Watching the 1999 Champions League Final between Bayern Munich and Manchester United confirmed the transcendent talents of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, part of Alex Ferguson's golden generation of home-grown players in the 1990's.
Manchester United dominated the entire match despite Bayern scoring first. They controlled the ball effortlessly and would have troubled Oliver Kahn's goal much more if not for the ineptitude of strikers Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham. The entire offense was essentially Giggs and Beckham. Giggs flashed across the pitch covering huge swaths of ground with the ball at his feet, playing in the strikers time after time only for them to stumble and lose possession.
Meanwhile, the variety offered by a young, fit, and fast Beckham was stunning. He could stop on a dime and play a 70 yard diagonal ball, or he could just as easily orchestrate a quick triangle to get out of trouble. I think part of his effectiveness was that the defense never knew where he was headed: downfield, crossfield, or one-two. He kept his head down but always knew where his teammates would be.
Beckham's energy was incredible in this final. He took all the free kicks and corners and was unfailingly available in midfield. "Beckham is the only name I'm mentioning!" exclaimed the ESPN Deportes announcer at one point. It was so true that United #7 even tried - and almost succeeded - to score directly from a corner kick towards the end of the first half.
I've watched Giggs and Beckham play often in the 2000's, but the opportunity to watch them devastate a top class opponent while in their primes was a privelege. The fact that both are playing today is a testament to their talent and work ethic.
Quick comment on another thing I took away from the 1999 CL final: the sportsmanship. There was no diving, play-acting, or groveling. Players were felled in the penalty box and got right back up. When fouls or offsides infractions were whistled the guilty player immediately gave the ball to the other team. It is sad that in such a short time we have seemingly lost these professional ethics in the European game.
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