Stade de France
Sending off of Jens Lehmann, a rare goal from Sol Campbell, 2 excellent finishes in 5 minutes were the main highlights of this year’s 51st European Cup Final. Being a neutral fan, I felt that this was to be one of the matches that I cannot miss, featuring 2 teams that perhaps play the most entertaining football at this moment in time. Arsenal started well, with 2 good chances falling to skipper Henry. On the stroke of 20 mins, Eto’o latched on to a through pass, only to be denied illegally by Lehmann in a 1 on 1 situation. To me, it was a clear sending off as Lehmann, being the last man, caught Eto’o late, but I am absolutely puzzled why the referee didn’t allow play to go on, when Guily invitingly put the ball into the empty net. My sympathy goes to Pires, who was sacrifised in the tactical change, and would perhaps play his last game for the Gunners.
Arsenal did well to take the lead through Sol Campbell’s header from a Henry free kick, though Eboue was clearly seen to fall upon minimal contact, which won the free kick in the first place. This lead was preserved till the 76th min, when Eto’o again pounced on to a clever pass from Larsson to beat the keeper at his near post. One must marvel at the tactical substitutions made by Frank Rijkaard, with Larsson the provider of the 2 goals, Iniesta dictating play, and Belletti the provider of the winning goal. I also want to give credit to Ljungberg, who was running tirelessly throughout the evening. Deep down I was really hoping for a dramatic equaliser, but I guessed it would require some magical effort in the form of Steven Gerrard’s long range drive in the recently concluded FA Cup Final.
Last year was the year we witnessed Liverpool doing the impossible. This year is the year when the best team won. It was a sweet moment when Henry was seen cuddling Guily’s son on camera afer the match. Perhaps he would have more opportunites to do so when he ends up at the Nou Camp at the start of next season? LOL.
