FCBARCELONA.CAT

28.12.2008 21:31

Catalonia wins with Bojan goal (2-1)

Jordi Clos

A goal by Bojan and another by Verdú won the game for Catalonia in their clash with Colombia. The South Americans snatched a consolation goal in injury time.

More than 30,000 spectators braved cold weather to see Catalonia win at Camp Nou five years after their last triumph there. Barça stalwarts Puyol, Piqué, Busquets and Bojan were in the starting XI for the game and put in fine performances, especially Bojan who scored one goal and made the other for Verdú. Colombia hit back at the end through Aguilar.

Great goal by Bojan

The game got off to a flying start, with both sides treating it as more than just a friendly. They looked to get forward and create chances, although the only real one to come in the first half fell to Catalonia. In the 15th minute they broke quickly, and a Sergio García through ball put Bojan into space to slam home his second goal for Catalonia. The Barça striker played mostly on the left and was always dangerous.

Barça players stand out

Puyol at right back and Piqué in the centre of the defence calmly dealt with Colombia’s attacks, and all Codina had to do was see to a couple of free-kicks. Sergio Busquets, playing in front of the defence, had a good debut with Catalonia, distributing the ball well and putting in his usual forceful challenges.

Verdú and Bojan liven up second half

Puyol and Piqué were two of the players substituted by Pere Gratacós at half-time, while Colombia also made major changes. After the restart, Catalonia made sure that the game was played mostly in the visitors’ half, and Verdú, on two occasions, and Bojan went close in the first fifteen minutes. Finally Catalonia’s second goal came along in the 62nd minute after a fine combination between the two players which Verdú turned into the net.

Festival of football

Even though no points were at stake both teams kept at it, much to the delight of the fans. Catalonia kept pushing forward while Quintero had a good chance in the 71st minute for the visitors. But it was not until injury time that they scored when Abel Aguilar stuck home a rebound to add another goal to the festival of football.