Just over half an hour to go on my 21st century wall clock running on 18th century batteries before billions around the world set their rears tight on their sofas with a bottle of water (do not read between the lines) to witness what is touted to be the battle of the best football teams this generation might have witnessed (those experts sure haven’t checked out our Indian teams yet). Two set of war horses; two set of cry-babies, two legendary managers; two sore losers will shake hands with each other prior to the final kickoff of the season just to say, “Let’s take an oath to play the beautiful game, you don’t dive, I don’t cry”.
Watching these modern day million dollar sensations will be a full capacity Wembley Stadium which I more fondly remember for Metallica’s concert. But after its billion dollar revamp, England’s best stadia can now hold only 90, 000. Now you minus 10, 000 from that for the FIFA President, Chairman, Secretary, Auditor, Watchmen, Sepp Blatter’s neighbour’s chauffer’s grandparents and other such dignitaries. Ultimately, the Wembley is left with a rough 70-75, 000 supporters of Chelsea who thought Roman Abrahamovic had just bought them a spot in the final of the Champs League since it was held in their city.
Of the several useless records which shall tumble after the result of the finale, Sir Alex Ferguson will only be looking to somehow get rid of the bad European omens and beat a Barca team that has only got better with the passage of time in post-match conferences (SAF wouldn’t want to get a lesson in La Enlisho). In fact, our sources have come up with an exclusive that SAF hasn’t been able to complete the ‘Manager Mode’ in EA FIFA 11 just because he couldn’t beat the Catalan giants. But Chicharito has promised him that he will hold aloft the trophy this time and in case, the Red Devils do not win, the little Mexican has already got a Champions League trophy for his fatherly manager from Connaught Place, New Delhi. The only glitch in the replacement being that the last year’s winners name reads out Santa Sardars XI.
But so far, in the build up to this high octane clash between two great teams (no pun intended), Pep Guardiola’s strategies and mind games have impressed me to the point of spelling his name correctly. Off field, he has already assigned his players the task of picking up personal targets from the opposition. It wouldn’t be a surprise if we see Iniesta and Giggs strolling on the pitch as brothers in arms while Xavi, during every stoppage of play, going near the Man Utd dug out and congratulating Scholes for his service to football in his fouling career (since Scholes is most likely to warm the bench unless SAF decides to give him a farewell match when his side’s trailing 2-0). Coach Pep and his men have repeatedly urged their supporters and opponents alike to not just rely on Messi to provide the fireworks owing his dismal scoring record on English soil. Rooney has decided to give some tips to Leo. Mission Accomplished.
Ferguson finally got a sniff of Pep’s plans and has let the cat out of the bag. He went on to say the Catalan media that he’s spoilt for choice, he would have to make at least five to six boys sit out the match (no we have to see if that includes a substitute Giggs and a bench warmer Scholes). On a serious note, if Sir Alex has to rely on any one player to come good on the biggest of stages, it will be Park Ji ‘3 lungs’ Sung; he ran from Manchester to London as a part of his warm up regime a couple of days back while his mates were busy gazing at the Korean ladies on board the aircraft.
On an ending (not conclusive) note, I hope that the finale plays to the hype that has surrounded it like all its previous years and displays the beautiful game. Let the dives be kept sealed till the post-match pool party and the cards for the pockets, as I pray to the football-frenzy Almighty, “No Andy Gray and Steve Tyler doing the commentary”.
