Rome confounds critics with smooth showpiece
Reuters - Thursday 28 May 2009, 07:58
ROME - The Stadio Olimpico turned out to
be the perfect setting for Barcelona's Champions League triumph
in Rome with off-the-field problems failing to spoil the party
like some had predicted.
The pitch was especially in perfect condition, allowing
treble winners Barca to stroke the ball around in their
trademark style and easily beat holders Manchester United 2-0
on Wednesday.
Despite having AS Roma or Lazio play there every week for
the past nine months, the surface was as smooth as a Xavi pass.
Fans make atmospheres, but only in great stadiums can an
occasion really come to life and the 67,000 sellout produced
some wonderful colour from United's Matt Busby tribute to the
sea of red, blue and yellow at the Barca end.
Roma and Lazio are considering building their own stadiums
and the future of the Olimpico is uncertain. Despite the
running track which leaves fans a little away from the action,
the pair will struggle to construct anything as monumental.
United coach Alex Ferguson is probably bemoaning the
running track, which kept him a good distance from the pitch.
He rarely ventured out into his huge technical area to
bark
orders as his team put in one of the weakest performances
their fans will be able to remember in a big match.
Indeed, United's surprising nervousness was the only let
down of the night, which neutrals had dubbed 'the dream final'
between Europe's best two attacking teams.
United keeper Edwin van der Sar, who lost the 1996 final
when Juventus beat Ajax at the Olimpico, was sick of the sight
of the stadium.
"It's true, Rome doesn't bring me luck," he told reporters.
"We started well then after the first goal we suffered and we
didn't play at the level we are used to."
Violence in and around the ground had marred previous
European matches in Rome and UEFA even threatened to take the
final away at one point if more trouble ensued.
Britain's Times newspaper called for the game to be
switched to another venue because of fears of Roman gangs with
knifes.
Two stabbings were reported in the city on Tuesday and
there was some minor trouble after the game, but it was little
more than happens at any big soccer clash.
"Rome's future candidature for other international events
depends on the success of this showpiece," mayor Gianni
Alemanno said.
The ancient city, which hosts the world swimming
championships in July, is mulling a possible Olympic bid for
2020 and Wednesday's flawless final is sure to help its case.