What a week or so! Chelsea and Bayern Munich have qualified for the UEFA Champions League final, Brisbane Roar won the A-League Grand Final in controversial circumstances, Borussia Dortmund retained the Bundesliga and Manchester United dropped more points against Everton in a thrilling 4-4 draw. Firstly, to the A-League and THAT penalty. Well, what an atmosphere there was at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
We were again privileged to be present to what was another memorable Grand Final encounter, maybe not in terms of the game as a spectacle, but as a piece of theatre it was absolutely brilliant. The penalty that won Brisbane the game has of course been the subject of water-cooler discussion since that fateful afternoon. But that is why we all love football.
I was there and as it happened almost 50,000 people thought it was a penalty, and the referee did too. After watching the replay on the big screen I thought what most others thought, he took an air swing, lost balance and fell over. There was no contact. However, on closer inspection, I now admit I was wrong. It was one of the greatest and most courageous refereeing decisions I have ever borne witness to.
Jarred Gillett should be congratulated and has proved he deserved the appointment.
What a week in the UEFA Champions League. Chelsea knocking out the holders Barcelona. You can't say I didn't give them a show, I even won my wager on the 2nd leg being a 2-2 draw, Chelsea progressing on away goals. I didn't however predict their gritty, passionate determined display. Particularly, in light of John Terry's stupidity. The best player two seasons ago when Chelsea last faced Barcelona at this stage of the competition let his fans and teammates down. He will now miss the final along with three other vital Chelsea players including Ramires, who's goal on Wednesday morning (GMT +10) was quite simply just class. Talking of class that is what Fernando Llorente oozed this morning for Bilbao. In my opinion the other Fernando has an uphill battle to regain his position as Spain's frontman at the European Championships this summer. Congratulations should also go to Bayern Munich who went to Spain and played fast, attacking football, knocking out Real Madrid. They fully deserved their win. On that subject get a load (no pun intended) of this commentary from the Madrid derby a few weeks back. Quite hilarious.
I don't have much time left but I guess I am like everybody else and am wondering what has happened to Manchester United? Two weeks ago they seemingly had the title sewn up, now they lead by only 3 points and face City away this weekend. I can't wait. I don't know who will come out on top, but I know one thing is for sure, United will not get beaten 6-1 this time. My prediction, a Manchester United win 2-1. There is plenty more to talk about but we would be here all day. Your thoughts are always welcome! Have a great weekend, and BRING IT ON!.
The drama of the week was the penalty taking, Messi hitting the crossbar, Ramires clearing it by a mile. I agree Munich were the better team, Real played great football for the first 20 mins and the put up the shutters, they probably thought they were still playing Barca.-
ReplyDeleteRamires was a revelation for Chelsea and Munich's goalkeeper was superb, makes for a great final, go Chelsea.
Haha, yeah Sergio Ramos's penalty was one of the worst I have ever seen. Reminded me of Roberto Baggio in the WC all those years ago, but Ramos's went even further over. I also had a feeling Messi would miss, but as a Chelsea fan maybe it was just hope. In any case it was exciting for sure. Should be an awesome final.
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