And the man pictured is the king of something, perhaps his title is simply "the borderline creepy fan". With a day to reflect on yesterday's showdown between the English giants, I must say it was an incredible match for a true soccer fan. My early reaction was to think it was a shame for it to end in penalties, but such a finish admittedly added to the drama, and the extra 30 minutes of that battle were an extra treat.
Ronaldo opened the scoring off a beautiful sequence beginning with a nice combination on the wing leading to a cross to the back post where Ronaldo was waiting to head in home with accuracy. I thought this goal was great validation for him as he has been accused of disappearing on the biggest stages. The game continued to be hard fought with neither side willing to give an inch. Plenty of fouls ensued, and Ronaldo often did not get the benefit of the doubt, the ref appeared to have preconceived notions that Ronaldo might be a diver. Chelsea struck back in the second half when a ball in struck the back of Rio Ferdinand who lost site of the ball that fell perfectly for Frank Lampard to slot past a helpless van der Saar. The match played out scoreless through 90 as the game became increasingly physical. It was clear the extra time would be a dog fight for the trophy.
With Chelsea piling pressure Manchester United looked as though they may concede. The goal frame proved to be a dear friend for the Manchester supporters when Drogba was foiled. The moment in extra time that will be most widely discussed, however, is the altercation late in the second 15 minutes. Vidic and Drogba were both hot, but it was Drogba who served up the weakest slap in the history of the world. For raising his hand and initiating contact with a players face intentionally and in a violent manner, he had to be sent off. John Terry perhaps foolishly held Vidic back and likely preventing retaliation that would have brought Manchester United to 10 men as well. No goal resulted in the final minutes of extra time, but Chelsea lost a penalty taker with Drogba going off. Substitutions were made and both teams prepared for the dreaded penalty shootout.
Both teams found the net early, when who else but Ronaldo should step up for the 3rd United penalty. He stuck with his hesitation step and Cech smiled back, not going for it. This is why I hate the hesitation, if the keeper doesn't go for it the kicker is the one thrown off. Ronaldo hit a miserable penalty that was saved by Cech, and his earlier glory was all but gone. With the remaining penalties finding the net, it came down the the captain, John Terry, to seal the deal for Chelsea. It was not to be, as van der Saar made a great save to keep United alive. Finally, van der Saar ended the drama with a save on Anelka to begin the celebrations for the Red Devils.
What did you think of the game? Happy to see Scholes get his chance? Sick of seeing the same few teams always monopolizing titles? Share your thoughts
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