Words really don't do justice the Liverpool team of tonight's victory in the Champions League final. 3-0 down at half-time, most would have written their chances of winning. It would have been a brave man putting on a bet at William Hill for them to win after 45 minutes. Brave, or lacking in sense. But they came onto the pitch, and they battled their hearts out, and clawed back those three goals. And when it came to the moments that mattered - the inevitable penalty shoot-out - they showed the true class and grit that has pushed them, round after round, through this competition. Dudek's antics on the goal-line were sensational, both in the match itself (denying two shots from Shevchenko with incredible reaction saves) and in the shoot-out, where he emulated Grobelaar's 1984 wobbly-legs shenanigans and added his own flapping style to put off Serginho. Awesome stuff. Will Steven Gerrard stay? He hinted at it...what can Chelsea offer that Benitez can't provide? One season, one European cup. If the lad has sense, he'll be staying put. The only Special One is the one currently residing at Anfield. And we (permanently) have the trophy to prove it. Will UEFA let Liverpool defend the trophy next season? How can they not? The competition would become a mockery if the winners couldn't try to hold on to their title as European Champions. I'm sure something will get thrashed out, Mr. Blatter is unpopular enough already without having another mauling by the English press (and fans) to deal with.
An exhausting night, but a memorable one. I'm glad I stayed in to watch the match. Liverpool seem to do better when I don't go to the pub. I was in when we beat Alaves 5-4 for the Cup Winners Cup, and I was out when Liverpool lost to Chelsea in the Carling Cup. Superstitions are build on such coincidences. For those that don't get spammed with this stuff, I'll share with you some more coincidences for the curious:
1978:- Liverpool won the European Cup.
- Wales won the Grand Slam
- The Pope died.
1981:- Liverpool won the European Cup.
- Prince Charles married.
- There was a new Doctor Who.
- Ken and Deidre from Coronation Street married.
- Norwich and Crystal Palace got relegated.
- Liverpool won 17 games and came 5th in the league.
2005:- Liverpool won the European Cup.
- Wales won the Grand Slam
- The Pope died.
- Prince Charles married.
- There was a new Doctor Who.
- Ken and Deidre from Coronation Street married.
- Norwich and Crystal Palace got relegated.
- Liverpool won 17 games and came 5th in the league.
Also, every European Cup victory for Liverpool has been them in red playing the opposition in white. Guess what colours the teams wore tonight...
I love stuff like this. It's so subjective, but so fascinating.
You'll never walk alone. Not on today's streets, anyway.
Sweet dreams.
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