Glasgow Rangers v Zenit St Petersburg
The Scottish invasion of Manchester reached fever pitch earlier today as 100,000 expectant Glasgow Rangers fans flocked to the City ahead of tonight’s UEFA Cup Final. They are having parties in the streets and the atmosphere seems to be very relaxed. But who will win? Who will fall over the finishing line after a long hard struggle?
When you consider that Rangers were 50/1 outsiders for the UEFA Cup at the start of the campaign, you’d be forgiven for thinking they have gone as far as they can–but can they win it? Can they take home Ranger’s first European Cup for over 30 years?
The odds for tonight’s game favour the Russian team who have a multi-millionaire backer and a team which boasts a number of major superstars. Rangers on the other hand are mere poor cousins compared to their opponents, but they have fight and team spirit which have taken them way beyond their wildest dreams.
While the clever money may be on Zenit to win the trophy, it would be very foolish to write-off the Scottish contingent. They have an army of fans the likes of which the UK has rarely seen for decades, they have a team spirit which has seen them play over sixty games so far this season and they have Walter Smith. Smith is the manager of Rangers and has a great knowledge and experience of the game having managed in the English and Scottish Premierships, as well as a stint helping Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
Many people also seem to be overlooking the fact that Zenit will be without their top scorer for the final, the man who singlehandedly carried them to the final. Who will flinch first? Who will hold their bottle?
Don’t write off the SPL Champions in waiting. They have surprised many before today and they may not be finished yet!
