Perfect 1-0 in prospect for Juve

By Ivan Carvalho

On Matchday 5 it was a case of another group fixture, another 1-0 win for Juventus FC. With five consecutive 1-0 victories in UEFA Champions League Group C, opponents are beginning to wonder whether there is any way through a formidable Juventus backline that has been a dominant factor in the Italian club's success this season.

Clean sheets
Juve have produced some impressive results thanks to the work of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and his comrades at the back. The only side to have secured maximum points so far in the competition, they have registered five consecutive clean sheets in Europe and let in just seven goals in 14 Serie A matches.

'The best'
Following his side's loss to Juventus on Matchday 5, AFC Ajax attacker Rafael van der Vaart, who saw a blistering first half free-kick brilliantly deflected by Buffon, summed up the frustrations of many opposing teams. "They score one goal and the game is over," he said. "In my opinion they have the best defence in Europe right now."

Cannavaro factor
Much of the credit for coach Fabio Capello's defensive barrier can be given to the presence of central defender Fabio Cannavaro, who joined Juventus in the summer from FC Internazionale Milano. The Italy captain's move was a shock to Inter fans who were dismayed their club let go a player who plugged so many holes in defence. Perhaps tellingly, only US Lecce have conceded more than Inter's 22 goals in Serie A this season.

'It's about sacrifice'
But for Buffon, the emphasis on new acquisitions like Cannavaro and French defender Jonathan Zebina from AS Roma or the continued stability provided by Lilian Thuram misses the point. "It is about sacrifice, everyone is prepared to sacrifice themselves and fight for the good of the team," said Buffon. "At this stage the team as a unit is very well balanced and in great condition. We believe in ourselves and in our ability to get the job done. And of course, we also have several quality players who can turn a game in our favour."

Stifling power
Backing up his team-mate's analysis, Brazilian midfield player Emerson added: "We are playing solidly as a group. Every team has weak points no matter who you are, we just happen to be able to hide them from our opponents and exploit theirs. Our defence is playing very well and overall we are playing at a high level right now."

Weak points?
A 1-0 win against Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC would complete a sextet of such victories in the group stage and set a daunting prospect for whichever side is unfortunate enough to be drawn against Juventus in the first knockout round games of 2005. Emerson may think his side has weak points, but as they continue their charge for the Italian title and the Champions League crown, no one has found them yet.