Atletico Win Meaningless Cup
Friday, August 27, 2010 at 04:36PM What was it called again? The UEFA Champions Super Extra Cup Winners Europa Cup Cup? Is it just me, or are there too many cups? Atletico's "win" over half-assed Inter was hardly material. Sure, Atletico played good ball, and Inter didn't. But, didn't this match seem more like a training session than a Cup Final? Even the post game celebrations lacked any real conviction.
Seriously, though, this cup final supposedly dictated the best team in Europe as of August 27, 2010? Well, it was held at the beginning/prior to the start of the season 10/11 season, yet the two clubs competing won their respective cups at the end of the 09/10 season. We've been through World Cups and transfers in that span. Easily enough time to dynamically change either side's personnel, chemistry, coaches, girlfriends, etc. So, what was the real purpose of this cup? A little extra revenue via advertising? Maybe some UEFA branding? Fox Soccer Channel was tired of airing Women's Professional Soccer?
Atletico may very well ride the momentum born out of this momentous victory deep into their Spanish season, while Inter has already forgotten it. Their plan is to win the Serie A for the 400th consecutive season where they will actually earn their acclaim as one of the World's top clubs. Thanks UEFA. There were no other games on today.
Reader Comments (2)
Inter is in for a big surprise this year!!! Rafa Benitez thinks that he's some kinda God-send when the real number 1 left for Real Madrid!!! anything short of 3 cups and Rafa should start finding a new place in Turkey or Greece!!!
half assed or not, u gotta win everything u jump in to!! thats the major issue with the Portuguese national team, they seem to think that only games against England, Spain, Brazil, Germany, and Italy are important and all others are just to warm up!!! you play to win or u lose!!! this isnt grade school anymore!!
Lenny, thanks for your comment.
I definitely agree that Inter may be in for a surprise. Benitez gets the best jobs, but I honestly wonder how and why. Look at how dreadful Liverpool has been as of late. If anything, I think they are better off without him, and will finish higher on the table than they did last year under Rafa's rule.
Still, a manager can only do so much. You can't deny Inter's talent on the field. Until proven otherwise, they are a top-3 club. They are aging rather rapidly, though, especially in defense. This may very well be the year they are proven otherwise. Roma?