IT IS COMING ROME

 

Image Credit- UEFA

In 2017 the whole of footballing world was in shock. The Italians failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. No football fan can ever forget the image of Buffon crying and apologizing to his nation. 

But then came a man who changed the Italian Football for good. He was none other than Roberto Mancini. Under Roberto Mancini we saw an energetic Italian Side who were determined to win each and every game which comes there way. 

In the group stage Italians faced Turkey, Switzerland and Wales. They won all of their three group games. In these three games they scored 7 goals and conceded none. In the round of 16 they faced Austria at Wembley. After the end of 90 minutes the scorecard read 0-0. However in the extra time the Italians fought like a lion and the match ended 2-1. Italy were now in quarterfinals.

In the quarterfinals, the Italian side faced the tournament favorites Belgium.  Barella and Insigne scored the openng 2 goals of the game for the Gli Azzurri. The Belgian side tried their best but the game ended 2-1. The Italians were now in the semi-final where they faced the 2012 champion Spain.

The Spanish side turned out to be a tough opponent and the game went into the penalties. In the penalties it was all Donnarumma show. He was successful in saving couple of penalties and the Italians ended up winning the semi-finals 4-2.

Now came the big day. The final. In the final the Italians were to face host England. The English team were playing in their backyard with full home support. To make matters worse Italy conceded a goal in the 2nd minute itself. Wembley went wild post Luke Shaw goal and the ground was full of chants- Its coming Home. 

But the Italians fought hard and equalized in the 67th minute of the game. Just like the semi-final the final was also to be decided on penalties. This is when we saw a display of great goalkeeping from both the goalkeepers. Pickford saved 2 penalties. But, Donnarumma was able to save 3. As a result Italians won the game 3-2 and were crowned the UEFA Euro 2021 Champions. It is pertinent to note that the English side gave a tough fight, but at the end the Italian goalkeeper dashed all the English hopes.

 THE TROPHY IS GOING ROME. 

Some Stats from the tournament-

Golden Boot- Cristiano Ronaldo.

Player of the Tournament- G. Donnarumma. 

Best Young Player- Pedri.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN BARCELONA

 Author- Shubham Priyadarshi.

 

Image Credit- Barca Blaugranes

 March 15, 2018. 

Chelsea were playing Barcelona again. First leg was tied 1-1. And Chelsea were punching above their weight. I was hopeful that we will give them tough competition, notwithstanding the result. But a certain diminutive Argentinian decided that same will not be the case. It was a close match and we still lost 3-0. I realized that what I was witnessing that night was the greatest football player that I have seen and in all probability, will ever see in my lifetime.

Football was my solace in troublesome times. It still is. And I am fortunate that during this period, I saw you at the absolute peak of your powers and bring joy to millions like me around the world. Well, except when you were tormenting us.

You are widely considered the greatest of all time. And although I am not sure about how good Maradona or Pele were, but I am sure about one thing: being considered better than you is the highest praise that could be accorded to them.

Gracias por los recuerdos, Leo.