The stage was set. 2 of England's and indeed, 2 of Europe's finest doing battle in the grounds of Moscow. United, 50 years on the tragedy of Munich, and 40 years since their 1st European win, were playing a spirited Chelsea determined to get one back after losing out on the Premiership title 10 days before.
The first 15 minutes of the game were scrappy and cagey but it was United which got into rhythm and settled better. Sir Alex started with Rooney and Tevez and surprisingly Hargreaves as a right-winger allowing Ronaldo on the left. It must have taken Avram Grant by surprise to see an unusual Utd formation and team sheet.
But United kept pressing and were undoubtedly the dominant team in the first half playing enterprising football and Ronaldo bamboozling Essien at RB. It was Ronaldo who headed brilliantly from Brown's cross into Petr Cech's right corner. Ronaldo's 8th goal in Europe this season and 42nd in an astonishing season for the Reds.
United were close to a 2nd soon after when Rooney brilliantly won the ball at RB and looped a 60 yard pass to Ronaldo on the left. The Portuguese star controlled the ball deftly staving off 2 Chelsea players' challenges and crossed only for Tevez to head straight to Cech. The ball fell kindly for Carrick but he too drilled it straight at Cech. United could have rued these opportunities to put the game beyond their rivals.
Chelsea tried to respond but their equaliser came in the form of a series of deflections and Lampard being at the right place to knock the ball home. It was a lift before the end of the first half.
For the neutral, it was perhaps the right tonic to even up the game. The second half was strewn with Chelsea pushing in numbers and Ballack, Lampard dominated midfield a lot more.
Despite the many chances both sides created, it remained level and headed into extra-time. A moment of madness saw Drogba seeing red for slapping Vidic. It was reminiscent of a certain Zidane 2 years ago as well as the moments that ensued.
Sudden death: With all players tucking away their spot-kicks, it was Ronaldo who drew the first keeper save. Up came John Terry to kick Chelsea to euphoria, but oh, he slipped and sent the ball flying right.
Despair for Terry, lifeline for United.
Subs Giggs, Nani and Anderson all won their kicks and it was left to Anelka to keep it alive. But an inspired van der Saar saved it and with it lifted Manchester United to a third title.
No one can begrudge them for winning this title. In the end, they were unbeaten this campaign and played the best football. It's such a fine line between winning and losing - and perhaps with Chelsea having that luck last month at Stamford bridge in the league, and also winning the FA Cup last year from United - only fitting that the winner was football. It could also show the world how strong Premiership football is at the moment.
Congrats Man Utd! On to Euro 2008!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Manchester United - Premier League Champions 07-08
Manchester United won their 10th EPL title today beating Wigan 2-0 at the JJB Stadium. In what was deemed to be the closest title-race in years, Utd put up a stellar performance to win the title and deny Chelsea any last day surprise gifts. C. Ronaldo converted from the spot and Ryan Giggs - on his 758th record-equalling appearance record now shared with Sir Bobby - coolly scored in the 80th minute from a clever pass from Wayne Rooney. It sent fans into frenzy and undoubtedly, players and staff into early partying mood.
Meanwhile, Chelsea drew 1-1 at home against Bolton, so the title was not decided on goal difference as most people had expected.
Next stop Moscow: England's top two teams for a date with European folklore 10 days from now.
Meanwhile, Chelsea drew 1-1 at home against Bolton, so the title was not decided on goal difference as most people had expected.
Next stop Moscow: England's top two teams for a date with European folklore 10 days from now.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Ronaldo hattrick fires United to the summit
Manchester United completed a stunning 2nd half demolition over Newcastle with a 6-0 win. All goals came in the 2nd half: Ronaldo securing his first hattrick for United, brace from Tevez and a volley by Ferdinand. The display was energetic, clinical and demonstrated a team in sync with one another.
Arsenal's shock 1-1 draw with lowly Birmingham at the Emirates stadium prior to United's kickoff ensured that United go top of the table, level on points albeit with superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, Liverpool secured a 1-1 draw as well with Torres sparing the blushes for the Reds. Chelsea completed a clinical 2-0 victory over Spurs and even got the chance to bring on new signing, Nicolas Anelka for a cameo.
Arsenal's shock 1-1 draw with lowly Birmingham at the Emirates stadium prior to United's kickoff ensured that United go top of the table, level on points albeit with superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, Liverpool secured a 1-1 draw as well with Torres sparing the blushes for the Reds. Chelsea completed a clinical 2-0 victory over Spurs and even got the chance to bring on new signing, Nicolas Anelka for a cameo.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Kimi Raikkonen - 2007 F1 World Champion
This was how it looked:
Lewis Hamilton: 107 points
Fernando Alonso: 103 points
Kimi Raikkonen - 100 points
Hamilton was favourite to clinch the championship today but with odds stacked against him, Kimi Raikkonen did all that could have been asked of him and won the Brazilian GP. Still, he needed other results to go his way, for him to win his 1st drivers' championship in Formula 1.
It started with his teammate, Massa on pole with Hamilton and Kimi behind. Kimi overtook Hamilton at the start and patiently drove a well-paced race behind Massa. Meanwhile Alonso and Hamilton were fighting it out for 3rd place but Hamilton attempted an unlikely manoeuvre and suffered the consequence of being knocked off the track. He never recovered and his fans must have had their hearts in their mouth when he appeared to slow down but seconds later, appeared to be in full throttle yet again. As we learned later, it was a hydraulic problem but it managed to switch to a backup system.
Spare a thought for Hamilton: here's a man in his rookie season performing beyond expectations. Sure he's never suffered the ill-luck as his teammate, Alonso or Raikkonen but he's done everything in his control. That he and his team made a few mistakes in the last 2 races shouldn't detract from his memorable season.
Ferrari couldn't have choreographed it better. With Kimi behind Massa up and until the second and final round of pitstops, no-one could have accused them of team orders which hounded them in 2002. Massa played his supporting part to perfection and was a critical pawn in Kimi's title run.
For Kimi, who has often been the bridesmaid with Mclaren in 2003 and 2005, this was a dream result for him. There was a time in the season when he seemed out of contention ; 26 points behind Lewis Hamilton in the drivers' championship. Credit should be given to the ice-cool Finn who has finally had luck on his side. No-one can begrudge him this title as he was made to work hard for it and must have taken some mental strength to come from behind when everything was stacked against him. It's rather ironic that he came from Mclaren and replaced Michael Schumacher, a 7-time champion at Ferrari, and has won the title. Maybe poetic justice, maybe reward for 5 years of waiting.
Formula 1 fans have been treated this season. You can't ask for more when you have 3 contenders going into the final race and waiting till the last lap for the Champion to be crowned. 1 point separating 3 drivers demonstrates how close it really was!
You wait for such moments in sport when the underdog has performed a coup leaving the favourites humbled. It happened today and Ferrari fans are celebrating! A certain Michael Schumacher is beaming in his living room as well.
How it finished:
Kimi Raikkonen: 110 points
Lewis Hamilton: 109 points
Fernando Alonso: 109 points
CONGRATS TO KIMI RAIKKONEN!
Lewis Hamilton: 107 points
Fernando Alonso: 103 points
Kimi Raikkonen - 100 points
Hamilton was favourite to clinch the championship today but with odds stacked against him, Kimi Raikkonen did all that could have been asked of him and won the Brazilian GP. Still, he needed other results to go his way, for him to win his 1st drivers' championship in Formula 1.
It started with his teammate, Massa on pole with Hamilton and Kimi behind. Kimi overtook Hamilton at the start and patiently drove a well-paced race behind Massa. Meanwhile Alonso and Hamilton were fighting it out for 3rd place but Hamilton attempted an unlikely manoeuvre and suffered the consequence of being knocked off the track. He never recovered and his fans must have had their hearts in their mouth when he appeared to slow down but seconds later, appeared to be in full throttle yet again. As we learned later, it was a hydraulic problem but it managed to switch to a backup system.
Spare a thought for Hamilton: here's a man in his rookie season performing beyond expectations. Sure he's never suffered the ill-luck as his teammate, Alonso or Raikkonen but he's done everything in his control. That he and his team made a few mistakes in the last 2 races shouldn't detract from his memorable season.
Ferrari couldn't have choreographed it better. With Kimi behind Massa up and until the second and final round of pitstops, no-one could have accused them of team orders which hounded them in 2002. Massa played his supporting part to perfection and was a critical pawn in Kimi's title run.
For Kimi, who has often been the bridesmaid with Mclaren in 2003 and 2005, this was a dream result for him. There was a time in the season when he seemed out of contention ; 26 points behind Lewis Hamilton in the drivers' championship. Credit should be given to the ice-cool Finn who has finally had luck on his side. No-one can begrudge him this title as he was made to work hard for it and must have taken some mental strength to come from behind when everything was stacked against him. It's rather ironic that he came from Mclaren and replaced Michael Schumacher, a 7-time champion at Ferrari, and has won the title. Maybe poetic justice, maybe reward for 5 years of waiting.
Formula 1 fans have been treated this season. You can't ask for more when you have 3 contenders going into the final race and waiting till the last lap for the Champion to be crowned. 1 point separating 3 drivers demonstrates how close it really was!
You wait for such moments in sport when the underdog has performed a coup leaving the favourites humbled. It happened today and Ferrari fans are celebrating! A certain Michael Schumacher is beaming in his living room as well.
How it finished:
Kimi Raikkonen: 110 points
Lewis Hamilton: 109 points
Fernando Alonso: 109 points
CONGRATS TO KIMI RAIKKONEN!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
India win Twenty20 title
India has lifted the World Twenty20 Cricket title after a nail-biting 5 run victory over Pakistan. All in all, it was a wonderful advertisement for this new animal -- most skeptics viewed this as a temporary candy-fill preferring to dismiss it as a whole.
The game was played in excellent spirit with both teams giving it their all. The quality was high with fielding, batting and bowling evident how these 2 teams reached the final. Pakistan were certainly worthy runnerups.
India just seemed destined to do it especially after no-one gave them a chance and with a young side, clearly had a lot to prove. They made everyone take notice of them after losing to New Zealand when every game was do-or-die; first with Yuvraj's 6 sixes against England; against hosts South Africa - not just beating them but knocking them completely out of the competition when they were in a comfortable position to finish top of the table; then knocking out fancied Australia in the semis; and finally arch-rivals Pakistan.
It is indeed remarkable for a side that has a new captain and a relatively new team, to fire in its capacity and on such a stage: the ICC T20 World Cup. What stood out was a team effort in all matches headed by a composed captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Maturity was also evident. Against South Africa, before even the game began, the experts said that India would be blasted off the pitch by SA's quick men. They even prepared a green pacy wicket for their bowlers. And with Yuvraj Singh injured, SA had begun the match ahead of India. Such notions were apparent when India lost 3 wickets in 4 balls before debutant Rohit Sharma and skipper Dhoni propelled India to a competitive score which would be more than enough. In the end, it was South Africa who were left reeling on a green top with India's quickmen, RP Singh and co demolishing SA's top order. At the end, SA were left struggling to just aim for a smaller target which could see them at least qualify. They failed in that too.
India's achievement should serve as a reminder to the Board and its selectors: give youth a chance and it will always pay. We saw it in the last 2 weeks and were not disappointed.
The game was played in excellent spirit with both teams giving it their all. The quality was high with fielding, batting and bowling evident how these 2 teams reached the final. Pakistan were certainly worthy runnerups.
India just seemed destined to do it especially after no-one gave them a chance and with a young side, clearly had a lot to prove. They made everyone take notice of them after losing to New Zealand when every game was do-or-die; first with Yuvraj's 6 sixes against England; against hosts South Africa - not just beating them but knocking them completely out of the competition when they were in a comfortable position to finish top of the table; then knocking out fancied Australia in the semis; and finally arch-rivals Pakistan.
It is indeed remarkable for a side that has a new captain and a relatively new team, to fire in its capacity and on such a stage: the ICC T20 World Cup. What stood out was a team effort in all matches headed by a composed captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Maturity was also evident. Against South Africa, before even the game began, the experts said that India would be blasted off the pitch by SA's quick men. They even prepared a green pacy wicket for their bowlers. And with Yuvraj Singh injured, SA had begun the match ahead of India. Such notions were apparent when India lost 3 wickets in 4 balls before debutant Rohit Sharma and skipper Dhoni propelled India to a competitive score which would be more than enough. In the end, it was South Africa who were left reeling on a green top with India's quickmen, RP Singh and co demolishing SA's top order. At the end, SA were left struggling to just aim for a smaller target which could see them at least qualify. They failed in that too.
India's achievement should serve as a reminder to the Board and its selectors: give youth a chance and it will always pay. We saw it in the last 2 weeks and were not disappointed.
Man U 2:0 Chelsea
Post-Mourinho Chelsea had a daunting task: go to Old Trafford to face their closest rivals, Manchester United.
It didn't go so well, first with the sending off Mikel which appeared to be harsh and then Tevez opening his account by scoring his first United goal, before the close of the first half.
The second half was largely undramatic and appeared dull at times especially without the effervescent Jose Mourinho hovering the touchline. The introduction of Louis Saha livened it up a bit and a penalty was awarded when Ben Haim appeared to trip Saha in the area. Saha stepped up and converted to push United to 2nd in the league table.
It didn't go so well, first with the sending off Mikel which appeared to be harsh and then Tevez opening his account by scoring his first United goal, before the close of the first half.
The second half was largely undramatic and appeared dull at times especially without the effervescent Jose Mourinho hovering the touchline. The introduction of Louis Saha livened it up a bit and a penalty was awarded when Ben Haim appeared to trip Saha in the area. Saha stepped up and converted to push United to 2nd in the league table.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Mourinho not to coach Portugal
The ex-Blues manager, Jose Mourinho has clearly stated to the media that he's not interested in coaching the Portuguese national team. "O Selecção is going to qualify easily for Euro 08 and are a good team. And they will do well because they are one of the best in Europe", Mourinho mentioned.
With Big Phil banned for 4 games, it wouldn't have been a bad idea for FPF to pull Jose in to help them through the crucial stages. There are only 5 games left for Portugal to secure a berth for next summer's European championship in Austria and Switzerland. Portugal are currently behind Finland and leaders, Poland.
With Big Phil banned for 4 games, it wouldn't have been a bad idea for FPF to pull Jose in to help them through the crucial stages. There are only 5 games left for Portugal to secure a berth for next summer's European championship in Austria and Switzerland. Portugal are currently behind Finland and leaders, Poland.
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