It was supposed to be the perfect Champions League final, between Arsenal and Barcelona, but I was left with a distinctly less than perfect feeling. And that's even more surprising since the team I was supporting won! First the red card, the first in a final in 50 years, leaving Arsenal with 10 men. Then the terrible free kick decision that handed Arsenal their goal! Add to that the defensive way in which Barca played even when they were a goal down, and you definitely don't get a quality game :(. Even the famed Ronaldinho failed to impress, having the ball taken away from him during half hearted attacks and shooting wide on at least four attempts on goal! At the end I couldn't but feel a little sympathetic towads Almunia. It was good to see an old-timer like Henrik Larsson appear at the end to set things somewhat right!Probably the main reason I was so unhappy with the match was the unexpected 45 minute delay at the start! I'd heard the transmission was to start at 2 am, but hadn't counted on the protracted opening ceremony :(. Anyway, at least I got to see the match :).
Someone asked me the other day which team I'll be suporting in the World Cup, and I replied Argentina without the slightest pause. But then he asked me why, and I was stumped! Eventually I had to put it to the fact that I've supported them in every World Cup I have ever seen :). The first time was when I was 6 and they were the reigning world champions! It was heartbreaking to see them lose in the finals, and I think I've been hoping to set things right since! For not having been old enough to watch them win in '86 :P. In the meantime I've come to love players like Caniggia, Batistuta and Crespo. So I guess until India comes up with a team in the World Cup, it's going to be Argentina for me :). If nothing else, then simply for want of a good enough reason to change old loyalties.
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There's something I find rather touching in this picture. A fragile wisp holding on to the last remnants of a glowing past. Knowing that the light will eventually fade away, leaving it in darkness.
Current Mood: contemplative
Listening to: The Waifs - London still
Someone asked me the other day which team I'll be suporting in the World Cup, and I replied Argentina without the slightest pause. But then he asked me why, and I was stumped! Eventually I had to put it to the fact that I've supported them in every World Cup I have ever seen :). The first time was when I was 6 and they were the reigning world champions! It was heartbreaking to see them lose in the finals, and I think I've been hoping to set things right since! For not having been old enough to watch them win in '86 :P. In the meantime I've come to love players like Caniggia, Batistuta and Crespo. So I guess until India comes up with a team in the World Cup, it's going to be Argentina for me :). If nothing else, then simply for want of a good enough reason to change old loyalties.
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There's something I find rather touching in this picture. A fragile wisp holding on to the last remnants of a glowing past. Knowing that the light will eventually fade away, leaving it in darkness.Current Mood: contemplative
Listening to: The Waifs - London still
Disapointed yep. Not like last year when the final was something very special, One of the best games ever I believe. And ofcourse the best team won last year.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the match:( as for the world cup, i am rooting for brasil (as always)
ReplyDelete@ richie: why don't you post about last year's final then :)
ReplyDelete@ histrionix: trust me, you didn't miss all that much. I'm sure lukhhaing in b'lore was more fun :)
Agreed Maradona was a star, but how can you support Argentina when their Neighbours have such quality players and never fail to produce a sublime, graceful and elegant game every match. It is just a pure joy to watch the Samba boys attack their way out of every situation except for Finals in 98. By mistake I ended up buying a Ronaldo Jersey instead of Ronaldhinho, nevertheless I will be wearing it and support for the 6th trophy for Brazil... They have the awesome winning combination in Rodaldhinho, Kaka, Juninho, R Carlos, Gilberto and Ronaldo.. Agreed there is def going to be a big ego clash with so many stars, but I hope they go all the way and if not them, England or germany.. Argentina doesnt stand a chance..
ReplyDeleteReg. Champions league, I think the Best Team still won inspite of som stupid decisions by Ref. Barca attacked all the way in the 2nd half and Arsenla almost gave up towards the end. I didnt see any proper attack in 2nd half. Henry was sulking for most part. But Barca kept on breaking in to create chances. I would have loved to see Dennis Bergkamp in the end. After he is one of the stalwarts of Arsenal. But with 10 men they did show lot of courage.
ReplyDelete@ sriram: look, I don't really care to analyse whether Argentina have a chance or not, I simply want them to win, hence. And by this of course I don't mean everyone should support them or something like that, just don't ask me to support some other team 'cos u think they won't win :|.
ReplyDeletetrue fan.. i see.. anyways good luck for arg.. it would be nice to see these 2 traditional rivals clash sometime... it would be 1 hell of 90 mins.. cant wait for the kickoff..
ReplyDelete@ sriram: :)) guess what! given the group draws, the only match Brazil and Argentina caould face each other in is the final!! or the third place play-off... :P
ReplyDelete