This victory tasted Bitter!!

8th April, 2010.

For a Manchester United supporter, the word BELIEVE contained a huge importance. Yes we were being written off by pundits and other soccer laureates. But like always we BELIEVE. And so I did.

The night of the famous '99 was ringing in, Bayern Munich players breaking down after an elevated United handed them defeat at the stroke of full time. Revenge was up for grabs and Munich were set to play down United.

Last weeks first leg, United were on the brink of earning a respectable draw, but some sloppy defending and Bayern were leading 2-1 going into the final leg. Rooney limped of the pitch with a twisted ankle and speculated a 3 week lay off for our talisman.

But WE as United supporters always quote, we play as a TEAM and not a lone battle. And we did. A loss to Chelsea this weekend, a big blow to our title hopes, our heads were down. And all this to an additional player named OFFSIDE! But that was history.

Theater of Dreams, the mecca of English soccer lit up to a whopping 60,00 plus fans. I was surfing the web, when I read a friends status message on Facebook which said,'Rooney starts the game!!' My joy knew no bounds when I saw Rooney walk down to play the game. But I was apprehensive about the fact that he wasn't a 100%, I thought United were risking him.

The match kicked off. My dad and me watching the game, I promptly asked him,"So whose your money on??" My dad as always with his sarcastic reply,"The men in Black are snatching it!!" (I don't know why he always does that to me??) I had a impulsive feeling that a United mid-fielder was going to break the shackles, and yes this feeling turned into reality. Darren Gibson was handed a rare start and he proved why he is regarded as the best possible surrogate to take over from Paul Scholes. 3 minutes into the match and Gibson scored a sweet curler to hand United a lead. The score stood 2-2 on aggregate. The game was firmly in United's favor and pressure was on the Germans. They looked lackluster and were gifting possession to the Devils. The pressure mounted until it was too difficult for Hitler's boys to handle. Rooney picked up Valencia on the flanks and a typical wingers cross, he spotted Nani who flicked it past Butt. I was up on cloud nine.

United 2 goals to Bayern's nothing and the Roma encounter reminisced, where United thrashed them with 7 goals. But the perfect script started to seem a little imbalanced when Rooney started limping again. The chance that United took wasn't paying dividend as The White Pele hardly looked in the match. But despite this, United pulled another goal. Valencia provided another one for Nani and he blasted the net. United were 3 goals up and on their way to a third consecutive Semi-final.

The Germans had other ideas. They kept pressing for an equalizer and last weeks story was repeated. Mediocre defending, this time by Carrick and Bayern were back with Olic who timed it past a helpless Van der Saar. Half-time United still in control 3-1 up and 4-2 on aggregate.

At half-time, I really thought United would shift gears and go for the kill. They looked like doing so but this just wasn't our night. The Germans tactics of asking for a card for every tackle that United plunged on them was bearing fruits when Rafael was red-carded for pulling Ribery. The French mid-fielder romped towards the referee demanding a card and so the young Brazilian was sent-off. United were dissolved to 9 and a half men with Rafael out and Rooney in bad shape. Here Fergie could've played his cards right and brought in Berba for Rooney. Instead he called off Wayne and played O'Shea as the right-back. United a forged attacking side now stuck to defending. Nani had a glorious chance to complete his hat-trick, but failed and this was coming to haunt United.

The tide of the game now shifted towards Bayern with Ribery and Robben attacking the flanks, United men behind the half-line. The attacking behavior was destroyed and I was fuming with anger. 16 minutes from the full-time whistle, Bayern were handed a corner. Ribery squared the ball and picked Robben, and United hearts broke. The Dutch mid-fielder singled out the corner and slammed the ball past the United keeper.

The score now stood 4 goals all. But the disheartening away goals rule meant United were knocked off. My heart cried, my tears told the story, a dejected United faithful that I was. My momma while watching the United and Munich match highlights said,"Your team is going down, it's time you change your priorities!!" I told her,"I'd rather stop watching soccer than think of even supporting any other club!!!" Chin up Boys, we played a tough game and I am proud I am a United fanatic!! Devil Till I Live!!

Red Devil!!

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Messi-ah!!

7th April, 2010.

The much awaited day was here. Nou Camp the stage, Barcelona and Arsenal players the cast. Couldn't have written a better script. After the controversial end to last weeks breath-taking piece of display by Barca, it was all for them to take away and mark their supremacy on why they are associated as THE GOD'S of the Modern Soccer World!

The return leg was a tough ask for the Men-in-White (3rd Kit). No Fabregas, no Arshavin - this game was sure to make them sweat. For Barca, they were without Puyol, who was red-carded relentlessly, Pique after he picked up a yellow was unavailable for the return leg. So it was a make-shift back four for Barca and ditto for Arsenal who had to make changes in the central line-up.

Arsenal were the odd favorites here, but yes they were determined. To my amazement and the Gooners, Barca cut-shot their expectation theory. What the world saw was an absolutely dazzling display of pure soccer acuteness by the Catalans, the same they showed last week.

First 20 minutes down, the possession meter was 73 to Barca and 27 to Arsenal. I was sure the men in purple were on a rampage. I flipped channels knowing this match was hands-down in Barcelona's favor. But when I switched back, the lanky Denmark man had scored (Hail St. Bendtner..Another fumbled finish!!) He put Gunners ahead and there was definitely some light at the end of the tunnel.

But as they say all good stories must come to an end, and yes Arsenal's joy was short-lived. What time was it?? It was the Messi-ah's time to showcase one of the finest exhibition of soccer anybody has seen lately. Lionel Messi tore apart Arsenal just three minutes after they scored. Scores leveled, aggregate 3-3.

Everytime that Messi touched the ball, he seemed to score with every opportunity. And so he did. A beautiful display of pure genius and Messi scored 3 within the first 45. What looked like the road to recovery was now a downhill ascend for the Gunners. Messi recorded a four goal thrashing, only the sixth man to join the elite class of players who have scored four in a European game.

An absolute genius at class and a team deserving to win, Barcelona stamped their authority on the European frontier. And as they say, "When God wants to play, all you can do is either sit or applaud!!" And applaud I did to the Catalan Giants!!

DEVIL FOR LIFE!!!


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Robbery at the Emirates!!

Arsenal against the Catalan Giants was a match I really thought I wouldn't want to watch. But to my amazement me and my sister sat, glued to watch them play, my sis being in two minds, which cutie to support, Fabregas or Messi. (ME=Barcelona!!)

The match being at the Emirates was an advantage to the Gunners and with the news of their Captain Marvel 100% fit, added more to their hopes of taking a first leg lead. But Barca made it look so simple (NO WONDER THEY ARE REGARDED AS THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD!!). They had the maximum possession all through the game (First half, 39-71 in Barca's favor!) and it was clear who the dominant force was. Ibrahimovic, Xavi and Pedro all coming close to scoring, but up stood Almunia, the Salvager (Last weeks Easter gift to Birmingham was still fresh in his mind). He pulled, what I can say was the best performance by a keeper off late. 0-0 stood the score at the first 45.

At the commencement of the second, when I saw the Arsenal body-language, it depicted as if they had bowed down to the Euopean Champions, walking tamely down the field. Barca on the other hand came all guns blazing and yes the first half pressure finally paid off.

Gerrard Pique, the ex-Manchester United man (Wonder why Fergie let him go??), put a cutting looped pass that tore the Arsenal defense, and Ibra finished it with a neat lob over Almunia. There was nothing the keeper could do about it. The Catalan Giants put on the accelerator and were on the score sheet again, another from the Swedish striker, finishing off a brilliant ball through Pedro. Scoreline :- Arsenal 0-2 Barcelona.

Though I am a United faithful, there is one thing I admire about Arsene's boys, they have tremendous fighting spirit, they just don't give up. I guess that is what makes them Arsenal!! (Yeah this coming from a RED DEVIL, will sure seem an amazement, but soccer is what WE admire!!)

Wenger then used his trump card and bought THE-OOOO!!! Walcott joined Nasri and Fabregas in the mid-field and with his first touch, almost provided a ball to Bendtner, but Valdes picked it clean. Nicklas Bendtner had a super opportunity to draw blood. He met Clichy's cross decently but hit it straight to Valdes who made a fair save. Barca still with the lead.

With the England coach in the stands, Walcott sure must've wanted to make a mark on the game, and so he did. A nicely waited ball by the lanky Denmark striker to THEO and a nice little cut-through finish. Arsenal reduced the deficit to just one goal. :(

Though Barca had the major possession, it was Arsenal who were up and gung-ho. The referee (He seemed a Devil in Black), was lashing cards after cards and produced one for Cesc, who unfortunately misses the next match!! But that didn't stop him from making a mark. A delicate chip by Eboue, Bendtner tapped it into Fabregas's feet. Here the story took a turn. What looked to be a penalty, wasn't one, as Fabregas's feet tangled between his counter-Captain's legs and the referee(The poorest official  I've seen till now), pointed to the spot. What was more silly, he showed a red card to Carles Puyol. Up stepped the young Arsenal torch-bearer and with his trademark right-cornered shot, he drew level (Of course he didn't celebrate against his boy-hood club..RESPECT!!)

What looked like a mauling by Barca now stood an EARNED draw for the Gunners!! (But yes, Barca were robbed off their victory!!) (PLEASE DON'T KILL ME FOR THIS, YOU GOONERS!!)

But nevertheless, all to play for next week with the return leg, Arsenal without their Captain and ditto for Barcelona. I hope there is no theft this time (Appoint some brainy officials UEFA!!)

DEVIL FOR LIFE!!!

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Allianz Arena sings MUNCHEN Anthem!!

30th March,2010.

It was about 12.15 and I was busy searching for my United shirt (The last time I wore it, United wearied Liverpool!!). As the whistle blew for the start of the first Q/F encounter between Bayern Munchen and Manchester United, I kissed the badge with my favorite thump,"GO WIN IT FOR US!!" It was a fantastic weekend for the Red Devils, thrashing Bolton with four. Coming into the Champions League, United looked a strong unit, thanks to the sound news of ROO-NALDO and the $29.1m defender, RIO.

The game started bright for United. Nani winning a free kick inside the first minute, he took the ball in his stride to deliver a cross(I wonder why he does that, his balls don't even rise above the waistline). But to my amazement, the ball struck Olic on its way and laid straight to Rooney, who quietly finished it with his left. Demichilis who was man -marking with his ZORRO MAsk was left red-faced!! One up with 88 minutes,plus added time to go. Fletcher switched places and started attacking from the left. He played a superb left-footer for Rooney who slammed it against the Bayern keeper. This miss was sure going to haunt us.

What happened after that was sheer class shown by, unn unn... Bayern Munchen. United switched off after scoring, and as Mr. Clive Tyldesley promptly says in FIFA,"They have to concentrate and consolidate their lead!!", it seems words to United. They lacked concentration, lacked focus and just weren't any better.Bayern had the majority of the possession right throughtout and it was showing when Olic tried to pull one back with a brilliant shot. Hamit Altintop had a great game for Bayern and was almost on the scoresheet after his twists and turns had United defenders in a swirl. But Van Der Saar was upto it. He pulled some terrific saves to keep the lead intact. United went into the break with a crucial away goal.

Another 45 minutes with one goal and United would've taken that, but it was not to be. Bayern constantly played a pressing game and had numerous shots on target. Van Der Saar needed some help from his defenders. Balls flying from one flank to another, awesome crosses, fullbacks running through United defence, Bayern were all over. This compression was sure to bore results.

Captain charismatic, or I should call him foolish today, RED-NEV stopped the ball with his hands, gifting Munchen an unwanted free-kick. Up stepped Ribery and what happened was disastrous for me and for all United fans. The free-kick wasnt by any means the best, but it struck the heel of Rooney and flew to the right of Van der Saar...Arrrgghh...1-1..Was damn frustrating!!

Bayern constantly kept attacking while United were busy finding ways to stop them. Coming to the end of the game, United looked to salvage a decent draw, despite their below average performance. But this was not to be. Evra(God knows what he was trying to do), was busy fiddling with the ball, when Olic - who was undoubtedly my man-of-the-match - took it away from him, beating Ferdinand and smartly finishing it.  __________________ My beats went, we lost the match. And to make matters worse, Rooney limped off after twisting his ankle.

To sum it up - "God was a Bayern Munchen adherent tonight"

(Hitler must be mighty pleased with his German brigade!! \m/)

Still a RED DEVIL!!


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They came, they painted the town RED!!!

Saturday, 27th March, 2010

After an exhausting game of Cricket, I was heading home when a pal of old caught my sight. He was jumping with joy singing anthems(not national of course) and yes teasing me. Well he is no MAD-MAn, but a Gooner (GUNNER). Arsenal were playing Birmingham that day while my team, Manchester United (GGMU) were up against Bolton Wanderers. The reason he was so ecstatic was that he heard experts saying,"The White Pele is being rested!!" Yeah, he was referring to Mr. Wayne Rooney. He was so confident about Arsenal knocking Birmingham with at least half a dozen goals and United not being at their best without their prolific goal scorer.

I reached home pretty late and swiched on to watch the Arsenal game. Nasri opening the scoring, I bet my amigo was high with confidence. But yes as they say,"The match is not over until the final whistle is blown!!" And so it proved. Almunia made a horrendous error and gifted a goal to the BLUE's, Arsenal droppping 2 points straight. And yes, no guesses to who was filled with bliss.. (heheaahahaha!!!)

United played Bolton at the Reebok later and I was glued to the TV. Not watching Rooney play was a little let-down feeling since he had scored the majority of the goals this season for us(33 to be precise). Berbatov was the lone striker up front and I was a little surprised, perhaps apprehensive, Fergie opted to play him alone.

Bolton started brightly and United were gifting possession every now and then. This was a tad frustrating to see players who have won three straight league titles playing a lacklustre game. Elmander had a shot on target but Van Der Saar is not a keeper to be beaten on the near post. The best chance fell to Muamba who took a slap-shot that Van Der Saar (The Saviour) tapped out. I must say to watch a 40 year old make such brilliant saves is an encouragement for us youngsters. Vidic, was leading a lone defensive army and was an absolute  joy to watch (He is one Serbian Boxer, up for action anytime!)

The omen at Bolton had to come through Samuels who beat his own keeper trying to clear the ball. (I wonder what was he doing when he placed the ball straight into the corner!! Who cares, we were up!!)

Half-time report, Andrew Leci threw a question at Steve Macmohan,"Do you think United are missing a little bit extra effort??" "They are missing a little Rooney!!" Pop came the answer from Macca! I couldnt stop laughing at this. Yeah we were missing him, but United isn't a name for individuals but a TEAM!!

Second half, United must have got a sound hearing from the Scottish Magician. No wonder they put up a show. Nani, with his poor run of form for many-a-years has been playing some memorable games and yes he provided two brilliant balls, one for Berbatov and another for Gibson who was a late substitute. "Berba-king-tov" scored two and was at his best, the same he was at White Hart Lane.

Bolton were thrashed a whopping 4 goals to nil by the team they call UNITED (And not Man U)!!

And yes with this win, United were back to where they belong - TOP OF THE TABLE!!!   

Glory Glory Man Utd, Red Devil for life!!!

--get up, recognize others too--

The die-hard cricket fanatics would definitely applaud me when i say this "There is sport as big as the "Lamb Dand Gol Pind Dharpakad Pratiyogita"...yeah yeah...even i did to an extent...In an average Indians growing years two things have a huge part to play - Studies and Cricket..(you can change the degree of importance if you want)..

Okay, agreed India won the World Cup in 1983..did all that they could to get to the 2003 finals..won the T20 World Cup...they have achieved quite a lot,,,...But its time we look towards somethings which are equally important..



Bhaichung Bhutia (Naam toh suna hi hoga...), the Famous Indian soccer-raider won the Nehru Cup in August... The tournament came into limelight only after there was a buzz that India was in the finals...Next day FAcebook, yahoo, gmail, rediff...all had Bhutia's pictures with the Trophy in hand....this continued for a good 3-4 days (Thats the best that we can hail other sports), but later as always ..a deafening silence..

Cricket sure is a good game..no pun intended ..but hey why dun we look at a brighter picture??? arent other sports as equally important?? Just coz Vijender Singh bagged a bronze at the Olympics people started recognizing Boxing....Jst coz Saina Nehwal won a major tournament thats why we applaud Badminton..

Indian sports authorities..you guys are good but hey if you want to be the best then please for once "WAKE UP GUYS"..its time for a change...and it is to be here..

Its just as the old saying goes : "For Deaf to hear you need a Blast"...ok let this blast produce somthing good for the country and not mere "INDIVIDUALS" only..

But but but...i wonder when will this even happen..

From Nowhere --- to Somewhere..

Okay..i have to give due credits to a handful of people who actually got a Fat-ass like me to start doing something productive.. 1st..Blogger...man ..i always wanted to be on the List..but yeah ..the so called Procrastination always played a tag -team match with me... 2nd Facebook for getting so many acquaintances..who are so into writing all da time..and last but certainly not the least.. My new friend Jharna - ...yeah yeah...its her post thats made me do this...(I've always had this thing..if HE/She can do..why can't I??)

So here i am..at least a start ...to do something that i always wanted to do...BE FAMOUS...haha...no jokes...but i guess blogging is something that i had heard about on Tv's...Mr.Bacchan, SRK..Aamir...all writing their own blogs,,,calling each other "DOGS'..."BITCHES"..and what not..It made me feel that this isnt my piece of cake...and that only people from the Monarchical and Hierarchical family tree had the write to TYPE-IT-DOWN..(sorry Penning is out..)... But me and my ignorance..always go hand-in-hand..

Blogging i guess is the GEN Y thingee these days...Me and my amigo had always planned to do something like dis..but for many reasons than one,,, we end up doing nothing but warming our..YOU KNOW IT...haha!!!!

"With a hope of a new start, i put my thoughts together,
With a smile I pray that I get comments from all over"

haha...PEACE!!!!