Kaka - World Footballer of the Year

Kaka - Footballer of the Year

As expected, Kaka beat Messi and Ronaldo to this year's title of World Footballer of the Year. Kaka, already proclaimed the European player of the Year, played an important role in AC Milan's Champions League triumph, scoring 10 goals. He has been a significant player for Brazil as well. Here is a footballer who is a devout Christian, does not revel in night outs or parties, and is a true idol for aspiring footballers throughout the world. Also, he was terrific for AC Milan and inspired them to the World Club Cup win over Boca Juniors, scoring one goal and providing 2 assists in their 4-2 victory.

AC Milan - World Club Champions

I am sure we would see more of Messi and Ronaldo in the coming years. The Champions League and the Euro Championships provides a great platform for Ronaldo, who is determined to win one of the major awards next season. What better way to achieve that than helping ManUtd win this season's CL and EPL title?

Milan in Seventh Heaven

Milan won their 7th European Cup, and how sweet it was for the Rossenieri! They had their revenge over Liverpool at the Greek Olympic Stadium, and were finally able to bury their shocking memory of the loss against the same opponents two years back at Istanbul. If one person deserves the trophy more than anyone else, it has to be Captain 'Marvelous' Maldini, who did a terrific job yet again, defying his age. Congrats Milan! A Greek tragedy for the Kop!

Marvelous Maldini

InSane Siro

In one of the best displays in recent years of the Champions League, AC Milan destroyed a tired and jaded ManU. AC Milan put up a great show of possession football and made it look so easy against the top English team. Meanwhile Chelsea faltered at Anfield in a match that was devoid of much excitement, except for the penalties. Just proves teams with rested players play a lot better, and fatigue catches up for some teams after a certain point of time, as it happened for ManU and Chelsea.
Best Players in the Semis -> Kaka, Rooney, Gattuso, Gerrard
Worst Players in the Semis -> Lampard, Heinze, Ronaldo

I think Kaka has pipped Ronaldo for the European and probably even World Player of the Year awards. Kaka has been awesome this season, especially in Europe but then his team's performance in Serie A does not invoke much praise.

La Liga is very close this season. Just one point separates the top 3 - Barca, Real and Sevilla. With in-form Real playing Sevilla this season, things should hot up this weekend.

In Seventh Heaven

What a response by ManU after two consecutive losses! A 7-1 thrashing of Roma in one of the most attacking displays ever in the knockout stages of the Champions League takes ManU to the semifinal meeting with AC Milan and gives them a chance to gain revenge after losing to them 2 years back in the 2nd round stage. Carrick played one of his best ever games in a ManU jersey and I will be surprised if Ronaldo does not win the player of the year honors this year.

A perfect year for English football with 3 teams in the semifinals. Chelsea have a chance to gain revenge over Liverpool and the chance of an all-England Final is pretty good. I have a feeling Chelsea will have their revenge mainly due to their resilience but then Rafa is a master at European games. Now then, who will have the last laugh?

Dream Theatre

ManU regained their 6-point lead after a comeback 4-1 win against Blackburn, while Chelsea scraped to a 1-0 win away at Watford. The Gunners were thrashed 4-1 by Liverpool at Anfield, while relegation candidates Charlton and West Ham managed crucial wins. The relegation battle is getting really interesting and there is a danger that Villa, Fulham might get sucked into it.

The next round of the Champions League starts today after a long break. Milan could only manage a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich at the San Siro while Liverpool scored three away at PSV. ManU plays Roma tomorrow while Chelsea take on Morientes-Valencia.

A few things I couldn't help notice...

Mascherano doing well at Liverpool proving yet again that he's a great midfielder - shows it's just that Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley were incapable of handling such a top performer! But then, these are English managers, aren't they?

Real Madrid and Barca clashing yet again, this time off the field, for ManU's Cristiano Ronaldo. But apparently, Real is not willing to pay 50 million pounds, when they could splurge close to 50 million on a comparitively older Zidane in 2001.

Roma making too many noises about Ronaldo and diving! Italians talking about diving - now there's something you seldom come across!

Flamini is not happy being on the bench and wants to leave Arsenal and play in the first-team. Something to think about for Silvestre and Darren Fletcher!

Roy Keane-managed Sunderland's unbeaten run in the Championship this year sees them close to the automatic promotion place. 6 more good games and perhaps, we can see Sir Alex and his former protege clashing on the sidelines next year. Roy Keane at Old Trafford in the away bench...that's something no ManU fan would have dreamt of.

European Nights - The Misery and the Ecstacy

Not a great week of European action for me. ManU lost at Copenhagen thanks to triple injury blow. During last weekend against Bolton, they started with their best XI players after a long long time and we saw how they demolished the Trotters. A few injuries now and ManU are in a limp! That's where Chelsea scores over ManU with their strength in squad depth. However, it wasn't a pretty sight at the Nou Camp with cards being dished out to every other player. Well, seeing Mourinho's celebrations, one would think his team won at the Nou Camp. Relax Jose, it was only a draw and there's still a long way to go. Btw, Real won thanks to a freakish own goal and qualified.

The only consolation for me was AC Milan's performance and the fact that they have almost qualified. If only they can reproduce their European form in Serie A too! They are nearly 14 points behind leaders Inter!

Arsenal...my god! how many chances must they have missed?? They kept hounding CSKA's goal, missed so many sitters that no wonder the crowds became distraught. Their group has become so evenly poised now!

The next round of matches should be really exciting now. Teams that have qualified include Bayern Munich, Valencia, Liverpool, PSV Eidhoven, Lyon, Real Madrid.

Questions to ponder...
Can Chelsea be beaten in Europe this season?
Who should ManU sign during this winter transfer window if they have to succeed both in EPL and in Europe?