Opinion Europe dribbles

An England versus Germany final always stirs the soul,especially now when neither country has been a powerhouse in the international football circuit for years. Having relinquished its earlier dominance,Germany has a younger squad led by two Bayern stars,Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gomez,and finds itself on the cusp of a revival of sorts. England,on the other hand,is bidding a forlorn farewell to the stars of yore,epitomised by John Terry and Frank Lampard — the faces of England’s workmanlike ethic and effort,but futility on the international forum.

Chelsea is fresh from a bittersweet English Premier League season,where it finished below expectations. It is a team celebrating its aging heroes under the guidance of an interim manager,Roberto Di Matteo,and an impatient owner,Roman Abramovich. The Russian ownership is preparing to revamp the roster and the personnel with an influx of funds that is dwarfed only by the amount poured into Manchester City. Chelsea is set to bid farewell to its greatest era,one featuring Terry,Lampard,and the Ivorians — Didier Drogba and Michael Essien.

Bayern too has had a less than stellar season — it has relinquished the Bundesliga title and German Cup to Borussia Dortmund,and seen its star players succumb to conflict,poor form or injuries. With its stars returning to form,focus and fitness,Bayern,led by Schweinsteiger,Gomez,Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben,is expected to become the first club to win the Champions League in its home arena and to revive its reputation as one of the premier clubs in the world.

It is easy to draw parallels between the teams in the Champions League final and their respective national squads in the upcoming football mega-event next month,the Euro 2012,which kicks off in Poland and Ukraine on June 8. Bayern is expected to win the Champions League finals,given its younger and virtually full-strength squad,with home stadium advantage,no less. Similarly,Germany enters the Euro 2012 as a favourite,on the basis of its all-round ability and youthful squad. Chelsea limps into the Champions League as a heavy underdog at less than full strength,missing Terry and other vital members,playing at their opponents’ home stadium,although likely to be well-represented by fans. England too harbours no illusions about its expectations from the Euro. Like Chelsea,England will be happy to be at Euro 2012 but can hardly be considered a title favourite.

The Champions League and the Euro 2012 are relevant this year beyond the excitement that these events traditionally generate. Football has proven to be a great leveller,providing joy and entertainment like no other sport,taking emotion and passion to a whole new level. Given the context,the two tournaments could be the beacon of hope that Europe needs as it reels from political and economic setbacks across the European Union. It has been a difficult few months for Europe. In a domino effect, political bigwigs and incumbents in many countries have fallen,thanks to the macroeconomic scene and disgruntled voters. The very fabric of the EU has come into question and Germany,the EU’s most powerful economy,finds itself isolated and uncertain. Now more than ever,it needs an exhilarating Champions League final that will grip the attention of Europe,set the tone for Euro 2012 and generate optimism at a time of crisis.

Munich witnessed one of the most shocking sports tragedies at the 1972 Olympics. Now,the Champions League final has to live up to its billing and give Munich,Germany and finally a financially embattled continent the pure joy that only the beautiful game affords.

The writer is a sports attorney,express@expressindia.com