Juventus set to end Real’s reign
Undefeated Italian squad has the talent and tactics to prevail in Cardiff final
The Champions League final goes Saturday in Cardiff, as Real Madrid takes on Juventus — a huge game between two huge clubs.
Real is looking to become the first team since AC Milan in 1990 to win consecutive European championships.
Juventus, on the other hand, is looking to end its recent history of finishing as Champions League runners-up. Juve has been beaten in its last four final appearances since last winning the competition in 2006.
I think Juventus has the talent and tactics to win it this time. Massimiliano Allegri’s men have looked great this season, and Juve is the only team in the Champions League still undefeated. The squad boasts a tremendous defence, backstopped by the legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Juventus doled out huge money for striker Gonzalo Higuain, who has been brilliant, but at the same time picked up Sami Khediri and Dani Alves on free transfers. All have been great additions.
Madrid, meanwhile, has an in-form Cristiano Ronaldo plus a roster loaded with talent. Ronaldo may have lost a step, but he’s transitioned his game to become a very successful scorer in front of the goal.
A big question mark for Madrid is Gareth Bale. With the game being played in his native Wales, you might expect Bale to be a starter, but injuries and the superb play of Isco have kept him on the sidelines. He’s now healthy, but whether he sees action is up to coach Zinedine Zidane.
It should be a good one.
Young guns
The FIFA Under-20 World Cup has reached the quarter-finals in South Korea. Action resumes on Sunday, when Venezuela takes on the United States.
Venezuela has been superb, winning every game without conceding a goal. Midfielder Yangel Herrera of MLS side New York City FC is team captain.
The South Americans face a U.S side that’s coming off a big 6-0 win over New Zealand in the Round of 16.
Sunday’s other match has Portugal taking on Uruguay, while on Monday it’s Italy vs. Zambia and Mexico vs. England.
The winners advance to Thursday’s semifinals, while the final will be played Sunday, June 11 in Suwon.
Yes, him again
One of the strangest stories this year was the surprisingly bad bronze bust of Cristiano Ronaldo that was unveiled two months ago. It got so much coverage, they even did a bit on it on Saturday Night Live!
You would think it would be a while before the sculptor, Emanuel Santos, would be given another commission, never mind a chance to do another Real Madrid player. But that’s exactly what’s happened.
This week in Cardiff, a bronze bust of Gareth Bale, created by Santos, was unveiled in advance of the Champions League final. Below the bust a plaque reads, “Gareth Bale, By Emanuel Santos, Sculptor, (yes, him again).”
I’m no art expert, but because this one at least looks like the intended subject, it’s a big improvement.
The beautiful game
With the end of the European season, this column will be taking a break, but of course The Beautiful Game never stops.
The FIFA Confederations Cup kicks off in two weeks, as the six confederation champions, plus defending World Cup winners Germany and hosts Russia battle it out. The event is a warm-up for next year’s World Cup in Russia.
Then, in July, there’s the CONCACAF Gold Cup, with Canada being one of 12 countries competing. The tournament will be held across the U.S., but no games are to played in Seattle, unfortunately. League play continues in many countries. There’s a great battle for top spot in Argentina’s Primera Division between Boca Juniors and River Plate, while in Brazil’s Serie A, sentimental favourites Chapecoense are in first place after three rounds. Chapecoense is still rebuilding its squad following last year’s devastating plane disaster.
And if you’re looking for live soccer action, come out to B.C. Place to cheer on the Whitecaps. We face exciting expansion side Atlanta United on Saturday. I hope to see you there.