The Wait for the Euros

I can see no one else has bothered to write up anything on the Champions League final. I will take this as evidence that no one was too impressed. I definitely wasn't.

I was really indifferent to both teams, but by the end of the game I did want Chelsea to win. Mostly for historical purposes. It's nice to have a new team lift the trophy and show that it is possible for new teams to enter the competition an win. Albeit, with billions and billions of dollars of investment. It would have also saved Avram Grant's career. Grant was fired earlier today having failed to win anything this year after taking over from Jose Murinho. This is harsh in my opinion as he did take the Premiership race right to the very end and made it to the champions league final for the first time in the club's history. And in all honestly, Chelsea were playing quality football.

I really dislike Cristiano Ronaldo; but I can't deny his ability. I am enjoying the public bid for C. Ronaldo by Real Madrid for a ridiculous 100 million pounds. United fans thought he was so loyal. Funny how things change when a vast sum of money is thrown at you. United fans shouldn't be upset, it should have been expected. They are a victim of their own success with regards to finding talent and helping them develop. In the end, Ferguson completed the 'double' and all is well in England. Except of course of having to miss out on Euro 2008.

The countdown is on for the kickoff in Austria-Switzerland. Looking at some of the favorites I still say Italy has a lot of potential to make a serious dent in the tournament. If of course they make it out of the 'Group of Death'. I am confident they will. I do not feel France will. The loss of Zidane is was huge for soccer as a whole. But for France, let's just say, it's crippling. I am expecting for Portugal to flop out due to not having England to beat up on this time around. Spain could win it all, or they could under-perform (as per usual). Germany looks solid again following suit for the World Cup.

As for underdogs, I won't say. I'm never good at those. I do hope there are some surprises this year. Maybe Romania will do some shocking. Either way, I will be watching a lot of soccer this coming June and that makes me smile.

Here's a video to remember to Euro 2004.

Liverpool v Chelsea: Champions League dreams

Liverpool meet Chelsea tonight in the Reds' most important match of the year. It all feels so familiar to me. Last year, while visiting London, I made a stop in Liverpool for the second leg match against Chelsea and watched in a pub, as Liverpool won on kicks.

Here's what I wrote following that match. Tonight, I will watch at a pub in the United Arab Emirates and hope for similar results, though I doubt we'll be marching through the streets afterwards.

Ohhhhh, Campione, the one and only, we're Liverpool

They say our days are numbered we're not famous anymore
But Scousers rule the country like we've always done before

"That's a new one," Steve tells me as all around us in this First National pub, this converted bank in downtown Liverpool, the chants grow louder.
"Don't worry, by the end of the night, you'll know them all."

*****

I'd arrived in Liverpool just after noon with my knapsack and a desire to get that Liverpool gameday atmosphere.
I had a three-point plan to a successful stay:
1. Get a Liverpool FC jersey and scarf
2. Get on the Magical Mystery Tour.
3. Make some friends to watch the match with.

I stepped off the train and stopped the first guy in a red jersey I saw.
What was the fastest way to Anfield? There was a bus but a cab would cost me about five pounds.
I hopped in a cab and the friendly driver (everyone in Liverpool was extremely friendly), while he delivered me to Anfield, told me I had better find a room and fast.

"You better make that your next priority, mate," he said. "On a match day, people come from Norway to go to games."

Norway, right. I really should have booked a room, shouldn't I? Well, I'll get that jersey first.

I had a four-point plan to a successful stay.
1. Get a Liverpool FC jersey and scarf
2. Find a room. Any room.
3. Get on the Magical Mystery Tour.
4. Make some friends to watch the match with.

A quick pic, a quick inquiry into buying a scalped ticket ("we hear they're going for 400 pounds") and a Liverpool bag and I was back in a cab being driven to the Marriott. The Marriott! Where they had just one room and that had just come available. You don't hesitate, even when it'll cost you $164 pounds. No, you pay for your room with twin beds and be thankful for the choice of left or right. You drop your bag, pull on a Liverpool jersey and start walking toward Albert Dock and the mystery tour because the last bus is leaving in 20 minutes and the Dock is supposed to be a 10-minute walk away.

20-minutes later, you start to lose hope. Guess you'll just visit the Beatle's Story Museum. But then there's the bus pulling up to a stop. Sprint man.

"Hi," I said. "I haven't paid but can I pay you now for this trip?"
"Sure mate, we've got room," said the tall blond guy.
"Great," I said. "It must be a good day. I just got in to watch the match and I just managed to get the last room at the Marriott."
"You got a room today? You're lucky," he said. "If it was a weekend there's no way you'd get a room."
"Well, you fell on your feet today mate," said the tour bus driver. I liked that phrase.

This was my four-point plan to a successful stay, carefully planned the night before.
1. Get a Liverpool FC jersey and scarf.
2. Find a room.
3. Get on the Magical Mystery Tour.
4. Make some friends to watch the match with.

Strawberry Field, Penny Lane and the Cavern Club and now we'd reached the crucial point. In the square downtown there were hordes of red-clad fans. To be honest they'd been there since I arrived but there were more now and you could hear the chants down the street. My tour guide, who says he played John Lennon's mate in an NBC movie, looked like he would cry with pride and I needed some food and a place to watch.

I walked into the square with my camera set to video and captured the moment. Shot video of men and women chanting and clapping. I sized people up. I lost my nerve. I walked back down the street to near the Cavern Club and ate at Subway.

My four-point plan to a successful stay, was really make some friends to watch the match with times four.

Back to the square, inside a pub. I'd buy a beer and chat with some people. What about these two guys. They look decent. They're queing up for a beer. I'll ask them what to order here.

"Scuse me guys, I'm visiting from Toronto and wonder what's a good beer to get at this pub?"
"If you want a good draft beer, get Sam Miguel," one said.
"From Toronto, did you say?" said the other.
"Ya, I'm a Liverpool fan from Toronto and thought I'd come here today for the atmosphere."
"Ha, Mark, now that's commitment, he came all the way from Toronto just for the atmosphere."
"Well, I'm staying with family in London."
"We took a 20-minute train ride to come here."
"How much is the beer?"
"Oh, don't worry, that's on me mate."

We chatted about the NFL and other things Toronto. They told me where they'd watch. I was welcome to join. We moved there, bought two beers each because the lineups were going to be murder later and you don't even want to see this place if it's an away game.

Then the chanting started. And the boos when they showed Jose Mourinho. And wild cheers when they showed Steven Gerrard.

"Don't worry, by the end of the night, you'll know them all," Steve tells me. They're school teachers who'll be teaching with sore throats tomorrow.

They're mates Mike and Matt arrive and the game is on and we're on beers five and six and you can line up for the bathroom, if you can get through the crowd but it'll take you at least 20 minutes and who wants to move when all around you they're chanting:

oh when the Reds, go marching in, oh when the Reds go marching in. I want to be in that number, when the Reds go marching in.
Then shouting:
Oh when the reds (oh when the reds) go marching in (go marching in).

Sometime in the first half Liverpool scores on the set piece and the place explodes. Beer is everywhere and I'm in a bear hug. Steve plants a kiss on my forehead. This might have been awkward in any other setting.

We're going to win now, I can feel it. I never doubted it though did I? They couldn't lose with me here. And with the other four points of my five-point plan to a successful stay working out beautifully, how could I be denied a Liverpool victory.

In the second half a Chelsea striker with an empty net in front of him and the ball at his feet knocks it clear over the cross bar.

Mark gives me a look. That was close.

"Come on lads!" Mike shouts.

In extra time Liverpool scores. We win. This time I leap up and grab my friends in a bear hug.
"Wait, they've disallowed it."
An offside call when clearly Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt is onside. I sag in my seat and put my head in my hands. This is more than I can bear. I don't think I can finish that sixth John Adams.

"Have you ever cared about anything so much in your life?" Mike asks me. The answer is no. They simply must win. But they'll have to do it in kicks.

My mind flits, no it stumbles, back to when we first entered the pub and I'd said, I hope it doesn't come down to kicks and Mark had said, if it does Liverpool will win for sure.

Now we're standing in a row, arms around each other and the place erupts on every goal, every save. It was over before the first man placed the ball on the spot. Liverpool's keeper, Reina, is simply unbelievable on spot kicks. And when I thought it couldn't get any louder, it reaches fever pitch in here. I take pictures. I get hugged by a lot of sweaty men. I hug a woman when it starts feeling weird. Mark takes off his shirt and text messages a friend.

We all sing:

And you'll never! walk! alone! You'll never, walk, alone.

We spill to the streets. I climb up the steps in the square. People take pictures of me chanting and clapping. We march down the street. I don't know where we are or where we're going but I realize I probably didn't need that hotel room because my new mates would gladly have put me up.

I take pictures of them carrying Mark's banner, with lyrics from a time when the club made a hip hop video. They tell me it's my turn to carry the banner. I wrap myself in it and know that if I don't do another thing on this trip, I'll go back to Canada a happy man.

Biased English Commentators

Watching the Liverpool v. Arsenal game was incredibly frustrating, nearly unbearable with English commentary. I'm not 100% sure who was commentating on the game, possibly Derek Rae. If you do know who was commentating, please post their names.

I was completely disgusted at how Liverpool literally put 10 men behind the ball for the entire second half and commentators were hailing it as a brilliant tactical move; one that is an important trait for European competition. Wow. Really? Ironically, if it was Juventus playing, they would have been chewed apart relentlessly. Most other Italian teams also get the same treatment, even if they are not very defensive. They become stereotyped. I remember when Undinese made the Champions League maybe four or five years ago for the first time in who knows how long. They were drawn in the same group as Barcelona. They were destroyed of course. Prior to the matches, Barcelona players were quoted as saying things along the lines of, 'we don't really know much about them, but all Italian teams are tough defensively and it will take a lot from us to breakdown'. That was totally not the case with Udinese at all. But it has become a pre-recorded response to direct towards Italian teams.

The second half of Liverpool and Arsenal was ridiculously boring. Yet, the commentators were absolutely loving it. Three seasons ago when Juventus played Liverpool I can still recall the sneering comments made about the Juventus defense. Comments such as, 'that's no nonsense defending from Cannavaro, booting the ball way down field'. In my memory I have a contrast of another commentator saying the exact same thing about John Terry; however his voice was filled with pride and awe. How does this work? Please explain how Liverpool can completely close up in their own half and be praised for it? Liverpool's defensive mentality that game was so over the top I feel it dwarfs the defensive performances of Italian teams over the last ten years.

Can anyone recall Liverpool v. Chelsea from three seasons ago? How boring was that?

I know everyone will make a point to bring up a point against the A.C. Milan v. Juventus final of 2003. How it was boring and how it was a shame it had to be decided on penalties. I am not a big fan of deciding important matches on penalties, however, where are the fans that hailed a near flawless performances by both teams. A match were neither side were completely taken off guard or fell victim to error or misjudgments?

There is a long history of world class Italian defenders. Does this mean that Italian teams are completely built of central defenders? Of course not. Italy has produced brilliant offensive players in the form of Andrea Pirlo, Francesco Totti, and Alessandro DelPiero to name a few recent and still active players. Italian encounters may produce fewer goals, but there is less error. Personally, I'd rather see a high quality offensive move result in a goal rather than defensive blunders or goal keeping errors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C0RtpjDceU

The two goal lead...

After the passed week of Champions League clashes, the Roma v. Manchester United match was heartbreaking to watch as an AS Roma supporter. Roma were at home at the Olimpico where they had beaten Manchester United 2-1 the previous year. Francesco Totti was the most notable absentee, alongside Simone Perrota for the Roman side, while Manchester United fielded the usual suspects. The most notable absentee for United, was Ryan Giggs who had his spot replaced by Park Ji-Sung. Not exactly a damaging change to a side that is the most in-form team in Europe at the moment. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney led the attack while Mirko Vucinic was charged with the same duties on the other end.

While I do not what to analyze the strength of the two teams by going through player by player; it was evident that neither side were prepared to lose. However, Manchester United did win by 2 two goals to nil. Most pro-English soccer supporters will say it could have been 3 or even possibly 4 nothing for United. But those same people usually turn a blind eye to Christiano Pannucci's open net sinner when the score was one nothing. Again, I don't want to complain and by labeled a sore loser, so the only chances that count are the ones that have to be picked out from the back of the net.

So it was 2-0. It was entertaining. The stronger team walked away up 2 away goals and having conceeded none going into the second leg. It doesn't look good for Roma to say the least. Considering the goals against between the two clubs over the past three years, most people would say it is over. Which brings me to my point; the second Manchester United goal. It was a sloppy and careless goal conceeded by Roma. One that you cannot concede when in the Champions League against a team like Manchester United. That goal gave full control to Manchester United who were under pressure from wave after wave of slick passing by Roma. But of course, slick passes are only the first phase of scoring. Max Tonetto came close and Mancini forced a terrffic save from Edwin Van der sar. The offence had recovered from the early Ronaldo header and looked at the cusp of scoring the equalizer, or being caught on the counter attack. The latter happened. And the second goal completely deflated Roma and the game was no longer worth watching. It was evident that Roma would not score. You could see it in their faces. You could even see it in Luciano Spalletti's eyes (Roma's coach); even though he is a statue.


The difference in quality between United and Roma was in the chances. You cannot beat a top-side like United when you miss open nets. And you definitely won't go anywhere if your defenders and goalkeeper are making a meal out of simple crossed ball. I was more convinced by this 2-0 win by United than I was by the 7-1 win that took place almost a year ago.

Mancini's Feint

After Inter was knocked out of the Champions League in the first knock-out round—again—coach Roberto Mancini announced this would be his final season with the Milan club. The club and players were confused, especially since, earlier this season, Mancini signed a four year contract extension.

Within 24 hours of Mancini's declaration, he reneged. He claimed his earlier comments were the result of being too upset and emotional from being dumped out of the prestigious competition yet again. He would not be leaving. But this raises the question: is it his decision anymore?

Inter and its fans have been anxiously awaiting European victory since 1965. President Massimo Morratti has been trying to assemble a world class team to repeat the feat of 1965.

In the wake of Calpocioli scandal, Inter have become Serie A's giants. They were awarded the 2005/06 Scudetto when Juventus were found guilty of match-fixing shenanigans. They captured the 06/07 Scudetto in a Juventus-less Serie A and with an A.C. Milan suffering from a points penalty. This season, they are in first place, a slim six points ahead of A.S. Roma. But despite their success in Italy, they do not seem to have the right frame of mind for UEFA's top club tournament. Strong on paper, this team has consistently failed to come through in big games

With regards to the latest tie with Liverpool, I felt the two red cards, in each leg respectively, were unfair. I would have perferred an 11 v 11 battle in both legs. But I have no say on the matter (unfortunately). I do feel for Inter. but I can't help but view their accomplishments over the last three years as circumstantial. Their repeated exit from the Champions League may prove that they are not as strong many of us had believed.

Mancini's recent actions have no doubt affected the Inter locker room, where mutiny has already been brewing. Lucky for Mancini, captain Javier Zannetti backs his coach unconditionally. He has presumably kept the locker room in check. But even a great guy like Zannetti was no doubt shaken up by the fact his coach was ready to jump ship so quickly.

Now let's assess the Jose Mourinho factor. He is arguably the most important Portuguese figure in soccer today. He's also out of work and big team coaches are certainly feeling his breath down their necks. Mourinho has stated he will only sign with a big team with a president who will give him full support in his vision. Italy or Spain are his primary objective, he has said. Media reports of Inter President Morratti and Mourinho exchanging terms of affection to each other undoubtedly made Mancini sweat even more. After the Champions League failure, perhaps he thought it better to quit and keep his dignity. Unfortunately, that only works if you actually quit. Now it looks like he pulled the 'I Quit' stunt simply to hear some reassuring words from the president, team, fans, and media and to squash the Mourinho rumors. I feel that will not be the case. Mancini has effectively shot himself in the foot.

If he didn't want to quit Inter, he might have inadvertently gotten himself fired.