Barcelona - European Champions

Last night I watched the Finals of the European Championship, hoping to watch some good football from Arsenal's Henry and Barcelona's Ronaldinho. And, more importantly, hoping that the better team would win.

Barcelona deserved to win the Finals. By far. They were consistent throughout the season, and more importantly, they were also the Spanish League Champions. Arsenal on the other hand, managed to scrape into the top 4 of the English League in the last week. To think such a team would be Champions of Europe was not proper. My buddy Sandy Menon may disagree. But stats say something different.

Also, they are too relient on Henry.

So, the finals is over with, and Barcelona are celebrating their success.

Lots of Singaporean papers are talking about the refereeing that caused Arsenal's demise. True, their goal keeper was sent off. But this is football, and the rules state clearly that you cock up like this - you go to the bench. Morever, Arsenal won the first goal!! And that too after Emmanuel Eboue tumbled threatrically under a challenge from Carles Puyol. A clear case of diving. Henry takes he kick, Campbell provides his head, and the net provides the shelter for the ball.

Is there any honour in winning a goal off a free kick won off a dive?

And Arsenal can't stop complaining about Eto's goal.

The score should have read 3-1. Why the first goal was dissallowed is strange.

Anyway, the better team won.

Now, lets look forward to a World Cup thats got its usual share of magic... and hopefully less divers.

Afterall its a beautiful game. And there should be no place for divers in it.