Champions League Final: Arsenal 1-2 FC Barcelona (FULL TIME)
 

If anything this could prove to be the start of a good summer for Ronaldinho, who will have his first chance to show the American public exactly what he's made of before the World Cup begins in two weeks. All in all, this should be a great match, of course.

Mate, I can confidently say that American football fans already know how talented Ronaldinho is.

That Nike advert with him as a child is absolutely jaw dropping. I really hope to see Arsenal get a 5-0 drubbing tonight.

Ok, as a diehard Gunners fan, I'm offended by that. However, as a HUGE Ronaldinho/Deco fan... go Barca.

Also, soccer adverts are always the best. The one you're talking about, the Joga Bonito ads... fuck those are nice shoes. I bought a pair for the mini-worldcup we play here locally. They are like running on a cloud, and my crosses were hair perfect. Lovely boots.

Haha fucking seconded, scummy Arsenal. Also Ill be 50 notes up if Barca win tonight.

Oh and ignore Ronaldinho, he is good but he shouldnt be crowned the best player in the world. In all honesty, I really do think Henry is a far better player. He is the complete package and you will not find a better player anywhere.

Yea, but Henry is so spotty. I mean, I'm a huge Gunners fan (mostly because, well... fuck Man U) but Henry will be on fire one game, and then play like a fucking American the next.

I'm cheering for Arsenal tonight; because I think Barcelona can win next year (hehe!) and because Germany's only participant (Lehmann) is part of this awesome team =D

What? we can't play soccer that well??? gee... i don't think the Canadians made it to the World Cup did they???? hm...... nope.
Yes, there's not a huge stand-out American player like Henry, Ronaldinho, or Liverpool's Gerrard but don't count us out so early chief. We MIGHT surprise some people this summer.....

Now only if we can switch brackets w/another country....

HAHA....err I think its because Arsenal are a little too reliant on Henry, when he doesn't function the whole team doesn't function either, but Febregas is coming along nicely. Its a shame with Bergkamp and the Champions League I feel, because he's afraid of flying he doesn't see much Champions League football. (Although I'm sure he made the trip by ferry or train tonight)


I just think it should be Barcelona and Ronaldinho who should win it for all the magic he has shown us this season, at times where literally the opposion themelves have just stood there in awe and bumusement.

Now then you mention it

ROOOOOOOONEY

Mate, I live in Canada. I'm not from Canada. And also, I've seen your team. It's pretty easy when you buy out other players with citizenship and large contracts. And no, you won't surprise anyone. Sorry. Stick to your ladies team. They're pretty good.

Go Arsenal!!

(Liverpool fan, but I always support the English teams in European competitions unless they're playing another English side)

Rooney will be AWESOME on one foot, no doubt. Also, great striker. I won't deny that. The man is magic with a little space. And yea, Arsenal is WAY too dependant on Henry. The thing about the Gunners is that I've loved them for years (I'm a London boy) but I don't like this incarnation of the team too much. Too poncey not enough guts.

They need another Tony Adams, a Guttuso from Milan or a Roy Keane like figure that Manchester Utd had. They are not men you mess with unless you like not having any teeth left.

There were times literally where Jaap Stam used to clothes line forwards when he played in defence for Manchester United. Arsenal just need a bit of muscle, Alan Hansen has sad it on many occasions and its true when you really get into Arsenal physically they can't cope and many teams have spotted that.

I loved Jaap Stam, many. That guy is fucking crazy. You know who I think they should bring back? Vinnie Jones. There. I said it.

He was like an axe murder let loose on the football field.

I fucking love Vinnie Jones. I'd put him on the pitch. Especially after seeing Mean Machine. I'd also put Statham out there, too. Helluva keeper.

I'm deffo rooting for Arsenal on this one, mainly because I support any English team in Europe.

Got their work cut out for them though. Barca's a fooking tough team. Still, should be a good match.

Yea, my money would be on Barca, though my heart lies with the Gunners.

I feel robbed in a way because I really wanted to see an AC Milan and Barcelona final, easily the 2 best teams in the world. (Juve cheated to win Serie A).

I must say though the last two English finalists (Liverpool & Man utd) really have given us that magic, I suppose its not a good omen for the opposition. But for the pleasure and brilliance Ronaldinho has given us this year he deserves that cup.

Oh shit why is Venables doing the analysis for ITV T_T he just did the worst impression of Wenger I've ever seen (He sounded more like Hitler).

Says the Englishman...

Screw that I support Manchester United. (And Bolton Wanderers, oh the shame).

If Wenger goes for man on man marking Ronaldinho will run circles round him, they need a team effort. But consolation for Arsenal is that with Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole back they have a solid defence

watch If Arsenal lose, Henry is straight off to Barcelona, there I said it.

Double Post:
Anybody care to hazard a guess before the game starts???

For me 2-1 Baracelona (Ronaldinho and Eto for Barca, and Henry for Arsenal)

The first goal is the all important one though.

Also can somebody tell me why Colo Toure looks like Carlton from Fresh Prince of Bel Air?

2-2, Barca wins on PKs. Ronaldinho pots the 2 for Barca, and Pires and Henry for Arsenal.

P.S., I liked the BARCA in the crowd. :)

OOOOOOOOOO good save.

Barcelona look nervous, Henry doesn't.

Nice save on Henry there...might tell us how this match will go for FCB's defense.

Henry wants to score, apparently.

3 man mark on Ronaldinho ouch.

The long balls to Guilly and Eto are wonderful.

Eto is running circles round Aboue.

Nervous sounds about right there, El Ray. Timid is another good one.

Double Post:
The refs are calling this loosely so far.

One or two obvious fouls and he hasn't blown.

Henry almost gave me my first correct goal to Pires. :(

Double Post:
Woo! An early red card to Jens Lehmann! :o

What the hell why the fuck did the referee not allow the advantage that was stupid, it should have been 1-0.

Hahaha Lehman hero to zero. That was a yellow card, Lehman may have been the last man but it was a genuine attempt at the ball.

All I can say is UH OH

Well thats the final pretty much ruined.

AND THEY'RE TAKING OUT PIRES???

There goes that prediction. :(

That was so so stupid by the referee not to allow the goal. So I guess what would Wenger prefer be a man down or a goal down?

What a silly challenge by Aboue, does he want to be sent off too?

And now it's going to get chippy. Yellow to Eboue.

Ouch Pires' face says it all. This was probably his last game for Arsenal.

Good omen for England though Ashley Cole is looking sharp.

Ronaldinho is playing a little too deep now.

Almunia is doing well with what little he's seen so far.

(Can't you get a card for diving?)

Double Post:
Nice little nutmeg by Eboue but follows it up with a dive.

LOL Campbell

Sol Campbell pots the header from the free kick off Henry. ASN 1-0 FCB

That was a beautiful move unlucky Eto.

EDIT: WHAT A SAVE.

This is the best chance Barcelona has had since the red card on Lehmann. Arsenal's defense has been very good in this first half.

Looks like Almunia got a hand to that shot by Eto'o. Almost made it worse...

Dear Barca Defense,

Thierry Who?

Sincerely,

Sol Campbell

Upon looking at it again Eboue dived for the free kick, Puyol hardly brushed past him, and he fell over.

Oh yea, absolute dive. Should never have been called. However, that being said...


GUNNERS GUNNERS GUNNERS

My comment about diving was well timed, since that "foul" happened just after I said it. I felt Eboue was diving again when he was whining about his knee, but these refs obviously aren't going to call a tight game, so.

Double Post:
Edmilson might've been hurt in the first half, but Iniesta will take his place either way.

Double Post:
Iniesta looks a little like Landon Donovan...

Double Post:
Henry gets a yellow for a fair tackle.

Thierry gets carded. Watch him get pissed and score a goal.

The rain is going to hurt play as well.

Ronaldinho: if you're going to score, do it now.

OH THANK CHRIST.

*exhales*

Not a good shot by Ronaldinho. But he'll get more chances with the one-man imbalance.

I think its going to be one of those nights where whatever Barcelona do they can't score.

EDIT:What the hell was that by Ronaldinho?

Also Handball.

Larsson in, van Bommel out.

The refereeing has been dreadful.

QFT. Barca will need to start pushing and get into traffic and see if the refs won't call some things.

GUNNERS GUNNERS GUNNERS

ETO WAS LIKE AN ASASSIN BOOM HEADSHOT!!!!!!!!!

Eto'o gets the equalizer!

GOD FUCKING DAMNIT.

BOOM HEADSHOT!!!

Still too close to call, Barcelona do not want penalties they have to finish it being one man up.

EDIT:

BOOOOOM FUCKING HEADSHOT 2-1.

Belletti!

And Almunia is going to be bummed.

I think its unlucky for Almunia he made some ace saves. Bear in mind he is a substitute, he probably didn't even think he would play in such a big final.

Damn Ronaldinho finish it with some magic.

*throws his pint glass at the television and says something about fucking cunts*

I bet there will be about 7 minutes of extra time due to the stopages and how long it took Henry to take 2 of the corners so at least 15 minutes left I reackon.

So still hope Deni.

BTW I did predict 2-1 :) Forget Barcelona, me for the win (Didn't get the scorers though)

THERE IS NO HOPE. HOPE IS DEAD. EBBING AWAY.

Like Eboue

ZOMG rhymes

EDIT: WTF only 3 minutes??

LOL look at Larsson.

DON'T MOCK MY PAIN.

Less time for the Gunners fans to organize a riot. ;)

Was that an explosion or a thunderclap?

Forget the French youth riots the Arsenal fans will leave Paris like a warzone. (Remember in Germany and Turkey people got stabbed ::Shudders:: )

Unlucky Arsenal you put up a decent fight though.

Henry is now gone, forget that new contract.

I HATE FRENCH PEOPLE. I HATE RONALDINHO. I HATE MYSELF. *SOBS*

Arsenal was robbed thanks to the refs though. Lehmann should not have been sent off, and once Barcelona drew blood they were sure to win.

I thought the referee was dreadful but I do not think he cost Arsenal the match as the referee could of easily given that goal instead of the red card in the first half.

Double Post:
LOL the referee's are getting jeered, whistled and booed.

HAHAHA

"HENRY DID THE BEST TEAM WIN?"

"NO, NO NO"

So what if he had given it though? Arsenal did score one, so if we're going by the deterministic principle here, then that means that Barca's two would have had a decent chance of being saved, better chance at any rate. With 10 outfield players, there were three Arsenal chances that could have been converted.

I say that Arsenal were the better side. The better side doesn't always win.

Ooo to quote Henry "play with the ref on their side", also "he was helping them"

I smell Fifa disciplinary action.

Personally I think the referee helped them when Eboue dived for the free kick for the first goal.

Actually it would be UEFA disciplinary action. :)

The ref was shite, but he wasn't biased. That's my honest opinion.

Actually FIFA usually step in and have a quiet word with either the FA or UEFA or take the issue themselves seeing as they are the supreme football body, and like with Jose Murinho FIFA have stepped to stop managers and players criticising the refs.

This is because what happened to Urs Myer after the England v Portugal match in 2004 where he was basically sent death threats in the tens of thousands.

All in all, it was a fair scoreline. Lehmann should not have been sent off (red card offence though it may have been, I don't think it should have been one) and advantage should have been played. Eboue dived, no doubt. In the end, Barcelona deserved to win and poor finishing from Henry didn't help.

Exactly! All the Arsenal fans should all pipe down. They were outplayed in most aspects of the game with Barca constantly pushing against the Arsenal defence.

Because they had ten men, you git. Did you see the beginning of the game? When the Gunners had a full roster, they were dominating.

I honestly don't think they were dominating that though. I'll hold my hand up though, somehow I forgot that Arsenal were down a man.

I'd say they were dominating. Thierry had several open looks (and, like I said, hit or miss player... he missed 'em) and Eto and Ronaldinho were kept way outside.

Arsenal did conceed a goal while at full strength though.

What? No they didn't, you git. Both goals came at the end of the game, when they were down a man.

I think he meant that goal which was disallowed.

Oh, but then my point would still stand that Arsenal was the aggressor early on. Letting in a goal, fine, but it was Barca's first goal scoring chance compared to Arsenal's fourth or fifth.

Yeah, maybe should've explained myself better. The bottom line is that Arsenal didn't deserve to win the match. Perhaps if Lehmann had stayed on and things had been different (which judging by the first 20 minutes they would have been) then Arsenal would have won and deservedly so. As it was, the goal they did get was from a dive and after Lehmann was sent off they were outplayed.

Oh, ok. That I won't argue with. They definitely pulled up lame when they went down a man.

Okay, first of all: The referee was a fucking waste of space, he should have given Barca that goddamn goal and leave Lehmann in game; red card and not counting the goal was just freaking inconsequent. This pretty much runied the entire game which then turned out to be one of the most boring CL finals I've ever watched (and I watched a lot!)

Well whatever, I was hoping Arsenal would win, but I guess it's okay this way. I just don't think it's fair to blame Lehmann for all of this, though. It wasn't really his fault, mainly the Gunner's defense was quite asleep when that all happened.

Its a tough call to make though. Lehamann clearly made the foul though, taking out the last player an' all.

Yes, but the referee should have counted the goal so that Lehmann would have gotten away with a yellow card instead of a red one, in my opinion.

I'm with Mushy. It basically killed the game. And after the stellar final we got last year. *sigh* Disappointments galore.

Well, if he calls the advantage, would there still be a card?

If he did, it would be for dangerous play and it'd be a yellow.

I didn't find the final to be all that bad, to be honest. Certainly not one of the best, but far from bad. hullo milan vs juve

It did get a bit boring though -- I was semi-drifting away (I have to watch my CL matches at 2~4 in the morning, live telecasts and all) just before Eto'o scored Barca's first. Thinking back, if he hadn't scored there it would probably have been Thierry Henry lifting the cup.

Whatever... at least this World Cup I don't really love any one team. All I can do is sit back and hope my Boy Zidane has a good showing. World Cup will make up for lousy Champions League. *sigh*

MATE, i have a tissue for your crying. boo-hoo....

Ladies team huh? stick w/f-n hockey.

I AM NOT FROM CANADA. And even if I was, I'm so far beyond you in terms of tossing insults that I could be Canadian, have no football team whatsoever, and still embarass you infront of a crowd of people. Now crawl back under your rock until you're able to grasp simple concepts like the fact that I live in Canada doesn't mean I'm from there originally. I'm sorry... did you play high level footie in europe? No? Then shut the fuck up, gomer pyle.