The long awaited match-up between AC Milan and Club America was finally here in Atlanta. The teams met tonight in the third match of the World Football Challenge. This was the first time I was in the press box for a soccer match and the experience was out of this world. The ovation for the players was an amazing sight, and when Ronaldinho was announced the fans almost tore the roof off! We were in for a great match between two clubs who were ready to put on a show.
As the match began, Club America was dominating the play on the pitch. Throughout the first 20 minutes Club America had numerous chances to take the lead. The first chance of the match came from Enrique Esqueda, who fired a shot on goal from about thirty yards out that made the AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Storari come up with a huge save. America almost struck again in the 19th minute when Salvador Cabanas tried a tricky flick off a cross that Storari again saved.
AC Milan finally settled in by the 20th minute and starting generating some opportunities on goal. Clarence Seedorf had the first chance for Milan in the 22nd minute when he fired a shot from outside the box that sailed just over the crossbar. Ronaldinho showed great skill with the ball at his feet throughout the first half. The Brazilian almost put Milan on top with a blistering free kick from 30 yards out that hit the crossbar. Luca Antonini had the best chance of the opening half when he found himself wide open on the back post off a Ronaldinho cross from inside the six yard box.
The opening half would end with both teams generating good opportunities at goal, but neither team found the back of the net. The first twenty minutes of the half was slow but the last twenty five was great soccer. It was only a matter of time until the game opened up.
As the second half began the crowd at the Georgia Dome was ready to see the debut of American Oguchi Onyewu. Onyewu would replace Alessandro Nesta at center back for Milan. Onyewu playing for Milan is a huge step for U.S. soccer. AC Milan is considered one of the top clubs in the world and to have an American on the roster shows players here that anything is possible.
Club America took the lead in the 55th minute when Esqueda beat Onyewu to the back post before striking a great shot with his left foot that found the upper corner of the net. It was a great ball from the right side from Salvador Cabanas to find the streaking Esqueda. Club America had come out in the second half wanting to send a message to Milan that they were here to win the match.
The match started to really feel like a mid-season battle and not a preseason exhibition. In the 62nd minute both teams nearly found themselves in a brawl when Gennaro Gattuso committed a hard foul on Esqueda. Numerous players were pushing and shoving, showing great emotion on the pitch. After the shoving match an intense final 30 minutes followed.
AC Milan finally found the back of the net in the 66th minute when Filippo Inzaghi split two America defenders to slot the ball past the keeper in the right corner of the net. It was a great through ball from Ronaldinho to put Inzaghi on to goal. Ronaldinho again would test the America keeper off a free kick from 30 yards out, forcing Armondo Navarrete to come up with a huge save.
Club America would take the lead for good in the 84th minute when Daniel Marquez was first to the cross in from the right side. He headed the ball just past the outstretched Milan keeper. It was a great finish by the Mexican player. Milan definitely needs to work on their marking off balls driven into the box from the flanks.
In the final five minutes AC Milan was pressing the America box with everything they had. Milan blew a golden opportunity to tie the game when Gianmarco Zigoni sailed a wide open chance in front of goal over the crossbar. At this level players cannot afford to miss chances this good at the end of a match. It was great combination play between Onyewu and Zigoni, almost letting the American get his first assist with the Italian juggernauts.
The match ended 2-1, with Club America getting their second victory of the World Football Challenge. Overall both teams had great flashes of brilliance on the pitch. AC Milan walked away from this match wondering what could have been, missing numerous great chances in front of goal. Club America earned a great victory.
The atmosphere at the Georgia Dome was great. Throughout the match there were chants for both teams and for the most part fans stood the entire match. The final attendance was 50,306 in Atlanta. This match was a great success and hopefully they will come back next summer.
