It started on a high. Flattened. Sunk. Then soared.
It was just what you'd expect from a United/Chelski clash. But this time the Gods showed United mercy. In all fairness Chelsea played a hard fought match, dominating the second half with as many shots on goal as to the body. Red cards flew like confetti.There was kicking, spitting, head butts, ####ery, and finally face slapping. It was Dynasty in cleats.
Both teams were spent, as were both sets of supporters, before the
unthinkable but completely believable happened a: penalty shootout in a
deluge.
The match within the match took everyone for a ride (inducing mass motion sickness). Ronaldo was the first to blame. Then Terry. Then Anelka. Then back to Terry. Then all of London. And ultimately Jose Mourinho. Just because it feels so good.
In the end the Reds won fair and square. Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Edwin van
der Sar's penalty shoot-out heroics as "no accident" after the
Manchester United goalkeeper clinched the Champions League trophy with
his stop from Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka.All in all, not a bad season.
Brilliant
night. Once that United needed badly after suffering a loss and 2 ties.
I needed it as well. Hopes were dim, but I still had 'em. I watched
every second with intensity. But it was the home support that really
gave me chills. That and cholesy whipping the 76,00+ into an unbridled frenzy.
I cherish visiting OT. Singing. Swilling. Savoring the moment. But I'd trade it for that one incredible night the lucky few can proudly say they witnessed. Against Barca. All together. All for one. Viewed all over the world.
I thought i'd already seen the best United can bring. Crushing defeats. Dirty derby songs in full voice. Liverpool limping off the pitch. But now it'll be hard tot top April 29, 2008. I just hope I'm standing proudly in the
Strettford End when it happens. And it will.
United truly kicked fascist #### in Rome this week. They headed south to
pillage and conquer and did so without breaking a sweat. First came a
brilliant header from Ronaldo in the 39th, then a "look Ma, no defense"
by Rooney in the 66th.
The 2-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico made a big time statement to all comers.It reads like this: We are ranked #1 in the world for three reasons: #1: Ronaldo #2: We will beat you at your own game #3: Ronaldo
Semis anyone? Roma may be the only team in Europe that cringes at the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson's men
debarking a bus. They're just too familiar with one another. And they
both know United has Roma's number. Sure the loss of Nemanja Vidic to a
first-half knee injury hurts. But no more then a Francesco Totti-less
Ultra side. But even with with his replacement Mirko Vucinic working
hard to fill the gap, they came up short. And this time without bloodshed.
Given the family feud between these two sides, only a fool would bet
against United securing a semi-final berth when the teams meet again
next Wednesday at OT. But don't count out the Italian football spell.
The Serie-Assly slow Italian game. I
know Italians can play ball. After all, they're world champions. But I
just can't bring myself to sitting through an entire Serie A match. It
moves like molasses (until one side's defense crumbles, or someone
faints) and there's no crowd in sight. Only riot police and reports of
pre and apre match hooliganism.
Now I know why Zizou head butted
his way out of the world cup. The Italians bored him into abject
violence. I was actually surprised the entire Italian side didn't fall
down in pain when it happened. Qualunque!
Fashion tip: In - United red. Out - riot gear (it's so last year).
