Inter Milan was clinically efficient is dispatching Bayern Muenchen 2-0 Saturday night to win the Champions' League final. Diego Milito found the net via the counterattack on both sides of halftime to secure an historic treble for Inter (Serie A scudetto, Coppa Italia, Champions' League) and confirm the club as the world's best. The Champions' League final was on U.S. broadcast TV for the first time; sadly, it wasn't much to watch.

The opening half hour was very dry, with Inter afraid to move forward and Bayern reluctant to press with possession. Inter keeper Julio Cesar hoofed the ball downfield on 35 minutes; Milito ran a give-and-go with Wesley Sneijder, and scored on a second touch. After the goal, the play was the same as before it: Bayern had most of the ball but couldn't penetrate Inter's defense. Inter would only come forward when Bayern was caught out of position. Inter was predicted to play a 4-4-2 set-up with a diamond-shaped midfield, but instead played a 4-5-1 formation that frustrated Bayern all night. 

Both teams had a chance immediately after halftime, but play quickly reverted to the first half's m.o.: most times, Milito was the only man not behind the ball for Inter. After Milito's second goal, a superb individual effort on 70 minutes, the air came out of the game completely.

Bayern finished as 2-0 losers with 66|PERCENT| of possession while outshooting Inter 13-9. (Inter was more economical, putting 7 shots on goal to Bayern's 6.) Maicon handled the ball early in the game, which should have awarded Bayern a penalty kick, but the ref missed it. It wasn't Bayern's night.

I doubt this game won any new fans for soccer in America. It was played at a very high standard, but wasn't very exciting. It was equivalent to a football game that ends 14-0 with 350 yards of total offense: there was plenty for purists to stare at, but not much sex appeal.

Fox did a nice job with coverage, including a short pre-game discussion with a couple American soccer B-listers. The match commentators were Martin Tyler and Andy Gray. (Canadian viewers watching Sportsnet were stuck with John "Hooray for Everyone and Everything" Helm.)

 Let's see if FOX broadcasts next year's game. I've got my doubts.