CARDRUNNERS

I just finished watching the replay of the UEFA Champions League final in Moscow between Manchester United and Chelsea. I follow the Premier League all season and was pulling for Man U in this one. But after watching it, it would be hard to say which was the better, more deserving, team. The difference in this match came down to one blocked penalty kick after 120 minutes of deadlocked play and 5 of 6 penalty kicks made by each team in the driving rain. Man U now will enjoy all the spoils, celebrations, and exaltations of being the best team in Europe while Chelsea will go home in dejection. It was the same result in the league with Chelsea coming up just short.

The difference between winning and losing in any competition can be so small. A little luck, a ball bouncing your way, or a fortuitous card falling on the river can determine whether you are a winner or loser. It is a harsh reality of all competition. All you can do is try your best, give it your all and hope it works out in your favor. Sometimes it doesn't and there is nothing you can do but accept the loss and move on. Knowing you were that close and didn't win can be soul crushing. The best competitors use it to fuel future success. Others will allow it to create self doubt undermining future play and results.

Congratulations to Manchester United on their big double this year. But it was also a valiant campaign by Chelsea who weren't expected to do as well this year after replacing 'The Special One' with Avram Grant. I'll be interested to see who Dimitar Berbatov ends up playing for next year. I can't wait for the next season.