Champions League Final vs. Superbowl

As a fan of the original code, I'd never given much thought to watching our American counterparts' version of football. Until last night.

It was with low expectations that I began to watch the 42nd Superbowl, brought on by the British prejudice that American football is just a poor man's rugby, and the football fan's opinion that rugby is for fat kids who can't play soccer.

I was pleasantly surprised. At points I was glued to the TV, fascinated by every little detail of action. My interest was rewarded when the Giants pulled off an incredible victory in the final minute of action; a thrilling end to a thrilling encounter.

I then asked myself, was that game more enjoyable than it's European equivalent, the Champion's League final? A very good American football match, or a mediocre yet prestigious football final? Comparing the 2 matches I managed to find 5 reasons why it was... and 5 why it wasn't.

5 reasons why the Superbowl was better:

1. Awesome Ending
The Giants, 14-10 down with 2 minutes to go, have to find a touchdown soon if they want to snatch the Superbowl. Eli Manning, the Giants quarterback, shrugs off 3 defenders and delivers a perfect 32 yard pass to Tyree. Shortly after with just 59 seconds on the clock, Giants get the touchdown they need to secure victory. Enthralling.

2. Tough Players
A man can have 4 players on pile on top of him, and then still be able to get up and celebrate hanging onto the ball. In the Champion's League, if you lean on a player they'll fall over grasping their leg crying for the stretcher. Wimps.

3. Referees Can Referee
One pet hate of soccer fans is that the man in the middle can bugger up even the most basic of decisions. American football combat this by having several refs who can spot even the most minor of infringements. Letting the coaches challenge decisions also makes the game fairer.

4. Unpredictability
The Patriots were expected to walk it this year. They didn't, which added to the occassion. Compare that with last year's Champions League, when favourites AC Milan ran out 2-1 victors over Liverpool.

5. Single Moment of Genius
In the Champion's League Final, there was plenty of decent play, attacking football and chances for both sides. But the moment that defined the final was a poor attempt by Liverpool's defence to play Inzaghi offside. The Superbowl however had that terrific catch from Tyree which set up New York's final touchdown. A moment that will be played over and over again in the year to come.

5 reasons why the Champions League Final was better:

1. A Match Doesn't Last 4 Hours
I lost count of the amount of times that there was a break in play due to a time-out or change from 'offense' to 'defense'. And for some reason, there's a 2 minute stop each time the ball goes out of play. Talk about stop-start.

2. There's No Nonsense at Half-Time
The good thing about soccer, is that half-time lasts 15 minutes, and gives pundits and fans alike the chance to analyise and discuss the first half's action. The bad thing about the Superbowl is that half-time lasts twice as long, and is filled by some unnecessary concert consisting of an ageing, has-been rock band.

3. Better Trophy


Bigger = better.

4. The Match Ends When It's Supposed To.
Not one second before, causing even more palaver and time delays (sorry, but it was 3am in the UK, well past my bed time).

5. World Champions?
Winning the Champions League means that you are European champions, and rightly so considering you have to defeat the best teams from around Europe. Winning the Superbowl however means you are World champions, somewhat strangely when you've only played teams from North America.

Did anyone else watch both the Superbowl and last year's Champions League Final? Which one did you prefer to watch? Do you have any other reasons in mind why one football is better than the other? Feel free to leave your comments below: