Sportsnob – Critics Corner

The prestigious league had a familiar name etched on its cup and Italy had its second footballing achievement in as many years. AC Milan were by far the best team in the Champions League and were deserved winners of the UEFA Champions League. They outplayed favorites Manchester United in the semis after doing away with Bayern Munich in the Quarterfinals. In the lead up to their final against Liverpool, there was a lot of talk of *that* night in Istanbul and when Kuyt scored in the 90 th minute, it almost seemed like fate was against Senor Berlusconi’s team. But it was nothing more than a consolation goal as the match ended 2-1. This was after the most vilified man in the Milan dressing room put them two ahead after some fortitous and opportunistic finishing. Inzaghi was his usual self. Diving, time wasting, being called offside a million times but fortunately for Milan, also deadly in his finishing. He may have won over a few fans with that display. On the whole, Liverpool were the better(with a very small b) team. Milan lacked the fluency like they did against Man Utd but this was as Ancelotti envisioned. Few teams play with flair against Benitez. He is a master tactician and despite Valdano’s ramblings, he is still one of the best managers in the world.

I got the feeling that Gerrard got carried away with his prematch comments. He should have learnt from Totti’s example that it is very easy to talk a good game. No disrespect to him, He is still the best english talent in the world, a list that includes a certain Man Utd striker.

However, no one would complain that Milan didn’t deserve the CL. They were brilliant in their style and execution, not a trait normally associated with the Italians . It is a good sign that for the second season running we have had attacking teams (more measured in the case of Milan) win the Champions League and although this may be a pipe dream, I hope this continues for the coming seasons. Tactical football may be effective but for a spectator, it is mind numbingly dull.
The European season is nearly over. Spain will go on for a few more weeks before they go into hibernation (or is that aestivation?). After that we may have to live off the crumbs that fall of the transfer table.

The English premier league had its proudest moment on Wednesday with three of its members participating in the Champions League. I don’t ever recall the English dominating the competition the way they have done this year. First was the way [tag]Barcelona[/tag] were made to look ordinary by both [tag]Liverpool[/tag] and [tag]Chelsea[/tag]. Then there was Manchester United hammering Fransesco ‘Ferguson will know my name’ Totti’s Roma 7-1 in what was the performance of the season. However, I am not quick to jump on this EPL bandwagon. Barca had the post Champions league dip, Real Madrid are never this bad and to be honest the Italians were underrepresented without Juventus. Before all you Anglophiles brandish those knives I dont mean to say that EPL isn’t good, but I am more circumspect when it comes to the question which league is the best. I would have acceded if it weren’t for the same three clubs every year. As Phil Ball said in his article, its not the Chelsea’s that make the league, it’s the Villas and the Boro’s and they haven’t done diddley poo this year. [ More on this later]

The last two nights have been great for football. Tuesday brought the game of the season as Kaka and Ronaldo went head to head. You would be hard pressed to find two more productive players in the world. Yet, their gameplay is diametrically opposite. While Ronaldo relies on his flair and propensity for the spectacular, Kaka is the more direct, substance over showmanship type of player.

Ronaldo was shackled by a rigid [tag]Milan[/tag] defense that allowed him very little space, but in the process allowed the other young wizard in the team to take centre stage. Rooney had his best match in the Champions league and his second goal showed the opportunistic side of his. His first time shot took everyone by surprise and it was a killer blow to a Milan team that looked good for the draw.

Chelsea Vs Liverpool

Chelsea and Liverpool didn’t provide anywhere close to the entertainment of the previous night but they were never billed to. But it was fascinating to see Pool go back to the KOP without an advantage. I don’t think Rafa has been in such a spot in a long time. Against Barca and PSV they played their second legs without much pressure. So, this would be their first real test.

My Predictions (If you want to make good money, bet against this spread)

Liverpool 1 – Chelsea 1

Milan 1 – [tag]Man Utd[/tag] 2