Watching the UEFA Cup Final through World Cup Lenses

May 9th, 2006 | by: WC Bob | View Comments

It doesn’t quite have the World Cup star studded flair of next week’s Champions League Final, but Wednesday’s match between Middlesbrough and Sevilla in the UEFA Cup final does have a few notable figures worth keeping an eye on (online stream hopefully here). The first is Steve McClaren, who will take over as coach of England following the World Cup if Sven isn’t stoned to death before then.

McClaren has some Socceroos under his charge including keeper Mark Schwarzer, who will be the guy wearing the funny mask to protect his broken cheekbone. His understudy, keeper Brad Jones, is also on Middlesbrough, but there is some question as to whether he will ever play for Australia or if he will suit up for England or France someday. The final Boro Aussie is, of course, forward Mark Viduka. Hard to miss. He’s the one who ate all the pies.

Midfielder Stewart Downing is also on Boro and is on England’s provisional World Cup roster. He’s joined in the midfield by George Boateng, who has been named a part of Netherlands’ 28-man provisional team.

On the Sevilla side of the pitch, there isn’t much in the way of World Cup interest other than perhaps Javier Saviola, a striker from Argentina who would have to be considered a long shot at best to make the final World Cup roster. He’s still a fun player to see in action.

Watching the game should certainly be an enjoyable way to spend your midweek morning/afternoon/evening.