Summing up the entire year of the world’s most popular sport is a massive ask, but one that this scribe takes infinite pleasure in. The beautiful game continued to spread its charm around the globe, but none of the intensity faded in a truly remarkable year.
Battle of Manchester
The two Manchesters – City and United – sat at the top of the Premier League, as the calendars around the globe turned over a page. It was a just finale because these were the two teams that battled it out for supremacy in England in 2011. However, it is indeed ironic that neither of the two finds itself in UEFA Champions League knockout stages. Manchester United were sluggish throughout the previous season, and frankly their league triumph in May could easily be labeled as ‘by default’. And one can say this because City hadn’t really found their groove as yet, Liverpool had Roy Hodgson to ruin their season, Chelsea were in a slumber till April and Arsenal – well they were Arsenal. Manchester City, nonetheless, managed to win their first trophy for thirty five years in the shape of the F.A Cup. And the fact that they beat Manchester United on their way to glory made the triumph all the more sweet. The start of the season 2011-2012 has again seen the two neighbours battling it out for supremacy. United were off the blocks early, but after being embarrassed 6-1 at Old Trafford, the onus is now on City to go on and grab the title from their archrivals’ grasps.
Barcelona govern Spain
Barcelona continued their hegemony in Spain by getting the better off Real Madrid in every competition the two played in – well almost. Last season’s Copa Del Rey triumph for Real was the only silver lining in a season that saw Barcelona do the La Liga-Champions League double. What was even more humbling for the Madrid side was that they were on the receiving end of some serious drubbings in the entire year as well. We had so many El-Classicos in 2011 that it was virtually impossible to keep count of them. And with Barca controlling most games, and giving Madrid some serious beatings – including the UCL semifinal – Madrid looked hapless against Pep Guardiol’s well oiled machine. Messi was at his staggering best throughout the year; the genius of this man has no limits. Xavi and Iniesta ably supported him, but it was the Messi show throughout 2011 and there is only going to be one winner when it the Ballon d’or award is announced this month.
Milan re-conquer Italy
Guided by a wily old tactician, Massimiliano Allegri, Milan captured their 18th Serie A title in 2011 – their first since 2004. They beat city rivals Inter by a comfortable six point margin in the end, but were made to sweat it out throughout the season. It was the trio of Pato, Robinho and Ibrahimovic who provided the arsenal for a memorable season with 16, 15 and 21 goals respectively in all competitions. The latter might get a lot of stick for not being a big game player, but the Serie A title would never have been possible for Milan without the services of Ibrahimovic who dragged his side out of a fix throughout the season.
Dortmund dominate Germany
Jurgen Klopp has synthesized a talented bunch together at Dortmund, and unearthed a gem in Mario Gotze. After their league triumph in 2011, Dortmund are again rivaling their globally venerated opponents, Bayern Munich; and are doing so while playing some sublime football. When Klopp arrived at the helm, Borussia Dortmund were in a financial quandary. The gaffer strung together a title winning side from a minuscule budget, and instilled an ethos of unity and teamwork in his side. Dortmund play an eye-catching brand of football, and are an example for other more ‘illustrious’ European clubs who are drowned in debt in their superficial quest for temporary glory.
Ajax’s ropy year
Ajax were made to deal with the loss of Luis Suarez in January, but still managed to trot on to the Eredivise title. The Amsterdam club owes most of that to the appointment of Frank de Boer as the manager who brought in steadiness in the club. All the same, after winning the title in 2010-2011, the matters are not quite as bright in 2011-2012 so far, as Ajax currently occupy the fourth spot and have been dumped out of the Champions League as well.
PSG’s riches
Even though Lille won the French Ligue 1 title in 2011, the real story coming in from France is the takeover of Paris-Saint Germaine. Purchased by a Qatar Investment Authority, PSG has been flexing their muscle throughout the year and one feels that they might be hell bent upon buying their way to glory, a la Manchester City.
Beckham wins silverware at L.A
David Beckham was scorned at following his move to L.A Galaxy, from all quarters. They said it was a money-minting deal and not a sporting collaboration. However, if there is one thing that Beckham has done throughout the course of his career, is that he has been able to shush his critics. Beckham put in huge performances throughout the season in the twilight of his career – with an injured back – to guide Galaxy to a Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup double. The only question that is now intriguing as all is where is Mr David off to next? The safe money is on PSG.
River Plate
bite the dust
The biggest story coming in from South America is the catastrophic demise of the once mighty River Plate. River Plate are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and possibly the biggest name to bite the dust in the recent past. Despite the fact a coefficient system is in place – basically to ensure that the big guns, River Plate and Boca Juniors don’t get relegated – the Argentinean giants could not survive. It just goes to show the spectacular fall of one of the biggest names in the world of football.
