Notes on Barca's victory

For once, Alex Ferguson was not really scowling when he left. At least he had a smile on his lips when he greeted Pep. He knew he had witnessed the beautiful game. It is hard to be upset when you have witnessed one of the most beautiful displays of football ever.

Of course it was not 90 minutes of Barca domination. ManU shone for brief moments. I really liked Park's tenacity, especially in the first half and if you had seen the first half, you could have been forgiven for harbouring the notion that ManU were up to it. There will be enough people harping over ball possession. That is illusory. Remember what Jose did to Barca last year. Even then, Barca had more than 2/3rd possession. But last year was last year. This year we kicked him in the teeth and that when he had Ronaldo playing for him, no less.

A good coach (as a memorable podcast on NPR discussed) does 3 things - improves the player, improves the team and improves the game. Remember Maradona (the suckiest coach in football despite perhaps the greatest player of all time) had Messi, Tevez, Di Maria, Higuain, Aguero and Milito!

It was like watching origami in water. It was clear Messi would be marked and ManU did well. Slowly but surely, Barca created their alternative game around Pedro, Xavi, Iniesta. Once Pedro fired, ManU had to release its grip and the game opened up. Then Messi showed us why we don't have to die with any regret about Argentina losing the previous WC despite having the best lineup ever. The game is bigger than any trophy including this one. The short passes that Barca uses makes for a mesmerizing display of tactics. While Rooney and his peers made long runs to be caught offside frequently, the Barca side didn't ever focus on one player. And after Messi scored, he was back to his familiar role, controlling the ball. And without a hint of jealousy that perhaps dogs most other top teams, Messi was clearly celebrating the goal of David Villa like some schoolboy who had been allowed on to the field! I guess such team dynamics help. I saw at least one run from Nani wherein he could have passed to Rooney to his right but he chose to take the strike which landed safely in Valdez's hands.

Barca added the icing on their cake even with their substitutions, bringing on Puyol with 3 mins to go (3 were added later). And Puyol generously let the captain's arm band go to Abidal, the man who has returned in nothing short of a miracle to not just playing football but the UCL final. And Abidal was finesse personified. Have you seen his legs? They are like a distance runner's - not an ounce of brawny muscle, just lean strength. I was almost moved to tears when Abidal was allowed to lift the trophy. If there are egos on this team, I guess one will need to get each of them drunk with a UCL cup worth of liquor each to see it. They are more like schoolboys on a trip having fun. And the silent work of Piquet in defence didn't go unnoticed by me either. If I go on, I will have to list every player but that's how good the team was. ManU showed why they are the top team in EPL by making steals which in any other game would have led to goals. Barca shrugged off all such moves and played like the champions they are.

Joga Bonito