Catalonian Giants

As much as I’m gutted by Man U’s loss, I must admit they lost to a better team.

Barcelona has been THE dominant team in Europe this season, sweeping aside everyone in their path, and most admirably, they did it by playing the “beautiful game”, passing the ball around with more elegance than a ballet dancer and manufactured goals like a factory production line… what more can I say?

Of course, with so much expectations of becoming the first team to defend the Champions League crown, I was hoping for a better performance from United than the one they gave. On the biggest match of the season, they just ain’t good enough.

But let’s not take anything away from Barcelona and give credit when it’s due. Kudos to the Catalans for playing football as it should be played.

Xavi and Iniesta

After all the talks of Ronaldo vs Messi, it was this 2 brilliant midfielders that stole the limelights.

An Answer…

Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
       I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.

  He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
       I will be with him in trouble,
       I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him
       and show him My salvation.”

(Psalm 91 14:16)

Jesus, my shepherd.

A Prayer…

The cords of death entangled me;
       the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

 The cords of the grave  coiled around me;
       the snares of death confronted me.

In my distress I called to the LORD;
       I cried to my God for help.
       From His temple He heard my voice;
       my cry came before Him, into His ears.

I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
       and I am saved from my enemies.

(Excerpts from Psalm 18)

My Heroes!!

Manchester United FC

Liverpool came close, but the Red Devils kept their nerves in one of the closest title race in recent years to prevail  as Premier League Champions again… and again… and again !!! 

Sir Alex Ferguson

22 years at the helm, winning 11 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 3 League Cups, 1 Cup Winner’s Cup and 2 Champions League triumphs… Fergie is undisputedly THE most successful manager in English football, bar none!! (eat your heart out, Rafa…)

And not forgetting another non-footballing sports hero of mine…

 

Roger Federer

The Swiss maestro finally won his first title in 2009, defeating old rival Rafael Nadal on clay court in the Madrid Masters. Could it be a sign that Federer will finally win that elusive Roland Garros (French Open) title next month? I’m keeping my fingers crossed…

 

Great Scot!!

No player is bigger than Sir Alex Ferguson in Manchester United, even if your name is Cristiano Ronaldo.

Just ask Beckham, Keane, Stam or Van Nistelrooy… all thought to be irreplaceable at their time, but never get to play another game for Man U after incurring the wrath of Ferguson.

Hopefully Ronaldo would come to realize that. Throwing a public tantrum after being substituted was an absolutely stupid way to test the patience of  The Hairdryer.

Fergie, the Fiery Scottish Knight. 

All Roads Lead to Rome… for the Devils!!

Cristiano Ronaldo

Once again, he showed the world why he is currently THE best player in the world. The Gunners simply had no clue on how to stop this man.  

Park Ji Sung

After missing out on last season’s final, I am sure he will not be denied this time round after his energetic display against Arsenal. And hopefully, he would be holding the Cup for a picture again, only this time, he will not in his tracksuit.

 

Ferdinand… Fletcher… Rooney… the other star performers in the semi-final.

Of the 3, it is a shame that Fletcher have to sit out the final due to a harsh red card by the referee. But at least he is in good company, as Scholes and Keane also missed the 98/99 final due to suspensions.  He might still get his chance again,  if he manage to survive as long as Scholes did.

 

2 of the best.

IMO, I actually prefer Barcelona to Chelsea as our opponent. At least that would guaranteed a game of good attacking football.  And it is a chance to finally settle that little argument of ” the best footballer in the world”…. 

 

Roma… here we come!!