LEGENDS NEVER DIE

 

Image Credit- These Football Times 

25th November, 2021 will mark the first death anniversary of legendary Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona. On this day last year, the footballing world was in tears when the news of Diego Maradona's death broke out. Even though Maradona was an Argentinian player, but he was admired by the entire footballing world. As a result every football fan was sad.

In his footballing career, Maradona achieved many things both at country as well as club level. However his biggest achievement will always be the 1986 World Cup triumph. Not only did the Argentinians lift the World Cup trophy under his captaincy but, as a player Diego Maradona also lifted the Golden Ball award for his exceptional performance.

In the words of Los Angeles Times, it was the greatest individual performance in the history of the World Cup tournament. Maradona not only scored 5 goals in the tournament, but also had 5 assists in his name.

However the game which made him immortal was the quarterfinal game against England. In the quarterfinal game Maradona scored the first goal of the game with the help of his hand. Replays showed that the first goal was scored by striking the ball with his hand. Maradona was coyly evasive, describing it as a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God. However, his second goal was later voted as the greatest goal in the history of the World Cup. Maradona received the ball in his own half, swivelled around and with 11 touches ran more than half the length of the field, dribbling past 5 English players and scored an iconic solo goal. 

Furthermore in the semi-final game against Belgium, Maradona scored 2 more goals and took his side into the final. However in the final Maradona failed to scored a goal, but he assisted the goal which won Argentina the World Cup. The Ultimate was achieved. 

Today Maradona is no longer with us. But the footballing memories which he gave to his fans will never fade away. 

THE GUNNER GALACTICO

 

Image Credit- Pinterest 

It was 21st February, 2006, Arsenal F.C. were facing Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.  Before this game, no English team has ever won a game in Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.  

However when the game started it appeared as if Arsenal were playing in their home. In the first 10 minutes itself Arsenal created 3 chances. The Gunners kept on attacking again and again. Eventually in the 47th minute of the game Thierry Henry scored a wonderful solo goal and silenced the Bernabéu.  

Real Madrid tried their best to score, but they failed to get past the Arsenal defense. At the end of 90 minutes the score read 1-0.  Arsenal became the first English club to win at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The second leg in London ended 0-0 and Arsenal marched forward in the Champions League.  

If we look at both the games we will find that both the games were very closely fought. Both teams played exceptionally well. However the only difference between the two sides was the Gunner Galactico Thierry Henry. 

 

THE GODFATHER IS BACK

 

Image Credit- Bleacher Report. 

Antonio Conte is a manager known for changing fortunes of struggling clubs. Firstly he revived a struggling Juventus side and made them Italian champions for three consecutive years. Post this he managed the Italian National Team for couple of years [Took them even to Euro quarterfinals]. In 2016 he came to England wherein he managed Chelsea F.C. for a couple of years. In the first year as a Chelsea Manager he helped Chelsea win their 5th Premier League title. It is pertinent to note that in the previous season Chelsea finished 10th and it was said that the decline of another West London Club has begun. But we ended up winning the premier league. The second season was not that good, but still Chelsea managed to win F.A. Cup. 

 In 2019 he returned back to Italy as the manager of Inter Milan. In his second season as Inter manager he helped Inter lift the Serie A title after 11 long years.  Interestingly it was Conte under who made Juventus a formidable force in Italy and it was eventually him who ended the winning run of  Bianconeri. 

Today Conte is back in England. This time as a manager of Tottenham Hotspurs. Tottenham has failed to win any silverware since 2008.  Furthermore it has been 60 years since Tottenham won the first division title. 

Will Conte change the fortune of a sinking club? Or will he add to a set of successful managers who failed to perform at Tottenham. The answer to this question lies in the womb of time. 

THE RETURN OF THE WIZARD

 

Image Credit- Wallpapersdsc.net

To the footballing world Xavi needs no introduction. He was one of the greatest mid-fielders of all time. As a player he was known for his passing, vision, ball retention and positioning. At the young age of 11 he joined La Masia (The Youth Academy of FC Barcelona). Furthermore he made his Barcelona debut at the age of 18.  For the next 17 years he adorned the Barcelona jersey and added magic on the pitch. 

By the time he retired as a club legend, Barcelona had added more 8 La Liga titles, 3 Copa del Reys and 4 European Championship in their trophy cabinet. Furthermore in Spanish colors Xavi helped Spain win their first FIFA World Cup in 2010. Apart from FIFA WC he also helped Spain win the 2008 and 2012 European Championship. It is interesting to note that since Xavi left Barcelona as a player, Barcelona have failed to win the Champions League. 

Today after 6 long years the wizard is back home, this time as a manager. Currently Barcelona is at 9th position in La Liga and is also struggling in the Champions League. Will the return of the wizard change their fortune? Or will they suffer more. The answer lies in the womb of time. 

P.S. - FC Barcelona are currently competing in the UEFA Europa League.