Simply Awesome

I was speechless. Guess many others were too. Liverpool versus AC Milan at Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. Earlier this morning, the eagerly awaited clash between the two titans in european club football certainly did not fail to impress. In fact, this year's Champions League final, as in every season's last curtain in the european football calender, has been a brilliant spectacle, and a wonderful advert for the beautiful game.

It was like watching a drama unfold, based on a script very few would expect. The reds were soundly beaten in the first half, as the rosseneri ran riot and raced to a 3-0 lead. Second half seemed academic and one would think both teams would go through the motions and formalities before the stylish italian team lifts the cup. How more wrong could one be? Well, according to what happened in the next 15 mins or so, DEAD WRONG.

This final match was between two teams which are largely different in the way they have played their games over the course of the season. Italian chic versus English grit. Milan a team who scores for fun and Liverpool a team who tries to prevent that fun.

While those turkish skies were ablaze with fireworks, only English hearts were ablaze with pride. Having danced round Milan players, they could now dance round the cup in celebration. Delight for fans and supporters in the stadium and around the world...a woeful understatement.

As the chorus of the reds anthem "You'll never walk alone" was being sung, how fitting it was that club captain Gerrard and local lad Carragher together held the coveted trophy aloft. A time like this has been too long in coming, but who can say it has not been worth the wait?

I actually watched the Academy Award winning film "A Beautiful Mind" a few hours before. In certain ways, Livepool had been dealt the unfortunate blow which John Nash experienced. The team was amazing in the eighties, winning everything possible as a major force in club football. Then somehow their fortunes turned, and perhaps many people associated with the club were scratching their heads. I wouldn't go as far to say that the club was getting paranoid, though the entire AC Milan team, including coach Carlos Ancelotti, could be forgiven for feeling very much so. In any case, fans and players of Liverpool FC can finally put those ghosts of yesteryears to rest, those long empty seasons with nothing to show for, and revel in their latest triumph at the beautiful game. But I hope it won't be repeated...cos I am a MAN U fan. No offense. (haha, pun unintended)