Just a quick word on American football:

The Colts beat the Patriots in the most insane conference championship game since the 49ers beat Dallas 25 odd years ago. The Colts spotted the Pats a 21-3 lead and then stormed back to win 38-34 on a last minute drive. The early part of the game looked like a classic Peyton Manning collapse...but he didn't fold. He kept his cool and directed a stirring comeback -- the largest in conference championship history.

Congrats to the Colts, Manning and particularly Tony Dungy, who's an excellent coach and a gentleman.

FF

Hoo boy. What a second half of Man U-Arsenal!

Rooney scored in the 53rd minute to stun Highbury and put the Red Devils ahead. The rest of the half was scrappily played, with neither side able to secure a distinct advantage -- until the 83rd minute. On the right side of hte field, Fabregas and Rosicky got involved in a virtual scrum with two United players (I don't know who), with Fabregas/Rosicky fighting United for the ball like they were on Flight 93. Rosicky came away with the ball, and crossed it in, where Henry heel-flicked it through to Van Persie, who finished from a tough angle. Highbury went crazy, and Man U was on its heels. Then, 2 minutes into injury time, Eboue crossed into Henry, who headed who the winner.

2-1 Arsenal, in a very memorable final ten minutes.

In other news, the USMNT won 3-1 over Denmark, in a leaden, unimpressive performance.

FF