The Perennial Contender

Singing the Blues

The dust is starting to settle following this week’s Champions League semi-final drama. Chelsea fans are returning to work, Didier Drogba has apologized for his post-match, foul-mouthed tirade and everyone from Sir Alex to the bloke next door has wade in on the debate surrounding the referee’s performance. A feeling of deep regret hangs in the West London air and even victory in the FA Cup will only temporarily alleviate the pain. But Chelsea fans are used to this kind of disappointment, aren’t they?

Terry's moment of truth in Moscow

It’s been only a year since John Terry missed the winning penalty in the Champions League final in Roman Abramovich’s own backyard, the culmination of a gut-wrenching 2008 when Chelsea lost the Carling Cup final and finished runners-up to Manchester United in the league. But it doesn’t stop there, 2007 was no different as they were knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage to Liverpool on penalties and were forced to perform a humbling guard of honor at Stamford Bridge for newly crowned champions Manchester United. Chelsea have reached the Champions League semi-finals in 5 of the last 6 years yet have never won the competition – that says it all.

Baggio's penalty heartache against Brazil

To come within touching distance of the greatest prizes on offer comes hand in hand with challenging at the top. And its no different at International level. Another cloaked in blue, Italy, winner of 4 World Cup titles, were losing semi-finalists at Italia ‘90, saw their dreams dashed with Baggio’s ballooned penalty in the final of USA ‘94 and fell during extra-time in the final at Euro 2000. Both Chelsea and Italy have great, world-class players, win most of their games, play to win – not to entertain and have experienced their fair share of truly heart-breaking results over the years (in Chelsea’s case, the last 5 years).

The good news for Chelsea fans still wiping the tears back is that Italy eventually won again in the 2006 World Cup. Hopefully the English Blues will follow suit next year or over the next few years. With a healthy Essien plus Lampard, Terry, Cech and rumors of the impending arrival of a new manager and a string of world-class players, it will happen soon.

- We at Footy Factor would like to thank JR in NYC for contributing to this article.