Soccer and Vacation

Just in case you aren't into what goes on in the world of soccer, the Champions League just had their final in Europe today. The best teams in each league participate in this tournament, and the winner is considered the best in Europe for the year. Considering all the best players in the world play in Europe, you might infer that this is the top championship for non-national team soccer in the world.
The game is always played live at night in Europe, which means that I have to take a long lunch in order to watch it. If the game happens to wander into overtime, I have to miss that. Can't keep away from work forever.
This years final featured Liverpool, from England, and AC Milan from Italy. The game was played in Istanbul.
I feared this game was going to be either a defensive showdown, as both teams are known for their suffocating defense, or a blowout. I thought blowout because there are many more well paid, better known names on Milan, and they spend a lot of time at the top of their league and in the Champions league knockout rounds. Liverpool has done well in this tournament this year, but is 6th in the English league.
Milan was also party to a 0-0 tie in the final two years ago. The game was settled by penalty kicks, and was very disappointing if you were wanting to see lots of creative soccer.

This years game was also decided on kicks. But instead of a scoreless defense-fest, it was a scorching 3-3 tie after 120 minutes. After falling behind 3-0 at half, Liverpool created the greatest comeback in finals history, scoring three goals in six minutes! It was fantastic. After the first half, it looked like Milan had come to work Liverpool over, but something happened in the locker room. Don't know what. Milan might have mentally relaxed too much. Liverpool might have spiked the coffee. When Liverpool came out, they took over the game, and had much more control of the ball in the second half. Milan just disappeared.
Penalty kicks are a disappointing way to decide a championship, but it was truly inspiring to see a group of comeback kids take it all.

That's it for a while. I'm on my way to Colorado, and will not be on-line while I'm gone. Always nice to get away from the ordinary connectedness of life and just spend time with the family and the road.
I'll be back on the blog next Friday.
See you then.