A dramatic All-Madrid Champions League final

So close to a grand finale to the fairy-tale season, Diego Simeone's side buckled in the dying minute and witnessed the Los Bloncos never looked back after Sergio Ramos' equaliser. The final scoreline may not truly reflect the match. Real Madrid was unconvincing for most of the regular time, but they kept their belief and persistence to finally overcome Atletico Madrid. It is the result that matters. Carlo Ancelotti would have little complaints on how his third personal Champions League trophy is achieved. 

Simeone had made most of his decisions right. He managed to silent the "BBC" trio and did not let his team expose much to Real Madrid's speedy counter attack. Thibaut Courtois barely needed to glove in the first half. On the other end, a routine cross following clearance from corner caught Iker Casillas' hesitation. A rare mistake from the experienced goalkeeper gifted Diego Godin second goal in last two matches, potentially both title winner.

So close to celebration

There is just too much quality in Real Madrid that to beat them, you have to be almost perfect for more than 90 minutes. Their two best players had vanished among the spiritual defence. When Gareth Bale uncharacteristically squandered two golden chances, somehow they still managed to pull something out of the bag. Ramos' inch-perfect header and Angel Di Maria's superb run in the extra time were pure quality and determination which also defines how extraordinary Real Madrid is. Bale's header is no easy either, with his body balance adjusted so well to meet Courtois' save.

Being no rookie to big occasion both as a player and manager, also managed to get four points out of six in the two Madrid derbies this season, no wonder Sergio Ramos declared themselves as the underdog against Simeone's side. Nevertheless, the Argentine would be backfired with his decision to risk playing Diego Costa, a sentimental but ultimately costly decision.

A debatable decision to play Costa for merely 10 minutes

While Ancelotti also played an unfit Sami Khedira in the starting lineup, Khedira is more of a role player and Real Madrid could afford to have him being unconstructive to the offense. With no surprise, Khedira was Ancelotti's primary target to go to when an more attacking approach was required.

On contrast, Diego Costa is the scoring machine that Atletico Madrid desperately needs him to be fully fit. Knowing that his fitness condition is marginal, Simeone allowed Diego Costa ten minutes on the field with no contribution with the price of one substitution. However insignificant as it sounds, Felipe Luis' fatigue, Juanfran's cramp and Godin's inability to race back in extra time how demanding physically to defend Real Madrid in regular time. Extra pair of fresh legs would do no harm to Atletico. There was no shocking face when Costa was taken off. This seemed to be an understood decision among the squad, but certainly debatable if this was a wise one.

Ancelotti celebrating his third Champions League trophy

Many key players in this epic final will be at their own crossroads to their future. Diego Costa looks destined to move to London, while Courtois may also return to Chelsea. Raul Garcia, Koke and Gabi will all be hot targets in the market. Iker Casillas could be on the way out as his importance at Madrid is fading. The future of Benzema and Morata are also questionable as Ancelotti is keen to pursuit a top-class striker. Over a summer, it could be a completely new look at Madrid, but this night will certainly go into the history book as one of the most dramatic and memorable final ever. 

The new era behind Louis Van Gaal

The Dutch partnership will be at Old Trafford next season

Finally, he has landed at Old Trafford. It might be twelve years late, but the Red Devils supporters do not mind. They simply can't wait for a new manager, a world class one with proven successful history.

At club level, Louis van Gaal has already tasted success in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany with a CV full of major European titles. Apparently, the board recognises the United nowadays may not afford a long term project but rather need instant success. David Moyes is a decent manager, but has yet to build his authority at a bigger club.

One order that United fans is hoping Van Gaal can restore to is Robin Van Persie's invincibility. Being so pivotal in his debut season at Old Trafford, Van Persie was slowed down by injuries (rumour has it that the Dutch striker implied his injuries were down to the vigorous training implemented by the Moyes) and also looked uninspired under in the 13-14 season. Van Gaal's personal connection should help get the best out of the striker – the exquisite volley for example against Ecuador. He has also demonstrated in the past how to best utilise his attacking assets at his previous clubs. The trio of Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Van Persie can be a formidable threat and there are high hopes that they will shine behind van Gaal.

Jones (left) and Evans has to fill the void left by Ferdinand and Vidic

Nevertheless, the first agenda in his in-tray must be to repair or more precisely revamp the defence. Over 500 games of experience between Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are gone. Johnny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have respectively showed glimpses of talents, though still short of solidity, consistency and reliability (Roy Keane would agree). With David de Gea having settled, Patrice Evra staying on for another year and a break from European football, it is the perfect circumstance for the three young centrebacks to step up and show that they can live up to the expectation; though a disastrous pre-season form would convince the authoritative manager to keep them out of the team (forever).

What van Gaal can do to nurture them is to allow them settle in their preferred centreback position, which means to put trust on Rafael and Maroune Fellaini. Rafael's development has stalled as he has struggled to find the balance between aggressiveness and recklessness, or he would end up like his twin brother – signing off his United career with a reckless red card. His sophomore blue saw Valencia and Smalling take up more duties at right back. Exclusion from the Brazil World Cup squad is a wake-up call for the young full back and summer work will be essential in order to impress his new boss.

Will any of Muller (left) or Kroos join?

 Rumours are surfacing that Fellaini will be following his former manager at the exit door. His below-par performance should not be blamed solely on himself. His lack of mobility is no secret but had been well complemented at Everton. Pairing him up with Carrick in a 4-4-2 setup was a mistake that left United midfield short of pace and exposed to counter-attack.

same team next year?

Fellaini is still a world-class player who could be a game-changer. His vision, comprehension and physical presence is invaluable to Manchester United and is sorely missed when the blue part of Manchester has Yaya Toure and Fernandinho whereas the Reds only have Cleverley, Fletcher, and forgotten-man Anderson. A box-to-box type or a more penetrating central midfielder would be his ideal partner, in which he can sit deeper as an anchorman to orchestrate the offence, similar to Carrick's current role. While Toni Kroos is not van Gaal's cup of tea, and even if United could not rival Arsenal to sign Cesc Fabregas, the current central midfielders – even Carrick given his age –  would need miracles so stay in the Dutchman’s plans.

There are a lot to fix that even a manager as successful and experienced as van Gaal should not be expected to steer it right straight away. However, securing the service of the Dutch is the correct decision to re-inject the self-belief in the dressing room. Van Gaal has also made his first key decision right by retaining Ryan Giggs, an iconic and influential figure at Old Trafford with an eye to succeed van Gaal after his three-year rebuilding. Can United fans finally cheer in the post-Sir Alex era? We will wait and see. 

Analysing the Three Lions

A month to go and it's World Cup, the favourite time for pundits to comment on the squad and predict the possible starting line-up. It might be the satisfaction of getting it right that makes it fun. The truth is you will never get it all correct.

Roy Hodgson has delivered what he promised --- no surprise selection, but certainly some surprise omission. Who would have guessed Ashley Cole is being left out? It is justifiable given Luke Shaw has had a tremendous season. Also, if Hodgson is determined that Leighton Baines will be his no. 1 choice, bringing Luke Shaw to Brazil is certainly much more beneficial to England's future.

Baines (left) and Barkley first major tournament

Hodgson has bravely named a lot more exciting youngsters in this Three Lions squad compared to that of four years ago. Among those, Raheem Sterling might have the best shot to start in Brazil. With Theo Walcott's absence and Sterling himself finishing the season in strong fashion, the attacking position on the right flank is up for him to grab. Ross Barkley is another serious contender for start XI, although 23 years old Jordan Henderson would be the natural option to partner club teammate Steven Gerrard to offer Hodgson solidity in central midfield.

The squad has mostly been named based on form rather than experience, perhaps apart from whether Gareth Barry deserves a place more than Frank Lampard. Hodgson should also be praised for giving himself a handful of tactical options by naming a group of wide diversity. Getting it right against each opponent would be the next challenge.

The first headache is how to accommodate Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney together. England needs Rooney to start, but is also desperate for some constant presence in the box, which Rooney seldom offers when starting up front alone. His ability of dropping deep in midfield, though, opens up the opportunity for both to start. Nevertheless, goal-scoring could still be a weakness of England, with Rooney's history of struggles in major tournament and questionable finishing touch of Danny Welbeck, Sturridge and Sterling. Sometimes, you only see one chance to score in the entire match and you just could not afford to miss it in a World Cup group match.

While Jack Wilshere should lead the race to stand alongside Gerrard, his fitness issue makes Henderson the favourite. However, it would not be surprising to see all three starting against Italy. Adam Lallana can provide the ever-missing no.10 creativity to England to threaten between lines of defence. Ross Barkley and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be the dynamic duo who are more than able to shift the momentum within a match.

There gone the familiar faces --- Terry (left) and A.Cole

However, how the midfield mix shapes out could be hindered by the loopholes at the back. There is no John Terry, Rio Ferdinand nor Ashley Cole. There is no obvious leadership at the back. Gary Cahill has matured and improved playing alongside Terry at some highest level of competition, but his qualifying campaign partner Phil Jagielka has only just returned to fitness. As Phil Jones also struggles with injury, the assurance at the heart of defence is scarce.

To pinpoint the weakest link in England, unfortunately, is again at the back. Glen Johnson is better known as an attacking full back, but what England really needs is the Gary Neville type of right back --- defence-driven and solid. Even they manage to escape from group stage, undoubtedly this will be the area most easily exposed by the likes of Neymar, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Angel Di Maria.

Will the Liverpool formula work?

Many urges England to follow Liverpool's model to search for triumph in Brazil. They might well should, as obviously their strength does not lie in defence in this group with the absence of veterans and a typical defensive midfielder. With perhaps the weakest team in their group, Costa Rica, lined up at the back of the fixture, it is tempting to fall into the trap of playing safe against Italy and Uruguay. Hodgson must resist the temptation and be determined to starting the tournament in a positive fashion. This can not only settle the nerves of the younger batch, but also inject the belief to the players that they could go all the way. Conservatism has already cost England too many tournaments. A team well-known of suffering in penalty stage, England indeed has the edge to kill off opponents in regular time.