Thoughts On Friday

This weekend will be the last action in Europe for the 2008-09 season. I am going to visit some friends and participate in a garage sale so I will be away, but there are some thoughts on the eve of the curtain dropping:

I am really, really glad Barcelona beat Manchester United on Wednesday. Even as a neutral, the victory symbolized all that is good with football. A mostly homegrown squad that played attractive football and never let an opponent or the circumstances determine their approach. They stuck to their guns and did what they do, proving they are the best in Europe. For those people who still think they were just the best "that night", take a look at what they did throughout the season. 159 goals, Copa Del Rey, Spanish title, Champion's League. They beat defending Spanish champs Real Madrid 2-0 in Barcelona and 6-2 in Madrid. They trounced the defending champions of France and Germany in the CL round of 16 and quarter finals respectively, and they dethroned a very, very good Manchester United in the final. And for me, once again, the real mark of how great this squad is lies in the fact that they played the same regardless of who the rival in front of them was. The same attacking 4-3-3, and did it so well they left no doubt.

Tomorrow is the F.A. Cup final. It is a pretty cool event and even though I am not English and didn't grow up absorbing the "glory and magic of the FA Cup" I see its merit and sort of regret not being able to see Chelsea and Everton battle it out. In this match I see a classic superstar laden team just playing out the season versus a competent, hungry, and gritty underdog. I have a feeling Everton will pull it off, and with Tim Howard (a fellow NJian!!) in goal I will be pulling for them. Speaking of Everton, they finished 5th again in the Prem and will likely be tipped as the most likely to crack the top 4 next season. This time I think there might be something there. Of course it will be tough but anyone who watched them this year will recognize they have a strong squad that is not only dogged and determined but has some real skill in players like Fellaini, Cahill, and Jo and Saha. Next year with the return of Jagielka and more importantly Arteta, as well as the development of Leighton Baines, they will be poised to capitalize if any of the big 4 slip.

While most of the clubs are set for next year's CL, there is still an interesting scenario possible in Italy. If Genoa beat already-condemned Lecce and Fiorentina lose to AC Milan (still playing for second) with a combined margin of 3 goals or more, La Viola will be playing in the inaugural Europa League while Genoa will make a surprise CL appearance.

Speaking of Genoa, it seems they are on the verge of signing Hernan Crespo. Crespo is at the end of his career and not near the player he once was, but in a certain role I think he will be very useful to Genoa. He is a solid, dependable penalty box striker that can provide a steadying presence on a youngish team trying to reach the next level. He has also proved incredibly effective in big games. His track record in Copa Lib matches with River Plate, his timely goals with the Argentine national team (2nd all time on a list with some very impressive names), and big game performances with a handful of Serie A teams might be the edge Genoa are looking for in a partner for Acquafresca.

Finally, I am interested in seeing how the scoring race winds up in Spain. I am still more or less convinced Eto'o is going to pry his way into the Barcelona squad and set a Liga record for most shots/least passes. It will be tough to catch Forlan.

Enjoy the weekend.

-AM