Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Glory Glory Man United

Sunday morning was spent in front of two TV’s as the English Premier League culminated in Super Sunday, sponsored by Ford. Could United hold their nerve and beat Wigan to win the title? United started well but could not break down and a very organized and determined Wigan defense. Meanwhile Chelsea did not look they had any way of scoring against Bolton, which isn’t a surprise if you’re only going to play one forward against a team looking to defend. After 30 minutes, United won a penalty which CR 7 scored and one hand was on the title. At halftime, United was 1 up and Chelsea was tied. Advantage, Manchester United.


The second half started with Chelsea going to 4-4-2 and putting Shevchenko up front. I asked why him and not Anelka? Chelsea came out and battered Bolton, and after a couple of minutes the Ukranian, of course, bundled in the opening goal and it was game on. At Wigan, United was all over the Latics but could not beat GK Chris Kirkland. And after 15 minutes everything changed. Wigan was taking the game to United and everything was slipping away. A Wigan goal, like a Barcelona goal only days earlier would snatch everything away. But then Giggsy slotted home a Rooney pass and the title was done and dusted. Bolton grabbed a late equalizer to really rub it in. Manchester United has now won 10 of the last 16 English domestic titles. Amazing dominance in the era of multiple competitions, the Bosman ruling and the globalization of the sport.


To be fair, I used a pessimistic betting pattern on centsports, and took Chelsea to win. Had I bet on United, the exact opposite would have occurred, so the 10 cent sacrifice was worth it. As for the rest of Europe, France and Italy go down to the wire this weekend. I’m hoping to catch the games somewhere, and three major titles going to the last day of competition is amazing.


Moving from on soccer, I watched The End of the Affair this weekend. Strange how a movie centered on adultery could deal with the existence of God and His influence in the world. Thought that parts of the dialogue were contrived. A husband and a friend/his wife’s lover do not have those sorts of conversations. It was a nice touch that, in the end, they both took care of the dying wife. One of the closing scenes between the priest, the lover and the husband would be a nice jumping off point for a theological/existential/rational discussion of the world we live in.



No West Wing last night due to the Brown’s moving. I am looking forward to Crystal’s posts from the West Coast. Will the sunshine and different culture and threats of earthquakes and mountain lions influence her uplifting and joyful posts? Here’s hoping.

House was out of control. I have no idea how it will end next week, but can't wait. If Amber dies, I could see the House/Wilson dynamic fracturing beyond repair and causing Wilson to leave the hospital next season.


Looking forward to a G & T tonight, courtesy of the wife. Thanks babe.

2 comments:

Brandon Caroland said...

Soccer right? Just checkin.

Aleks said...

But St. Petersburg's Zenit won the UEFA Cup to much rejoying and smashing of cars in Russia...