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.
OK, before I rant about United's upcoming victory in Moscow, i should preface it with an overdue shout out to United's Premiership victory, and those of us celebrating it worldwide.
Once again I was banished to the Polish Social Club because Nevada Smiths was packed to the rafters (why do they allow Chelsea supporters entry)? Regardless, the atmosphere was brilliant, hardly a Chelsea supporter in sight, and the boys were in fine voice. After the victory we all headed up 3rd Ave to Nevada's. That's when the party was in full swing.
The best thing about watching an British cup victory in NY is walking up 3rd Ave after. It's as if you're in Manchester, London, or wherever your club calls home. High fives. Low fives. Chelsea and United fans patting each on the back (instead of stabbing). You wouldn't see this anywhere else. Nope. Only in New York.
Back to Moscow. The only thing that could stop United from beating Chelsea is a few billion rubles, or another worlds Roman Abromovich. Sadly, it's how things are done in Russia. And in Chelsea.
Guess we'll see when the Red Army goes marching on.
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.
How
good are United? Good enough to beat Roma 3-0 on aggregate — with their
second team. To be fair they didn't lineup their reserves, but they did
field a very conservative, defensive side. Even so, Tevez’s 70th-minute
strike confirmed their place in the last four where they will face Frank Rijkaard's Spanish dancers.
Warming
the bench were Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes. That's
a pricey seat, but we'll need the lads healthy and angry to properly
demolish Arsenal this Sunday.
Giggsy
got his 100th Champions League cap, while Rio limped off after
preventing an area disaster, 3 stitches to the foot his reward.
The other semi sees our old friends Chelsea squaring off against the Scousers. Pa-leeeese. If this turns into another Ambien moment we'll know who to blame: Jose Mourinho - for not being there!
The
dream: United/Liverpool. The nightmare: the Champions League folds
because the Chelsea/Liverpool match gives off brain-numbing gamma rays
that eventually destroy the earth.
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).
