Thursday, May 22, 2008

Champions of Europe!

Champions of Europe 2008


The Manchester United's starting eleven


They've done it again!

Manchester United wins the UEFA Champions League final in Moscow, beating Chelsea 6-5 on penalty. The score tied at 1-1 after 120 minutes of play. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a beautiful header and Frank Lampard equalised for Chelsea at the stroke of half time. In a game of four halves, Manchester United dominated in the first half of normal regulation time, only to be bossed around by Chelsea in the second half. Both teams had enough opportunity to win the game early on, but a mixture of luck, wonderful goalkeeping and woodwork kept the score 1-1, before penalty shoot-out was required. A few ugly scenes took place, which saw eight yellow cards to brandished (four for each side) and Didier Drogba ordered off the pitch to have an early bath.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed his penalty kick and it was left to John Terry to score the final Chelsea's penalty to win the title. He kicked wide and the penalty shoot-out proceeded to sudden-death penalty kicks. Manchester United converted their two penalty kicks, until Edwin van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka's penalty kick to be Manchester United's hero.




The hero of the night saving Nicolas Anelka's penalty kick,
which won the title for Manchester United.


The trophy was collected appropriately by Ryan Giggs and the captain of the evening's Manchester United team, Rio Ferdinand. The team was led by Sir Bobby Charlton, whose colourful history with Manchester United goes as far back as the 1950's. It was a nice gesture to see Manchester United formed a guard of honour for Chelsea as they went to pick up their losers' medals, but the gesture was not reciprocated.

Glory, Glory Man United! Champions of England! Champions of Europe!!

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