REST IN PEACE LEGEND

 

Image Credit- The New York Times

Pele. It's not just a name. It's an emotion. His heroics on and off the field cannot be discussed in a single blogpost. But still. 

The greatest player of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, played professional football for Brazil. Throughout the 20th century, he was one of the most successful and well-liked sports figures. He was named the International Olympic Committee's Athlete of the Century in 1999, and Times named him one of the 100 most influential individuals of the 20th century. Pelé was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century award in 2000 and was chosen by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) as the World Player of the Century. Including friendly, he scored 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, setting a Guinness World Record. Furthermore, Pele is also the player with most World Cup trophies (3) under his belt. 

Throughout his career, Pelé scored nearly one goal per game and was skilled at striking the ball with either foot in addition to reading the movements of his opponents. Although he was primarily a striker, he had the ability to drop deep and assume a playmaking role. He would use his vision and passing prowess to provide assists, as well as his dribbling abilities to elude defenders. He was revered as a national hero in Brazil for both his football prowess and his vocal advocacy for measures that would better the socioeconomic conditions of the underprivileged. Inspiration stemmed from his rise to fame at the 1958 World Cup, where he became the first black sporting icon on a global scale. 

Rest in Peace Legend. You will always be missed. 

A WORLD CUP TO REMEMBER

 

Image Credit- FIFA

The 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup took place in Qatar from November 20, 2022, to December 18, 2022.  This was the first World Cup which took place in the Arab world and second World Cup to take place in Asia. Furthermore, this was also the first World Cup which took place in the winter season. Something which has not happened before.

The World Cup was full of surprises and excitement. The heavyweights like Germany, Uruguay and Belgium were knocked out in the group stage itself. On the other hand, teams like Japan, South Korea, Morocco, Australia went into the knockout stage. Furthermore, Morocco became the first African nation to play in the World Cup semi-finals [Heroics of Morocco has been separately dealt in the previous blog]. Apart from this there were many more upsets in the tournament [Saudi Arabia defeating Argentina. Tunisia defeating France etc...].  

However, what made this world cup a classic was the heroics of two best players of the world. Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. One was adamant to defend his title. The other wanted to win the only trophy which was missing in his trophy cabinet. Both gave their best to win the cup for their respective teams. 

Eventually it was Lionel Messi and his Argentina who lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine captain lead from the front in every game and made sure that it's a happy ending for the Argentines this time. For his efforts on the pitch, he was also awarded the Golden Ball. Frenchmen Kylian Mbappe gave his best but failed to stop Argentines this time from lifting the cup.

At the end of the day, it was all about Messi magic.

 

WELL PLAYED MOROCCO

 

Image Credit- CNN

When Morocco Football Team landed in Qatar for playing the World Cup, no one expected much of them. Afterall they were placed in a group which had teams like Belgium, Canada and Croatia. However, they shook the footballing world when they beat Belgium in the Group Stage Game. Post this they knocked Canada out of the World Cup and ended up as group winners.

In the Round of 16 they were facing 2010 World Cup Champions Spain. No one gave them a chance and again they emerged as the winners. They knocked out the Spanish in the penalty shootout. In the Quarterfinals they faced 2016 Euro Champions Portugal. And Boy. What a game it was. Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo and his team tried hard to breach the Moroccan defense. But they failed to do so. Eventually the Moroccans scored the decisive goal, and the Portuguese were knocked out of the World Cup.

By this win, Moroccans became the first African Country to qualify for FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals. 

However eventually in the semifinals the defending champion France knocked them out.  Furthermore, they also lost the third-place game against Croatia. The Moroccans have ended their World Cup Campaign with a fourth finish. 

Well Played Morocco. You have done everyone proud.  

THE LEGEND OF CRISTIANO RONALDO

 

Image Credit- Metro UK

No football fan can forget the image of crying Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the pitch, after Portugal lost to Giant Killers Morroco in the Quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This was Cristiano's fifth World Cup and most probably his last. FIFA World Cup is the biggest event in the field of football and every footballer wants to win it for his country. However, now the question arises is this - Is FIFA World Cup win necessary to be registered as an all-time Great?

The answer is simply NO. Cristiano is an exceptional footballer, and his honors and accolades speaks for itself. It is impossible for the author to mention all his honors in one blog. However, the author would like to conclude this blog by writing just one thing- Cheer up Champion. You have made every one of us proud. 

Looking forward to you in Chelsea Shirt. 

WELL PLAYED JAPAN

 

Image Credit- The Indian Express

This image of the Japanese Manager will stay in the memory of football fans for long. This was him after Japan was knocked out from the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022.  Though Round of 16 is not considered as a major achievement for the Western European and Latin American teams. However, this round of 16 achievement is special. Why? 

Japan was placed in the Group of Death alongside Germany, Spain and Costa Rica. No one gave them a chance. To be honest everyone thought that they will end fourth in the group. But to the surprise of everyone they topped the points table in the group stage. Furthermore, they won against both Germany and Spain. 

In the round of 16 they were facing 2018 FIFA World Cup runners up Croatia. To everyone's surprise they scored the opening goal of the game. But Croatia scored an equalizer in the second half. However, post then none of the team scored any more goal and the match went into the penalties. 

Eventually in the penalty shootout Croatia emerged victorious and the Japanese were knocked out of the World Cup. However, every football fan was feeling proud for what Japan has achieved. 

To be honest Croatia indeed won the game, but it was the Japanese side who won the hearts. 

THE LEGEND OF GARETH BALE

 

Image Credit- Bleacher Report

After suffering a 0-3 defeat against the English, Wales were out of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Every Welsh fan was disappointed. However, one cannot forget the thing that Wales qualifying for FIFA World Cup was an achievement in itself. The Welsh side last appeared in the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Post then they failed to qualify for the biggest tournament of the world.

Such was the condition of Welsh football that Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs often rested during the international break. However, one man was determined to make a mark in the history of Welsh Football and that was Gareth Bale. 

We all know about the achievements of Gareth Bale on club level. We all know about his caliber. But the question was will he take Wales to ultimate glory. And the answer to this question is Yes. 

Wales qualified for 2016 Euros and 2020 Euros. In 2016, Wales reached up to the semi-final stage before being knocked out by the eventual champions Portugal. Their victory against Belgium is still fresh in the memories of football fans.

In 2022, after 64 years of wait and struggle, Wales qualified for the FIFA World Cup. In their opening game against the USA, they played wonderfully. Though the match ended in a draw, but their performance was promising. However, defeat against Iran and England ended their hopes of going forward into the World Cup.

Yes. The Welsh Fan are sad and so is the Welsh team. But cheer up Boys you have made a nation proud.