100.000 Germans have invaded London to be at Wembly Stadium to watch the final of the European Cup. Two German teams Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmond, playing a brand of German football that was a joy to watch.
I like many others have praised the silky skills of the Spanish teams, particularly Barcelona with their slow mesmeric build up play, knocking it around, hypnotising the opposing team into a stupa and then suddenly, a flurry of movement and the magic of Messi scores. Whilst one acknowledges the sparkling brilliance of these Spanish clubs I have become a little bored with the chess like game they have developed.
This game was very skill-full but more than anything it was direct, incisive, it had the tempo of a real contest. It had the David and Goliath aspect with Bayern a huge,wealthy club set against the smaller kid on the block, Dortmond. The kid on the block had no sense of respect and came out of the blocks, pummelling Bayerns defence with through balls, onto which their forwards could fasten and shoot for goal. At both ends the goalies were magnificent bringing off great saves. The tempo of the game was terrific, end to end stuff and a tribute to German football.
I felt that Bayern were very lucky not to have two of their men sent off. One for a vicious elbow in the face, the other, a clear second yellow card, not given, which would forced the ref to show a red. Games are won and lost on such decisions.
We had a blend of football, a respectful tension between the teams which was a breath of fresh air from the spoilt, overpaid UK Premier League with the weekly sight of snarling prima donnas, rolling about the pitch, feigning injury.
Perhaps the weight of their wallets induces the weakness !!
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