Staying awake in the wee hours was a monumental task at this age. Nevertheless the desire to witness the football club I supported since schooldays retaining the European Cup was ample reason to keep me fresh.
Accompanied by Muzill and Anaz, my nephew, who supported Barcelona, I was glued since 1.00 a.m to the TV screen, armed with hot Milo and delicious ‘berangan goreng’.
I really got excited the first five minutes of the game when MU went on the offensive creating several real chances. Alas, when Park Ji Sung ballooned a golden opportunity, I kind of sense it wasn’t going to be MU’s night.
The dream of seeing MU dominating was jolted after Samuel Eto’o got a clean break to sneak the ball passed Van de Sar into the net registering Barcelona’s first goal from the first chance at goal after 10 minutes.
MU’s game went into slide after that killer goal.
Ronaldo, Rooney, Carrick, Ferdinand, Giggs and Vidic and even the ever reliable Evra were reduced to mere passengers.
The introduction of Tevez, Barbetov and Paul Schole never created much impact. They were a total letdown and the whole team, apart from Van de Sar were just pathetic, moving around aimlessly without focus and lacking leadership. For once MU players were moving around like amateurs.
Called it fatigue or whatever, MU players’ minds apparently were elsewhere and teamwork was totally missing.
When the referee blew the final whistle after 93 minutes of play, Barcelona emerged worthy champion of Europe with 2-0 score. The second goal was a real gem, a rare header from Lionel Messi.
By then the hot Milo and buah berangan had turned cold. The drink and the snack just tasted so bitter and unappetising.
MU had only them to blame for keeping their best performance in the closet at home in Manchester.
Still, credit should be given where it’s due.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BARCELONA.
BRAVO TO PUYOL, THE HARDWORKING BARCELONA’S SKIPPER FOR A COMBATIVE DISPLAY.
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