Vintage Man United!

Monday was kinda sleepy... can't blame me though.. watched the match to the end and the adrenalin flow was so intoxicating that I could not sleep till its way past 4am.. that explains why I did not write about it yesterday.

Manchester United 3 Chelsea 0

What a game. Chelsea parading a midfield par excellence in Deco, Ballack, J Cole, Obi Mikel and Lampard! While Fergie lined up a shocker in Giggsy and Fletcher with Ronaldo and Park. I was aghast but Giggsy and Fletcher did not disappoint. They were simply awesome, Giggs was a pleasure to watch and Evans was fantastic as a replacement for Rio. Gazza and Evra as ever no nonsense and simply great going forward. Berbatov though I wished he would be involved more but its his style really that he poked and prod with his grace is simply vintage. Manchester United at their best! Chelsea meanwhile just disintegrated.. Carvalho and Terry who?

The goal I liked best? Wayne Rooney's poking between Ca$hley Cole's legs! Serves him right for just wanting to shield the ball instead of whacking it wide for a corner or throw in! No wonder Rafa is worried that he let fly a tirade accusing Manchester United of everything... hahaha...

Watch out Benitez... them scousers ain't gonna stay top for much longer! You will crumble as magnificently as the great Kevin Keegan did when he was manager of the Magpies.. :).

We deserve more than a Draw!

Watched the game early this morning... Manchester United travelled to Parkhead to play Celtic. As for me, I would rather United play some other team than the Bravehearts... they are indeed a hard team to break down and it certainly was.

United wasted a hatful of chances to level and go ahead but it was either repelled by the Hoop's hardwork or sheer luck, but as the saying goes... "The harder you work, the luckier you get." Manchester United did exactly that. After seeing the other English teams falter, Chelsea at the Olimpico to Roma.. (sweet sweet victory for the Romans) and Liverpool prove toothless yet again against Athletico Madrid only to be saved by Stevie G's penalty.. (Sigh). I had a bad feeling that Manchester United will suffer similar fate, but after watching their performance, I must say United played with a lot of determination and heart. At the end, we got what we deserved A DRAW. Yet, we could have won, but in football, its like this la... you do not take your chances well, you may even lose the game.

Berbatov had a golden opportunity to nail it in stoppage time but I guess he was tired and off focus. Many other chances came and went, and it was to a certain extent, the blue feeling envelops me... as if "this is just one of those days that nothing will go right for us" feeling. Yet my droopy eyes peered open and when Giggs nodded in the rebound off a Ronaldo's screamer.. I swear that my physical body was still on the couch while I jumped up and muffled my screams with the pillow... gosh what a relief! I gasped...

So, Manchester United is still undefeated and although technically they have not yet qualified for the next round.. I think it will take a miracle for Aalborg and Celtic to unseat United and Villareal as the qualifiers from Group E. So, its back to the Barclays Premier League where we play perennial whinners... Arsenal next at Emirates. Arsenal brilliant at times but seem to have a weakness.. they cannot have people roughing them up... :). Stoke City did that... can United? Its a taboo for me to predict the scores.. so .. Lets wait till this Saturday yeah?

United back in Stride?

Manchester United played Bolton over the weekend... damn.. I still have a grudge against Cristiano Ronaldo but I have to admit, if United were to lose him next season it would be a great blow. On his day, he is a one man demolition team. He seems to improve with every season, be it his game or his reading of the game... I just hope Nani learns from him more and not trying to cook up spectacular goals...

The second goal by Rooney really tell on the quality of Ronaldo although Rooney still has a lot to do, it was plain exquisite, but I guess as long as Rondo is with Man United, he will get my support.. damn.. I will hate to see that lad go..

Anyway many will will still gripe over the penalty but I guess, sometimes its raw justice and we got a little bit of luck there that night and looking at things, we certainly can do with a dose of it. The sight of Chelsea and Liverpool topping the league and United being 5 points back with a game in hand isn't really great but the good thing is we are keeping in touch even with our poor form. But, the last 30 minutes was exquisite United flowing and I think many United fans would want to see the team play that brand of football for the remainder of the season. Scholes was imperious in midfield, customary of his old self, Berbatov was as silky as he is but I guess it would do him a world of good with a goal. Rooney was trying to work out one for him that night but I think with his quality, he will come through it real soon!

Euro night again this weekend and it will be great! As Raya provided many of us with a reason to wake up at unGodly hours to watch the match!

What made my week? Arsenal got themselves Hull-ed UP! at Emirates! Muahahahahaha!

Horrible Display...

Last week after Manchester United lost to the scousers at Anfield, I was gutted and lost for words. But a few days later I thought, well, Man United played well albeit for the first 20 minutes or so... thereafter they played like headless chicken and the defence was in shambles, no thanks to the part of Edwin van de Sar who for most part of the match looked rather uneasy and rightfully so, he was the cause of Wes Brown's "equalizer". On the other hand, Wes Brown's performance was mediocre to say the least... then again, so was the entire team!

We did not lose to a better team... we lost because we played like a loser. We lost every ball in midfield, all the tackles were mis-timed.. in fact every player tackled like Paul Scholes. Now, Scholes isn't one to be famed for his perfectly timed tackles.. is he? Then when we had people like Ryan Giggs committing errors such as those that led to Liverpool's winner... I guess Manchester United deserve to lose that night....

As in the case with Manchester United... their poor form is not a one off thing.. it goes on in a stretch! Again, they were woeful against an average Villareal side in midweek's Champion's League opener.. (which I did not bother to wake up to watch, but I think I know what United is capable of after coming off a morale sapping loss to Liverpool) and neither do I think that they will recover when they travel to Stamford Bridge last night. Again, they were superb... well, until they grabbed the lead... then with their performance, I was horrified! The fear of Anfield repeating was so real that I shudder to think of the outcome.

Park Ji Sung was abysmal, he ran around like headless chicken and I thought he got lucky with the goal, being at the right place at the right time, but apart from that he was clueless.... Berbatov? He did show glimpses of what he is capable of but too far and few apart to make a difference. Maybe he did not get the right support as he cuts a lonely figure up front most of the time. The worst I think could be reserved for Edwin van der Sar while his substitute Kucszak fared just a tad better if not just as bad... United should count their luck when Joe Cole and Lampard seemed to have left their shooting boots at home, otherwise we would have been ROUTED.

Then again, like any United fan, I think they will be able to turn the corner. After all, they are famed for their slow start to a campaign but, I guess they better start to run before Chelsea disappear over the horizon. With Liverpool the perennial underachievers, I would probably put Chelsea as the most potent contender... Arsenal while showing industry and confidence... may just fade away like the last season. I do not think they have enough depth in the team to carry them through a tough season. At the end, the top 4 spots will be shared by the top 4. Manchester City??? Nahhhhhh! They are far from it....

Weekend's Biggie!

I was thinking to myself this morning when I saw this:

CROATIA 1 ENGLAND 4

I was like... WOW! Yeah, I did not watch the match coz I cannot bring myself to wake up after a hectic day at work to watch another substandard performance dished out by the English squad. But my... am kicking myself for not waking up to watch one of England's most scintillating performance for a long long time.

Theo Walcott? Wayne Rooney? Scorers? Walcott's hattrick? That will probably make Mr. Wanker a man pleased as HELL! Sorry... my bad.. Mr. Wenger. Has Fabio Capello found the better than Beckham on the right in Walcott?

I have always said that the only problem with England is that they must never play Gerarrd and Lampard together. But I must say, England was fabulous last night and I think the credit should go to Mr. Fabulous Capello for turning the team around to have more self belief as individuals and more cohesion as a team even with Calamity James in goal.

Ahhh.. small talk.. small talk... my main aim of today's write is about this weekend's biggie of biggie! After doing a double on them last season, Manchester United..... yeah... the famous Red Devils play our eternal rivals Liverpool at Anfield. The concern here is Manchester United has a history of poor start to a season as well as being poor after a mid-week international assignment by their players. They have Brown, Rio, Rooney, Vidic, Fletcher and Nani involved in midweek.. well at the top of my head at least, I really wonder if they are up to it for the trip to Anfield. It will be an interesting battle and am getting my popcorn ready for this biggie. No other match in the Premier League is bigger than the battle of these two although other battle at a later stage could be of greater significance but a fixture of Man Utd v Liverpool, be it at Old Trafford or Anfield or anywhere for that matter is the biggest for me and this season is no different...

Back to Business

The long drawn saga of a major signing for Manchester United came to a delirious end yesterday when they concluded the one transfer they have been pursuing for a long long time. Signed and delivered minutes before the transfer window closes.... came this man

DMITAR BERBATOV

For all the good and the bad he carries, he is now a Red Devil. Why Sir Alex is so passionate about this man, we are about to find out. I do not think Sir Alex casted his sights far for a signing this season, but I would have liked them to sign a new right back asap. While Wes Brown seem to have moved into the slot well but he lacks the penetrating runs and crosses that Gazza gives to Man Utd when he plays... anyway... back to this man, Berbatov...

He sulked his way out of White Hart Lane... and he joined Spurs most famous Judas at Old Trafford... Rio Ferdinand... I guess, we are Spurs's biggest enemy at this moment... haha...

I am sure Berba won't be a dud of a buy by Sir Alex. For 30.75million pounds, he better not be... but I still find him a more complete finisher than Ruud van Nistelrooy. No doubt Ruud is the best finisher in the box but Berba is complete in the sense that he can create and finish better. Certainly with his ability to be the magnet of a point man, this gives the player who plays the rabbit, in this case its either Rooney or Tevez, the space required for them to weave their magic. It will definitely be a different Manchester United this season. For better or for worse.. they will be different.

Now, lets look at what bungling Rafa is doing at Liverpool... all these seasons, he has done ONE right thing. Buying Fernando Torres.... but in Albert Riera he has at his disposal a good winger but knowing him.. shifting and changing... I am glad that Rafa is still at the helm of the Scousers... they will be going ABSOLUTELY NO-WHERE.

How bout Arsene at Marseille of Britain? Not too good as well... his defence is a suspect... but I like Samir Nasri arguably a fine talent but much will depend on the availability of Van Persie and Adebayor and their scoring form.

Chelsea? They may start sulking soon as they are no longer the moneybags in Premier League. They may be okay for the next couple of seasons until we hand some walking sticks to their star oldies... :).

The new moneybags??? Manchester City? Are they going to rename the team Dubai City? Like Fergie says, this is one team that wants to play football with 11 strikers. Well, good luck to them. Thats what you get when you have owners who do not understand football. They first got a hot air bag in Thaksin.. now they have the sheikh.. well good luck to them. But, I have great respect for Mark Hughes as a manager, I think he will do a great job there with the kind of money at his disposal.

Club in crisis... Keegan sacked... not sacked... resigned... staying.. geez.. Magpies are forever in crisis. A good team but with such boardroom problems, relegation seem to be the only option for them.

2008/09 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Still sitting comfortably in Old Trafford

Manchester United are drawn in Group E together with Yellow Submarine (Villareal), Celtic and Aalborg. Me think we could not have asked for a better draw. The tricky games here would be against Villareal at Madrigal and it would be reunion for Guiseppe Rossi. Good team this Villareal as one cannot discount players like Robert Pires, Nihat, Capdevilla and Senna. Phew... but then again, we also must not discount the Bravehearts, they can be a handful. A pale shadow of the powerhouse it used to be when it became the first British team to lift the European Cup back then as it was known. Nevertheless has got some great names, Arthur Boruc, Nakamura, Samaras, Venegoor of Hesselink, I would think the difficult match with them would be at Parkhead. Aalborg, the Danish side whom many believe to be there just to make up the numbers may just spring a surprise or two... :)

Now, my concern has always been the luck that Chelsea seem to have. Group A together with Bordeaux, Roma and Cluj. I guess that group seems pretty clear its Chelsea and Roma unless Bordeaux can spring a surprise or two.

Between Liverpool and Arsenal, I would take Liverpool as having the toughest group of all. Group D sees Liverpool, Athletico Madrid, Marseille and PSV. This group is probably too close to call but I think, PSV and Liverpool hold a slight edge.

Arsenal meanwhile in Group G with Kiev, Porto and Fenerbahce. Kiev of late has not been able to show the form that makes them so formidable in the past while one must not discount the team from Turkey and Porto has the knack of making life difficult for many teams. Porto and Arsenal hold a very slim edge.

Group of Death? My vote goes to Group F. Bayern Munich, Lyon, Steaua Bucharest and Fiorentina. How bout yours?

Who da Man?

Manchester United has scored two goals in their last two matches. One in their 1-1 draw with Magpies at OT and the other in their 1-0 win over Pompeys at Fratton Park.

On both occasions, many would have expected Rooney or Tevez to find the spot. But, it all came from this man.

ALL HAIL FLETCHER!!!!

Long thought to be a fringe player, Darren Fletcher, the midfielder from the land of fine single malt whiskey. I have always thought of him to be a good player but he lacks the built to be a very good midfielder. He has come good this season saving the blushes of Red Devils.

While we await the arrival of Dmitar Berbatov, well, many said that his whining ways may not be wanted at OT, I would like to draw some parallels to what Fergie has done to these flawed genius and turned them into legends at OT. The first name that came to mind.... was none other than Kung-fu extraordinaire...

Who else? The Great Eric Cantona

Berba to be turned into another inspirational player in the mould of King Cantona? Not far from it in terms of temperament.. flawed genius needs the Fergie's touch!

Moreover his predatory instincts will give Man United the edge sorely missed. Tevez and Rooney are real hardworking players but they run too much. Berba may suit the setup. I feel he is a more complete player than Van Nistelrooy in many aspects. He can dribble, he can shoot, he can head, he is deadly in the penalty area, he is well built and he is FAST. Lets hope that he doesnt whine in the famous RED of Manchester United.

Ronaldo Remains a Devil

At least for another season. HERE.

I am not sure how I will receive or react when he pulled the famous red of Manchester this coming season on the back of his insistence of going to Real Madrid. But one thing is for sure, he will be missing from the lineup for the first 2 months of the season after undergoing an ankle surgery earlier on.

Maybe other Red Devils fans may be more forgiving but I guess, we should at least respect and support the team regardless of history as long as he is still wearing the club's jersey he should have our undivided support. Maybe its easier said than done.....

On a side note, the Olympics is about to begin and I think Malaysia has the best chance yet to win their first gold medal at the Olympics this year. Lee Chong Wei. He has the skills and the mental strength to go the distance. But with a top notch field, every game from Round 1 onwards is a final. Chong Wei represents Malaysia's best hope yet and he is sure to get my support. His path to a final destiny with Lin Dan starts with an encounter against Ronald Susilo of Singapore... long rocky route... Will write more on Olympics and the key battles that I would be watching.. :).

Wither New Signings

As the new season opener draws closer for Barclays Premier League, my hope for Manchester United to sign a couple of players dim by the day.

After a highly successful season culminating in them winning the coveted Champions League at Luzhniki now is a distant memory as Sir Alex Ferguson struggles to keep the team together. I think he has his thoughts as to why and how he wants to retain Cristiano Ronaldo. I have given up on him. For me, a player who no longer wishes to play for you do not deserve a place in the team.

He is however, STILL, SAF's blue eyed boy in the Manc's outfit. Yesterday we had Tevez coming out and urge the team to just let him go if he so stubbornly wanted to... I still believe we should just sell him. I do not think any amount of fantastic display next season by him will endear him back to the fans. Rightfully, the fans forgave him for what he did to Rooney while on England duty... that was England. Today, we are talking about him pushing the patience of fans rooting for the team in RED. I for one do not think that many would welcome him back after this strained episode.

Ronaldo aside, I hope we can get loads of moolah from his sale. I am still itching to know if SAF has got any signings in the bag!!!??? Dmitar Berbatov? He would guarantee us at least 25 goals a season... but I would prefer to see Huntelaar in the red of Manchester United. Still have not lost hope of having Wesley Sniejder and Sergio Ramos playing for us. They would be great replacements for Scholes and Gary Neville.

Sir Alex, please do not let us wait too long to see a fresh new face at Old Trafford... with pretty much nothing to show so far... I hope action comes thick and fast after the team's return from South Africa!

My Favourite Team

Ahhh.. enough of politics....

But looking at the only team I supported since childhood isnt really that bright either... sigh...

After two seasons of winning the Premier League and having done the double last year, many would have expected Manchester United to maintain the core of the team and be THE club this coming season and have a real go at more titles this season.

But it seems to be falling off at its seams.

First it was Ronaldo... which I already had my piece here.

I am still of the opinion that no player is bigger than the club... if he so desires to go.. he should just do it. As in Ronaldo's case, if indeed Real Madrid thinks that he is the best player in the world, they should just cough up the amount needed. I would not mind really if its an exchange deal for Wesley Sniejder and Sergio Ramos.. haha

Then there seem to be some uncertainty in their backroom with Carlos Queiroz on his way to become the coach of the Portuguese national side after the departure of Luis Felipe Scolari to our flavoured rival at the moment Chelsea... and they seem to be playing real dirty for long with Big Phil urging Ronaldo to go to Real Madrid... haha... I have never regarded Chelsea as the biggest rival of Manchester United, they never will be. In fact they rank fourth in my most intense rival scale, first being Liverpool, followed by Arsenal and derby rivals, the blues of Manchester. That aside. The loss of CQ would be a huge blow to United in their quest for silverware next season, more so their ability now to hold on to players like Nani, Anderson and probably Manucho.

Manucho, the man who wreaked havoc in the last African Nation's Cup for Angola seem destined to follow the footsteps of great African players and to be the latest to grace the BPL stage after the likes of Okocha, Essien, Drogba, Adebayor, Toure amongst others. And he has to arrive INJURED! What else could have gone wrong for United next season has gone wrong!

Worse to follow, its been 2 weeks since Euro 2008 ended and there seem to be no light at the end of the tunnel as to any new talents are walking in to the famed Theatre of Dreams! Many would like to see the likes of Huntelaar, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema to grace Old Trafford but there is hardly any news on that. I hope Sir Alex will pull a rabbit out of the hat like he did last season with a surprise which brought Nani and Anderson to OT. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Euro 2008 - Part 5 (The Shocks!)

I can hardly believe my eyes..... Russia has handed my favourite Oranje the boot.

The night before Turkey served up another Turkish delight... and...the first night of Quarter Finals, mediocre Germany ditched Portugal.. tonight.... Spain v Italy... I shudder to think if Italy will serve up another shocker on Spain?

While Round 1 serves up few shockers, the quarter finals are all about the ability to rise to the occasion. I thought Netherlands had the opportunity as Russians have never done well in knockout stages in the past... World Cups and all... then again, neither have the Dutch, but I thought they had enough quality to see them through the Russians easily but was I wrong. So there goes my second favoured team, the first being Portugal. Now my only team left tonight... Italy. Italians on my assessment are an aging squad. I do not think for one moment, their oldies of Pirlo, Toni and gang can upset the flair and youth of Torres, Villa and the rest but recent matches have taught me to be wary tonight. I like Italy mainly because they have opted to play more attacking football like Germany. It would be an interesting final should this two teams meet. Then again, what more surprises can Euro 2008 give us? A surprise tonight?

Semifinals that pit Germany v Turkey and Russia v Italy would be all too obvious on who the favourites are... right? But remember, past Euros have always favoured the underdogs.....

Euro 2008 - Part 4 (French Fried)

Hehe.. I love this version. Its not that the French were so dismal in their 4-1 loss to Netherlands, but I guess they failed to take their chances when it mattered most and on top of that a Dutch team high on confidence, you have a deadly potion for a high scoring game.

Thats what you get! Gosh... Sneijder was just fantabulous and Robben showed the class with dazzling runs after coming on as a substitute. Van Nistlerooy as deadly as he was when he was with Manchester United. Sneijder would be one good piece of skill to exchange with Ronaldo if he wants to go to Real Madrid... :) (eh)?

Then you have Italy on the brink of elimination after their draw with Romania. Donadoni can claim anything but credit to Romania for coming out fighting and having some chances of their own. Adrian Mutu was both hero and villain missing the penalty... but credit to Romania.. they took the fight to Italy and with aging legs, the Azzuris simply fail to deliver. Even if they do go to the next round, I do not think the Azzuris have what it takes to go on any further.

Last night however was painful for reigning Champions.. Greece. Heroes all of them four years ago, were simply outclassed and outplayed this time round. Playing their ever defensive game which served them so well the last time out, they failed this Euro but I think they gave a good account of themselves. It was a boo boo by their ever reliable goalie Nikopolidis to gift the Ruskies the goal but overall... to be honest, the Ruskies deserve the 3 points. Spain as expected got the 3 points but I felt the Swedes were hard done last night. One point would have done justice for their industry. They really gave the Spaniards a tough time after going 1-0 down and fighting back to their equalizer. But I think they are in pole position to go through together with the Spaniards as the Russians have failed to impress me in the 2 games they played.

Tonight, Switzerland v Portugal. Should have been a meaningful game but is reduced to a match of dignity for Switzerland who was dealt two cruel blows in their earlier games. Despite playing well and having great posession they lost to both Czech Republic and Turkey who would do battle at Geneva for a rightful spot to qualify alongside Portugal. On paper the Czech Republic holds the edge but Turkey have been real tough customer of late. Nice game on the cards? Lets wait and see.

Euro 2008 - Part 3 (Germany Dunked!)

Arguable the first and most spectacular upset in Euro 2008 thus far. The scoreline eerily suggest this could still be the Euro of upsets. Croatia qualified for Euro 2008 in grand fashion by beating England on two occasions to ensure they qualified on merit.

Germany has impressed in their first match against Poland but Croatia was at best tepid in their match against co-host Austria. Both have won their opening matches. Both needed a win to seal their march to the next round.

Dark Horses indeed, Croatia pulled the rug from under the Germans to come away with all 3 points but had to endure the last 10 minutes in agonising fashion despite going 2-0 up courtesy of Dario Srjna and Ivica Olic but Podolski sealed his third in the tournament to ensure a nail biting finish but it was a night the Germans would rather forget as they were made to look second best to a much improved Croatia side who proved yet again their pedigree. They could yet be the team that rises to the occasion to take the cup this time round.

Meanwhile, Poland and Austria kept their hopes alive as they shared the spoils in the other match of the night in a 1-1 draw.

Tonight however its D Day for Italy as they fight for survival and nothing less than a win is required when they play Romania. Long gone are the days of Georghe Hagi but the Romania of today plays a tight game and Italy cannot afford to be defensive. But, the night's match would probably belong to France versus Netherlands. Both teams have real talent in them with France more of a clockwork team against the fluid flair of the Dutch. Its a MUST WATCH game tonight. I will be rooting for the Oranj because of their sense of adventure!

Ev(e)ra Great News!

With the uncertainty looming over Cristiano Ronaldo and probably his departure from Old Trafford, Man United fans can at last breathe a sigh of relief over the new contract signed by one of United's most hardworking player. To me he is the Man of the Match everytime Manchester United plays. His tireless runs and brave tackles.... he is....

PATRICE EVRA

Patrice Evra today signed a new deal with the Red Devils! That is indeed the best news I hear coming out of Old Trafford in quite a while since we jubilated the night at Luzhniki. Evra will stay at United until 2012 and I am sure he will continue to ply the left flank with a spare tank of oxygen behind his back.

Euro 2008 - Part 1

After 3 days of Euro 2008, this being my first post on it... sigh.

I never thought England would win Euro... not with the current crop of players anyway. But it must have been jinxed from the start for McClaren to face the unwanted of guiding England OUT of Euro 2008. Yet there are no shortage of quality.

First two days of the tournament ended with all the favourites taking the points although I feel bad for Switzerland, I guess they have to learn that at the top flight, if they do not take their chances well, they would be punished. They were. For all their industry they lost 1-0 to Czech Republic who were at best trying hard to avoid defeat yet walked away with all 3 points.

The big day was of course Day 3 where Euro 2008 Group of Death play their game. Italy, France, Romania and Netherlands. I guess no other team would want to share the same group as Netherlands. They are a team that oozes with class yet, falter spectacularly each time at the last hurdle except for Euro 1988 where they hoisted their first and only major trophy to date. Ever classy, this team seemed laced with the potent self destruct potion during the eve of every major tournament defied all that to lift the cup in 1988 which boasts of names like Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Ronald Koeman, Wim Kieft etc.

Last night, it was vintage Dutch yet again as they demolished World Cup holders Italy 3-0 to stake their claim as a potential champion this time round, 20 years later. But will the team that shines in group go on to win the cup? I guess its a different question altogether. Yet, it was vintage display by the Dutch. Italy was peppered with members of the triumphant 2006 World Cup winners sans their influential captain Fabio Cannavaro, but looked good enough to compete. Yet the ever reliable Azzuri defence lay in tatters as Van Der Vaart, Snieder and Van Nistelrooy ruled the day making mockery of the champions.

But with the tournament just underway, many teams are staking their claims. Portugal with Ronaldo, Simao and Deco impressive in their opening match. Germany at last looking impressive after last World Cup with Podolski, Sweinsteiger, Lahm, Ballack and Klose. France with Henry, Ribery, Nasri and Benzema. The unfortunate Italians still look formidable with Buffon, Pirlo, Gatusso, Toni and gang. Not forgetting the other of Europe's perennial under achievers... Spain with Fabregas, Torres, Villa will want to fancy their chances this time round.

Whatever it is, we have one month of sheer class soccer to look forward to. Maybe more droopy heads at work but hey, its once every four years... well.. yeah yeah.. World Cup is once every four years too... so is the Olympics but I guess we footie freaks could be forgiven for our over indulgence.

Just Go....

The man who came to Manchester United as a young precocious talent, whom today is regarded as the best footballer in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo. His skills and speed dazzles fans and opponents. His step overs, his dazzling array of dribbling skills, his physics defying free kicks..... he is simply blessed with great skills and rightfully so to that Manchester United is rumoured to be more than willing to offer him a 200k per week... and that is Sterling mind you! But, I think he is worth it if his performances in 2006/07 is any yardstick.

But what I cannot stomach are the news of him wanting to leave the club and being reluctant to commit. There may be more than meets the eye with all the news reports but, for me is, if a player is not willing to play for the team anymore, he should just GO.

Much as I would like Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United, I cannot accept that the club that I love would be held ransom by one man. With his family pitching in to fight his cause, I think the only logical thing for United to do is to sell him to Real Madrid. If that is where his heart is and we can make a bundle of the sale and bring in the likes of Micah Richards, Roque Santa Cruz or Jan Klaas Huntelaar... or maybe... just maybe... Karim Benzema? All for about 80mil... that would make good business sense.

Ronaldo should know better, Real Madrid is not the place for a player to further develop, its probably the end of the road.... for many at least. I can only wish Ronaldo good luck... and to Sir Alex Ferguson... SELL HIM.

pIcTaReS!!!!

Found some pics that spoke volumes.


Sir Alex Ferguson posing with both trophies, The Old Big Ears, European Champions League and the Barclays Premier League trophy. Both won with Chelsea playing bridesmaid. I guess that is where the satisfaction lies.

While many people talk about John Terry's miskick, I think it could be summed up as below:



The kick that blew the cup away.

Drama @ Luzhniki

Date: 22nd May 2008

Time: 2:45am (Malaysian Time)

Venue: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Champions League Final 2007/08

The Prize

The Defining Moment

THE CHAMPIONS!

Many of us waited in anticipation for the kickoff, it was as nervous as it can be, but as in all competition, there can only be one winner. Manchester United started off sprightly and should have sealed the match in the first 40 minutes but as they had done time and time again, its always the hard way. After Ronaldo headed home a Wes Brown's inch perfect cross, fate ruled that a double deflection left Van Der Sar stranded and Lampard stroked home the equalizer.

From then, it was uphill all the way for United in the second half. Luck maybe played a part then when the upright and crossbar denied Chelsea. Then when it comes to the shootout, I have lost count as to how many big names have flopped big time at this juncture and true to history, Cristiano Ronaldo of all people predictively stroked the ball to the right and Cech made a splendid block. Then when Van Der Sar got his palm to Ashley Cole's shot, it was not good enough to keep it out. At 4-4 and John Terry, Chelsea's captain marvel walked up to take the last mandatory penalty. All seemed lost and buried for United. Surely John Terry could do no wrong. How wrong! For all his heroics right up to the instintive header that kept out a sure goal in the first half, Terry slipped and his shot skewed to the left post and went OUT.

United Rejoiced! It means now its sudden death! After Ryan Giggs made it 6-5, it was upto Enfant Terrible, Nicholas Anelka to even the score. Many claimed Van Der Sar tried to unsettle Anelka with his antics, but, isnt all about making the opponent edgy? Anelka blasted to the right and Van Der Sar kept it out. Indeed VDS is now Van "The" Czar!!!! Wild celebrations ensued, Manchester United are Champions of Europe after a lapse of 9 years, and what a time to win it on the eve of their 50th Anniversary of that tragic night in Munich. Indeed, the Gods must be smiling on United. Some even commented that the Busby Babes had bananas watching the shootoff and dropped a banana skin where Terry slipped!

Well... maybe.... just maybe...

But what the heck! We have done the DOUBLE!!!!

We are Champions of EUROPE and ENGLAND 2007/08!

Daddy's Day Out!

Well, its now becoming more frequent with wifey now out to Macau since Monday, daddy has been having a whale of a time with the kids.

Monday was breakfast as usual, then the movies, then the pool, then the park... then the arcade! Yeah! Thats where the boys like to be! And that is where daddy loves them to be while I spend some time reading some magazines.

Wasnt much fun though as we need to sleep early for school and work the next day but it was a whale of a fun. But its mommy's turn to sit the kids next week as I will be out of town for some work. It would be tiring indeed but so far we are coping well with the boys.

Gonna put the boys to sleep early tonight as daddy intends to sneak out with the "Other Boys" for a wee morning out to watch the finals of Champions League between Daddy's long time love Manchester United against the most despicable Chelsea. Would love to see the constant blur face of Avram Grant sobbing and say, "I am not the special one.. boooo hoooo hoooo hooo..."