Big happenings today in the world of soccer with the Champions League final being fought out in Moscow between Chelsea and Manchester United later this afternoon. The mind games have commenced, particularly between rival forwards Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba who have enjoyed taking shots at each other throughout the week. Word is that the state of the pitch at the Luzhniki Stadium is not quite up to the standards that either Premiership side is used to playing on. However, both sides did have to endure the crater-pocked, almost moon-like surface offered by Wigan at the JJB this season, as well as other less than perfect playing surfaces. I'll be okay with whatever Moscow has to offer so long as it isn't zebra striped with football yard lines. Despite rumors of potential hooliganism surrounding today's match, the Champions League has commended the behavior of the some 42,000 English fans in the city. Like the fans, the managers have also maintained some relaxation. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stated "Hopefully I will have the composure to help the players", helpfully reminding everyone that he has indeed "won the Champions League before as well as the Cup Winners' Cup twice". On the flip side, Chelsea manager Avram Grant has also kept his focus on the task at hand despite rumors surrounding his potential departure from the club. As for the current weather report from Moscow, the temperature sits in the mid-50s under cloudy skies, conditions that neither side is quite unused to playing in England. Since I have the day off I'll be enjoying the match, hopefully in the company of my good friends, commentators Derek Rae and Tommy Smyth. Love him or hate him, Tommy certainly brings a unique element to all his Champions League matches while his companion Derek always maintains an air of professionalism while at the same time keeping the tone friendly and entertaining. It should be an exciting match, one which I'm really looking forward to. Hopefully European football will end its season on a high note with an epic match between two of England's and Europe's most talented sides.
