SB Nation DC - Paris Saint-Germain Vs. D.C. United: United Earn 1-1 Draw With French Giants

Paris Saint-Germain vs. D.C. United: United Fights For Draw On National Stage

2012-07-29T23:00:16Z

Saturday was a very busy day of high-profile soccer in the Baltimore/Washington area. Normally in this space, I rate how D.C. United's players performed, but with so many players getting into Saturday's 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain, no one really had the chance to play extended minutes. Rather, I'd like to take the time to point out the players who stood out above the rest in what was my biggest -- and best -- experience of international club soccer.

I started out in Baltimore for the friendly match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, stopping by supporters' bars on both sides. A Liverpool bar actually had a side street shut down to accommodate everyone (and the kegs). Meanwhile, the Spurs bar I was going to stop at emptied out as I was approaching. The D.C. Spurs contingent started to parade around Baltimore singing and chanting together. It was quite the experience, and really set the tone for the atmosphere of the game.

The game itself was tactically impressive on both sides but the crowd was left wanting a goal that was never scored. Both teams struggled in the final third throughout the game, but each had their fair share of chances.

What Stood Out

Managers Brendan Rodgers (Liverpool) and Andre Villas-Boas (Tottenham Hotspur)

Both managers stuck to what they know best, a possession based attack with short passes that are designed to break down a defense. Both managers stick to a 4-3-3 formation, but Villas-Boas has admitted he thinks a 4-2-3-1 will work better with his current squad. They both realize what their respective teams' strengths are, and they play them to them. Both Rodgers and Villas-Boas were impressive in the media session after the game, coming off as affable, but not aloof and showed how world-class managers should perform with the media.

The Youngsters

Both sides played younger players who looked seasoned well beyond their years. Andros Townsend, Harry Kane, Kyle Naughton and Gylfi Sigurdsson all looked very impressive playing alongside their more experienced counterparts for Tottenham Hostpur. Not to be outdone, the Liverpool quartet of Adam Morgan, Jonjo Shelvey, Nathan Eccleston and Jon Flanagan all performed well.

The Superstars

Both sides brought and played their stars. Yes, some were missing on both sides, but the predominantly American audience got to see what they paid for: Gareth Bale and Steven Gerrard. Did they play the entire game? No, but they did put on a show.

After the media sessions ended in Baltimore, it was a quick trip down 95 South to RFK Stadium to get ready for Paris Saint-Germain and D.C. United.

Thanks to a little traffic and a bite to eat, I didn't have enough time to go check out where PSG fans were pre-gaming. Lot 8 was full of United supporters, as always. It is also right next to the media lot, so its always easy to get a feel for the crowd.

The press box was buzzing as soon as I got up, thanks to the news that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be starting for PSG. That buzz would only be outdone by the Swede's third-minute goal, which was phenomenal.

What Stood Out:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Not just his play, but his stature -- he is 6'5 after all. He walked out Saturday next to Marco Verratti (who is 5'5) and you would have thought he came out with one of the armies of kids who accompany the players during the introductions. Then, Ibrahimovic scored in the third minute and for the rest of his time in the game looked like he wasn't even trying. But he was still looking brilliant.

The Resilience of D.C. United

United easily could have crumbled or sat back in a defensive shell after the early goal, but instead turned up the pressure and took the game to Paris Saint-Germain before the first-half weather delay. Even after the delay, United looked like the more determined team. They eventually got their equalizer after Dwayne De Rosario converted a penalty, and kept pushing for a winner.

The French Media

While the British media earlier in the day welcomed their American contemporaries, the French were the exact opposite. It got off to a poor start with a few journalists sitting and ignoring the National Anthem, and making matters worse by talking during it. A few also brought their girlfriends with them to the game, and a group of them were standing during the match and blocking my view, as well as that of a few others. It got to the point where they were asked by United personnel to sit down or leave. It didn't help that a few were tweeting during the game about the ridiculousness of the lightning delay. Sorry about safety? Finally, and probably most egregiously, there was the cheering in the press box. Everyone was kind of speechless after the Ibrahimovic goal, but every time PSG had something positive happen you could hear a few cheers from the French area of the press box.

Overall, both games were quite entertaining and seeing all the big names from both games up close was impressive. Seeing United hold their own against PSG was probably the highlight of the day. The biggest disappointment had to the be the crowd at RFK. Under 15,000 to see one of the top teams in the world? Sure, the other game in Baltimore was the same day, but I figured a crowd of around 20,000 would be expected.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. D.C. United: Dwayne De Rosario's Penalty Holds PSG To 1-1 Draw

2012-07-29T02:17:53Z

D.C. United weren't given much of a chance in the game Saturday night, but held on to secure a 1-1 draw against mighty PSG. After giving up a goal in the third minute to new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, United responded by keeping up the pressure and not going into a defensive shell.

After a questionable missed handball call earlier in the half, United were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute. Dwayne DeRosario converted the penalty for what would be the only other goal of the game. However, both teams would have more than a few chances on goal.

United's backup GK Joe Willis came on for Bill Hamid in the 71st minute, and survived a late flurry of attempts on goal by PSG. A few world-class saves later, and United avoided giving up a goal at the eleventh hour -- or stoppage time.

The game was delayed for 45 minutes due to lightning in the first half.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. D.C. United: United Give Up Early Goal, Brave Elements And Enter The Half With A Draw

2012-07-29T01:20:24Z

D.C. United welcomed free-spending Ligue 1 runner-up Paris Saint-Germain to RFK on a hot and humid Saturday night with the ink barely dry on new signee Zlatan Ibrahimovic's contract. And lo and behold, the Swede already has a goal under his belt for his new team.

Just two minutes and eleven seconds into the match, Ibrahimovic opened up the scoring with a beautiful move to create some space and slot a shot past United GK Bill Hamid.

United didn't back down after surrendering the early goal and kept up the pressure until the players were pulled off the pitch in the 23rd minute due to lightning in the area. United had a few solid chances before the game was suspended, including a phenomenal give-and-go from Dwayne DeRosario to Chris Pontius that resulted in a shot off the crossbar.

United would tie the game up after a Milan Bisevac handball in the penalty area in the 32nd minute. De Rosario stepped up to the penalty spot and converted to the game at the half.

Stay tuned for second half updates.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. D.C. United: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Scores Early, Game Delayed Due To Lightning

2012-07-29T00:17:18Z

Just two minutes and eleven seconds into the match, Ibrahimovic opened up the scoring with a beautiful move to create some space and slot a shot past United GK Bill Hamid.

We are awaiting official word from D.C. United on when the game will resume, and whenever we get the info we will pass it along. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: Game will resume at 8:45 pm

Paris Saint-Germain Vs. D.C. United: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

2012-07-28T15:51:33Z

D.C. United, struggling recently in MLS play, will host a friendly on Saturday at RFK Stadium against Paris Saint-Germain and new striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

United have lost three of their past four contests, and is now in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, five points behind the first place New York Red Bulls. This recent malaise means DCU head man Ben Olsen will play his regular starters more than he would in other friendlies, when younger players often get more time and lineup combinations are tinkered with.

In addition to Ibrahimovic, Paris Saint-Germain also bought Brazilian defender Thiago Silva from AC Milan this summer, and signed Argentinian Ezequiel Lavezzi from Napoli and Marco Verrati from Pescara before beginning their American tour.

Here is what you need to know for Saturday's match:

Game Day/Time: Saturday, July 28, 7:30 p.m. EST

Location: RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

Television Coverage: Fox Soccer Channel, tape delay, 10:00 p.m. EST

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

D.C. United Vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Will Make PSG Debut In Friendly Saturday

2012-07-27T21:55:34Z

As Paris Saint-Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti hoped he would earlier this week, Sweden international striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will make his debut for the French giants in Saturday night's friendly match at RFK Stadium.

PSG's official Twitter account confirmed the news and the word was relayed on D.C. United's own feed.

Ibra to wear no. 18. RT @PSG_inside: Ancelotti a annoncé que Ibrahimovic débutera le match contre DC United et jouera ce match avec le N' 18
— D.C. United (@dcunited) July 27, 2012

Ibrahimovic has scored 222 goals in 355 appearances for club and country since his senior professional debut in 1999. However, he is not the first big name to debut for a new club at RFK Stadium. Ronaldinho made his Barcelona debut in a 2003 friendly against AC Milan there, while David Beckham made his first appearance for the Los Angeles Galaxy on East Capitol Street in 2007.

Saturday's game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will be seen on tape delay on Fox Soccer Channel at 10:30 p.m.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

Paris Saint-Germain Vs. D.C. United: Carlo Ancelotti Hopes Zlatan Ibrahimovic Will Make PSG Debut Saturday

2012-07-24T20:15:01Z

In a conference call Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti said that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would play "40-45 minutes" if he was passed fit for Saturday's friendly against D.C. United. The former Chelsea, AC Milan, and Juventus manager said that the Swedish international striker had arrived in the U.S. Tuesday and was expected to join the French club for training at Princeton University.

PSG, who played to a 1-1 draw against Chelsea Sunday at Yankee Stadium, stunned the soccer world earlier this summer by buying Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva from AC Milan. A busy summer of Italian shopping has since continued for the French giants, who also signed Argentinian Ezequiel Lavezzi from Napoli and Marco Verrati from Pescara before embarking on their American tour.

Saturday's match, which kicks off at 7:30 at RFK Stadium, will be broadcast on tape delay on Fox Soccer Channel at 10:00 p.m.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

Paris Saint-Germain Sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva Ahead Of D.C. United Friendly

2012-07-17T19:07:07Z

D.C. United may have to worry about two new players in the July 28 friendly against Paris Saint-Germain. The team announced that they have signed striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden and center-back Thiago Silva of Brazil have both signed with the French soccer club.

Ibrahimovic's contract will be for 13 million euros per year, the equivalent of $16 million U.S. and Silva's contract will be for 14 million euros per year, about $17 million U.S. Both players had been on A.C. Milan most recently. Ibrahimovic will be introduced in a press conference on Wednesday along with midfielder Marco Verratti.

The United certainly hope that they will be able to deal with those players in the friendly in a couple of weeks. Those that still want to get information on tickets, just check out the D.C. United website or call 202-587-5000.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.