Champions of Europe - FC Barcelona

If u are a Manchester United fan; you would not have been able too digest what you saw at Stadio Olimpico, and if you are a Barcelona fan than- you would be too excited with joy to sleep. Well the entire world witnessed a splendid game of football by FC Barcelona which crushed Sir Alex Ferguson’s and his crew’s dream to be the only side to retain the title in 17 yrs. Pep Guardiola has proved to be lucky for his side and his hopes and beliefs has led him to achieve the dominance over Europe on his debut and also making him the youngest coach to have steer a team to win the title.
Having lost to Manchester United in the semi final last season, FC Barcelona had to demonstrate a superior game and strategy to settle score with United as they knew the fact that Sir Ferguson’s side is one of the toughest to beat. What we all witnessed at Stadio Olimpico has showcased Barcelona’s true potential and quality of its players that it possesses.
Manchester United took off with Ronaldo’s attack on the Barcelona’s defense; but eventually Primera Liga champions tamed the Premier League champions and kept them quiet. The Spanish style of possession football proved to be stupendous before the English style of direct attack; it did leave the entire United’s crew clueless.
Though Barcelona had lost Daniel Alves, Eric Abidal and Rafael Marquez due to suspensions and injury respectively, but it seemed that they did not miss them much as Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Eto’o and others were too good for Manchester United. Ronaldo and Rooney were kept quiet and well tamed by Puyol, Pique and Toure while Messi’s game proved to be much superior to theirs and the Barca’s midfielder did score his first goal against an English side.
The frustration and pressure were reflected in United’s game, while Guardiola’s crew kept their heads cool and played their possession football to win their third Champions League crown. While Manchester United would go back home with a shattered dream but they need to be proud of their achievements this season and take this defeat positively; they need to admit that Barcelona were a better side and played an outstanding game.
Over all we have a new champion of Europe- FC Barcelona; thanks to Eto’o and Messi for their spectacular goals and the entire Barcelona crew for a wonderful 90 minutes of entrainment which I am sure every football spectator must have enjoyed.
All in all - “A quality game from a quality team against a quality opponent.”

DLF IPL-2 '09

The month of April ’09 brought along the initial summer heats, election fever and the desirably awaited event of the Indian cricket circuit, The Indian Premier League-2. This event made its heat felt in the previous year and this year it promised all its spectators much more entertainment. But the organizers had a tough job at hand due to the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan players in Pakistan and the election in the country forced and the security reasons forced the organizers to arrange the event out shore. The Indian fans were disappointed as their own event was shipped away from their soil, but their spirits were not shattered and they supported their teams with passion and enthusiasm. 37 days of entertainment saw the Indian fans enjoy every bit of cricket; the journey from 18th April to 24th April had just been astonishing (though there were election results as well).South Africa played a perfect host for this year’s IPL. Initially the weather did have plans to spoil the party but it seemed that even the Almighty was keen to have a little entertainment from the tournament.
This year’s IPL saw lots of changes in the team strategy such as Team Knight Riders and Royal Challengers replaced their captain; a new bollywood face Shilpa Shetty went on to take over the defending champions Rajasthan Royals. The Pakistan players were not part of the IPL and also the late arrival of the Australian players gave few teams a little hiccup on their performance. The brand endorsement and the media advertisements were at great peak and no stones were left unturned to make this event a success.
The event took off with the oldies performing to their potential and making a statement that they too can be a part this format. The teams fought their way to dominate the league and make themselves secure for the top four spots. While Rajasthan Royals were playing to defend their title, last year’s bottom team Deccan Chargers was playing to gain their respect. This year’s IPL saw a close battle for the semifinal spot and the surprise element of the event was Royal Challengers who came back under the captaincy of Anil Kumble (Jumbo) to take the semifinal berth and also make it to the finals of the event though eventually facing a defeat to the Deccan Chargers.
Once again an Australian captain Adam Gilchrist taking command of Deccan Chargers accomplishment the mission IPL’09 for his team, (last year it was Shane Warne for Rajasthan Royals, hopefully next is Hayden’s turn). The old guns have fired again and have set records, (Hayden- the highest run getter and Gilchrist – fastest 50 runs). No matter how the teams may have performed this year but IPL did get a global recognition and next year this event is promises to be even better and entraining.
Well, 5th June brings us the T20 world cup, so watch out for the Indian Squad which will come on the field to defend its tiltle……… See u all in England.