Back to reality

Now that I'm back from Tokyo and partially recovered from the jet lag, it's time to catch up.

The trip to Japan was amazing -- thanks to OleOle.com for the opportunity, and to Chris, Ian, Mauricio and Suleiman for keeping me (mostly) sane on the convoluted Tokyo public transit system. There's a more complete wrap-up over there, but the final result was that Barcelona lost 1-0 to Brazilian side Internacional in the final. Despite the loss, Deco was awarded the Ballon d'Or as the tournament's best player. His prize consisted of a giant gold key and a Toyota Prius. Doesn't he just look thrilled?

Also, Internacional captain Fernandao wants to eat your face.

Back in the Premiership, Liverpool have finally broken the curse of the yellow kits, with a 3-0 win over Charlton, including a penalty that the Addicks conceded after Champions League winner Djimi Traore (heeee) kicked Jermaine Pennant in the head. By accident, I'm sure, although he's probably not the first person to be tempted to do that. There was more love for Pepe Reina, though he doesn't look too happy at being molested by a shirtless Scouser. Can't say that I blame him.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have managed to waste their nine-point lead and are now just two points clear at the top of the table, after losing 1-0 to West Ham. Way to go, boys. I know the Hammers may have been benefiting from the "new manager" effect or whatever, but somehow I doubt that Curbishley is that much of a miracle worker. And continuing with today's theme of somewhat disturbing images, here are Rio Ferdinand and his brother Anton fighting for the ball.

As for the Champions League draw, I found out about it the day after I'd watched Barcelona administer a 4-0 spanking to some poor Mexican team in the semi-finals in Japan. So I was, as you might imagine, not too happy that Liverpool drew them in the next round. I'm slightly less pessimistic now, since Internacional proved in the final that Barça can be beaten, but it's still going to be tough -- especially if Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi are back fit by then. The other English sides got relatively easy draws, but then if Man United can't beat West Ham, who knows about Lille.

The Carling Cup tie between Liverpool and Arsenal last night was postponed due to fog. The Liverpool players' response was to use the referees for target practice, because all footballers are really overgrown 12-year-old boys.



And finally, since it appears that my parents are now reading this blog: Hi Mom! Hi Dad! I promise to try to cut down on the profanity.