05.08.2007 14:44
Eto'o and Henry together up front
Anna Segura
Against Beijing Guoan, Rijkaard made a number of changes with respect to the games in Scotland. He opted for a striking partnership of Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o.
Although Frank Rijkaard had hinted that he would be fielding similar sides to those that faced
Dundee United and Hearts, injuries to Ronaldinho and Sylvinho forced him to modify his tactics.
Beijing Guoan lined up against a Barça side featuring Henry, Giovani, Abidal and Jorquera as
starters for the first time this season. This meant Henry and Eto'o played together for the first
time, and were supported expertly by young Giovani Dos Santos.
First half together
The Cameroonian and Frenchman played the first 45 minutes together, and both Eto'o and Henry
had early chances to score and showed they are able to play the ball between each other and create
dangerous opportunities.
Giovani Dos Santos was the third forward, and lived up to expectations and scored the first
goal of the day. Giovani is already getting used to teaming up with Henry, but against Beijing
Guoan got his first taste of what it is like when Eto’o is added to the mix.
Changing positions
Henry and Eto'o showed a remarkable knack for swapping positions, playing on the left, right
and the middle as the needs arose. Eto'o occasionally drifted right to allow Giovani to press
forward. Thierry Henry had a couple of good chances towards the end of the first half.
Henry came off at half time, while Eto'o stayed on for 71 minutes and Giovani was given three
minutes more.