The UEFA Cup: Manchester United vs Chelsea, First Half

Alright, since I posted stuff about the NBA, turnabout is fair play, right? So, here's some thoughts as I watch some of the UEFA Cup championship match between Manchester U against Chelsea.

• It is half time...with the game tied at 1-1.

• Have you ever watched a sport where announcing teams change at half time? The US broadcast is going from the English (?) announcing team to the ESPN Deportes group after the half. That would be like a team with Joe Buck during the MLB World Series changing to the John Madden.

• There was an add for a Chelsea Megastore USA. There are enough soccer fans, let alone for one team, in the USA to justify a sales outpost? Do we have Los Angelas Laker Megastore - Seoul? Is there a New England Patriots megastore in Bangalore?

• How can you soccer fans stand the flopping? It is like having a whole bunch of Vlade Divacs running around on a field, with random goals every once and a while. Speaking of Vlade, check out the vintage pic of Vlade and Bill Laimbeer.
  

• If it is a champions league, why are there two teams from the same league (English Premier League) playing in the finals? Shouldn't it be the champion of each country's league that's in the Champion's League? Of course, we have a World Series...right...

• Every cut away from the broadcast shows a UEFA cup symbol and a chorus singing out "Cham-pi-ons!!!" It is the most annoying sound clip since that crappy pasta commercial with a Andrea Bocelli song. I know, its like catnip for middle aged women, but it shouldn't be broadcast for anyone to hear it...treat it like porno and keep it secret, women!
  

I can't make it to half time. Seriously. Even the commercials are boring.

That's all. Go, Cristiano Ronaldo, the only name my American senses recognize, and that's only because I paid attention to Sports Illustrated. If only football linemen celebrated by taking off their shirts...or stewardesses...or cab drivers. Found this wallpaper online. It is fabulous.