UEFA Final '08
It’s the UEFA cup final between EPL’s two most deadly teams: Manchester United and Chelsea. I had been waiting for the ‘clash of the titans’ for over two weeks and wow what a match it was. Blood, cussing, wrong tackles, almost-slaps, spitting; what’s not to like? Umm yeah except for the horrendous kits sported by goal keepers of both teams that is. And that awful Scholes injury as well. He had me almost crying there.
I’d like to mention the following people... Well just because they were a greater source of amusement/ anger than others
Our very own drama queen: Ronaldo. Nah, seriously last night was like watching a sulky kid on the playfield who couldn’t have his way. Ronaldo is always a source of amusement no matter what. He’ll tackle beautifully one minute, act worthy of an Oscar the other (World Cup anyone?). But of course that does not steal the ingenuity of his header in the 26th minute. Just go with the flow. Classic
I think I’m finally coming around to accepting Ferdinand as the captain. It wasn’t easy but it’s done and well nothing that I can do about it. His largeness had quite much to say last night, but he was pretty much in the game most of the time unlike Terry, who only made any impression towards the last moments. Pressure much?
Its 3:30 into the ET and rain starts pouring in the gorgeous Luzhniki Stadium. Lampard misses a shot and I’m forced to wonder, is it not a sign? Perhaps just a tiny bit of raindrop in the eye...
But aha the highlight of the night comes not from the winning team but the runners up, even though Man U had quite a lot to say in it. THE FIGHT. So okay it wasn’t like a whole fist fight, just maybe a mild slap on the face, finger pointing and the usual cursing. Drogba gets a Red! Ahh the irony haha! Professional suicide dude. Tevez is left off with a Yellow and so is Ballack. But the funniest thing was Abramovich’s expression: priceless. He must have been counting all the benefits of sitting on home ground but really?
I have to say, no matter how talented Drogba is I just can’t come around to ever liking him. And with the whole high school lingo... (Shut Up, Frak Off, Whatever?? =S) not really a fan winner there. But then apart from Lampard and Ballack he was the only guy making an effort to actually get into the attack mode. However, that missed shot was just that missed.. by what 1200 miles? Seriously, you practise?
And Joe Cole, I don’t know who told you you’re cute but your antics on the field yesterday were just not at all funny. I think the barber might have shaved off a part of your brain along with your hair the last time you paid him a visit.
Lampard had earlier managed to tie the game, hence leading to ET twice. Of course no one bothered with scoring any goal, however they were busy otherwise: faking injuries, water breaks and the almost bum-fights. By the end of it all I was beginning to feel sorry for the stewards, poor kids had to drag in a stretcher every time a player tripped or fell. What the hell, are you two years old?
And then the penalty shots. The joy and the fear. Best way to have a heart failure. I hated the WC match between England and Portugal for the same reason. Have some mercy guys. It’s brutal.
Man U got on Tevez, Carrick, Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and Giggs for the penalty shots. Chelsea had Ballack, no idea, Lampard, Cole, Terry, Kalolou, and Anelka. You’d think watching penalties going down wasn’t enough drama; Ronaldo had to go and miss his. Strangely predictable actually. That No. 7 jersey carries with it a subtle curse as well. So now that Man U was at disadvantage Chelsea fans couldn’t be happy enough. However, on comes Terry at number five. The rain’s pouring down, the field is soaking wet and if you follow enough soccer, you would know it’s a match made in heaven for the opposing team. Viola, Terry misses his turn as he slips and is that joy I see on our beloved boy’s faces. Yes siree.
Now that the penalties are tied again with Anderson and Kalolou successfully taking their shots, it all comes down to the Butterfly Man, Anelka. Van Der Sar, God I feel like hugging him crazy, that man used reverse psychology out there on the field, believe me you. And how it worked! Anelka takes his turn, misses and feefaaaaaa... (Sorry it’s just that I love that UEFA soundtrack)
So Man U wins against Chelsea on penalty shots 6-5 and I’m all happy. Thank God it didn’t turn out like those Safin matches.
I might be crazy; I might be insanely into this game. After all it’s just a game right? But what a game.