Indians seem to be hooked to cricket in one way or the other. So much so that you can find out if there is a match going on on TV or not by simply looking at the crowds that gather at wayside shops with a TV. Cricket for Indians seem to be a religion where men - irrespective of caste and creed - come to the TV altar with prayers. But unlike most, somehow I love watching football and basketball more than cricket. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to come across the UEFA Champions league match between Celtics and Barcelona on TV. Barcelona has long been and still is my favorite.
With three globally famous players Henry, Messi and Ronaldinho playing as forwards in the Barcelona team, the Celtic team was visibly feeble in comparison. Ironically, Celtics scored a fine goal in the first quarter leaving everyone dumbfounded at the ease with which they scored. But the celebrations lasted only for a short while, when Messi equaled it with a powerful shot. The fight for dominance continued all along with Celtics scoring a goal again and Barcelona following it up with another. As usual Ronaldinho’s amazing passes and footwork kept the other team constantly on tenterhooks. No wonder he was constantly surrounded with at least two to three opponents. Henry’s composed yet graceful play brought a definite charm apart from a goal. Deco and Puyol too made their contributions which put the team on a better ground towards the end.
The game was truly gripping till the final whistle was blown. Barcelona won the match hands-down. The result anybody would have guessed. But what was unpredictable was the delightful play from both sides. Now, having tasted the blood of UEFA Champions league matches, I am eagerly looking forward to watching Barcelona team make mincemeat of other teams.
With three globally famous players Henry, Messi and Ronaldinho playing as forwards in the Barcelona team, the Celtic team was visibly feeble in comparison. Ironically, Celtics scored a fine goal in the first quarter leaving everyone dumbfounded at the ease with which they scored. But the celebrations lasted only for a short while, when Messi equaled it with a powerful shot. The fight for dominance continued all along with Celtics scoring a goal again and Barcelona following it up with another. As usual Ronaldinho’s amazing passes and footwork kept the other team constantly on tenterhooks. No wonder he was constantly surrounded with at least two to three opponents. Henry’s composed yet graceful play brought a definite charm apart from a goal. Deco and Puyol too made their contributions which put the team on a better ground towards the end.
The game was truly gripping till the final whistle was blown. Barcelona won the match hands-down. The result anybody would have guessed. But what was unpredictable was the delightful play from both sides. Now, having tasted the blood of UEFA Champions league matches, I am eagerly looking forward to watching Barcelona team make mincemeat of other teams.
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