Some Futbol Before Playoff Football

Yes, this is a soccer post. Yes, I am from the United States. Yes, you should watch this game. Without taking too much time, European "football" is the best soccer in the world. My team, Liverpool, plays in England and is in "third place" of that league. This morning however, the focus belonged to the 11am kickoff between Arsenal and Manchester United.

I hate Manchester United like most American baseball fans hate the Yankees. They win without remorse, spend without second-thought and end up first more often then not. Regardless, I challenge you to watch the full 90minutes of this Arsenal-Man U. matchup and tell me it was not exciting. (The game can be seen at 5 pm ET on Fox Soccer Channel or FSC) Keep your eye on Thierry Henry, who may be the best offensive player in the world.

If you do not want the game to be spoiled, do not read any further. If you just want to know the score then continue on.

After 45 minutes of stale-mate play, the two sides went into halftime 0-0. Ten minutes into the second half, Man U took a 1-0 lead when Wayne Rooney knocked an impressive header home. Following several close chances by both teams, Henry flicked on a centering cross that Robin Van Persie belted into the back of the net. With about ten minutes remaining Arsenal had tied the match and their home crowd shook the stadium.

Three minutes into extra time - with only about a minute left before a tie would be recorded - Henry struck again. This time he took a beautiful cross out of the air and headed it into the far corner of the goal. Goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar had no chance, futilely diving as he watched the gamewinner fly past his sure hands. Final score: 2-1 Arsenal in an electric match between the #1 and #4 club-teams in England's Premiere League.