids again on tv in a few years time.