Yokohama Masterclass

The last time I watched a match taking place in Yokohama a Brazilian side were handing out a footballing lesson to the top European nation, that was Brazil beating Germany in the 2002 World Cup Final with 'Fat' Ronnie being the star. This morning the top European club side gave the best South America could offer a footballing lesson, Barcelona beat Santos 4-0 and it could have been seven or eight, the woodwork being struck twice and a strange offside decision denying them another goal.

To say Barcelona were impressive would be an understatement, the pass from Xavi to set-up Messi for the first goal was one of the passes of this season so far and the general play in the first half as Barca went 3-0 up was simply sensational at time.  In the second half the story was the same and the usual possession stats came up, Barcelona had almost 74% of possession and although Santos did manage a couple of shots on target the feeling was that Barcelona could move up a gear if necessary. Messi got the fourth goal after some good work by Dani Alves who somehow found himself on the left of the penalty area.

As an aside Barcelona have paid Santos £8.4 million for the right to have first refusal for Neymar, the Brazilian wonderkid who was noticeable only by his ridiculous haircut in this match. Neymar has agreed personal terms and Barcelona have until 2014 to exercise their right of purchase.