I do speak a little German - basically enough to ask for directions, order food and greet people. So I didn't write this in German. But I did write it, and it basically sums up my thoughts on the Champions League. It's funny how the world works. When I was in Peru in 2005, about the last player I interviewed there was a sad-faced Neven Subotic, who was pretty crushed about his role in the USA's exit at the U17 World Cup. I wouldn't have guessed I'd be watching the kid eight years later in a Champions League final, but I'll say this. I knew even at the time that he took the game seriously. He was pretty focused.
As for what I said in my excellent German, here's what I sent in to be translated:
Some might say that the Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund final of the
Champions League signals a new sporting era of German efficiency over
Spanish art. I'd say that both of the finalists have raised athletic
efficiency to an art form. I also don't think the style developed in
Spain is dead. Instead, it now has some really viable competition. While
it's always fun to see an international mix in the finals, the
Champions League format has generally yielded the two most deserving
clubs and a country derby has the extra bite of bitter familiarity.
Prediection: Bayern Munich 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
As faithful blog readers know, I picked Man U to win. However, at the pub where Martin gathered our little group, I let it slip that I'd interviewed some of Chelsea's players when they were out in California for preseason training last year. I mentioned a few specific players who I thought were nice and polite, since not all sportspeople are. Jose Mourinho, for example. Interesting and intelligent. Polite? Not particularly. Nice? Not really. Or perhaps he just feels no burden to treat the press decently. Somehow, mentioning a few players who were cool translated to others thinking I was pulling for Chelsea, and all through the rest of the match, I was getting stick from the Man U fans. When it came down to penalties, I was nervous in a strange way - I honestly didn't care who won, but I didn't want the players I like to miss. Carlos Tevez - one of my favorite Argentine players (please don't miss, Carlitos). Michael Ballack - Nice guy. Really. Ronaldo - As soon as he stopped in his run-up, I knew it wasn't going in. That's a cardinal sin on PKs. Trick hesitations are fine, but not outright stopping. Not saying he deserved it, but, well, don't stop. John Terry - If there was anyone I didn't want to slip and miss, it would be Terry. He's just a gentleman. I was a little sad for him when the game ended. I didn't care about Anelka missing, but I was bummed for Terry.
An all-English Champions League final awaits fans today. It's only proper to check out the action with a crumpet in one hand and a beer in another. Or is it tea with the crumpet? I'm not sure. I'm not English. But Martin Rogers is, and he's invited a few fellow scribes to gather for the match. I had a prediction earlier this year - here it is.My prophecy is still alive to possibly become true. Let me add that I think Ronaldo and Hargreaves will score. Out of curiosity, what score predictions, players getting goals, or plans to watch the finals do our readers have?
Or maybe the week. Or month. Or maybe even of 2008 thus far.
Cesc Fabregas buries a long-range shot... and AC Milan in one fell swoop. Arsenal ousted the European champs behind this goal and another late strike in a 2-0 win in the San Siro on Tuesday.
One person who didn't get to play was Eduardo, of course. Eduardo suffered a horrific injury just weeks ago and is in recovery. I bring him up because I ran across the story of Matthias Lanzinger, who had to have his leg amputated after a horrific skiing accident. Between Richard Zednik, Eduardo and now Lanzinger, it's been quite a scary year for bad sports injuries.
The group stage for the Champions League is set as the draw was held on Thursday. Here's what the groups look like:
Group A Liverpool (England) Porto (Portugal) Marseille (France) Besiktas (Turkey)
Group B Chelsea (England) Valencia (Spain) Schalke (Germany) Rosenborg (Norway)
Group C Real Madrid (Spain) Werder Bremen (Germany) Lazio (Italy) Olympiakos (Greece)
Group D AC Milan (Italy) Benfica (Portugal) Celtic (Scotland) Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Group E Barcelona (Spain) Lyon (France) Stuttgart (Germany) Rangers (Scotland)
Group F Manchester United (England) Roma (Italy) Sporting Lisbon (Portugal) Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine)
Group G Inter Milan (Italy) PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) CSKA Moscow (Russia) Fenerbahce (Turkey)
Group H Arsenal (England) Sevilla/AEK (Spain/Greece) Steaua Bucharest (Romania) Slavia Prague (Czech Republic)
At first glance, Group E appears to be the group of death. You've got Barca plus the French dynasty of Lyon, German upstarts Stuttgart and Rangers. There aren't any easy games there for any of the teams.
Group H seems weak and will be weaker if Sevilla doesn't reach the tournament. I suppose that's a good thing for Arsenal supporters.
I still think it's strange not to see Bayern Munich in the tournament. I usually pull for Bayern in the Champions League so I guess I'll have to find another club to support.
