DYBALA STAYS

AUTHOR- ANUPAM GAURAV 

Image Credit- The Sun.

Paulo Dybala: A New Chapter in Europe’s Football Legacy

Paulo Dybala's name is synonymous with flair, creativity, and unpredictability on the football pitch. From his dazzling dribbles to his pinpoint finishes, Dybala has consistently proven himself as one of Europe’s most promising talents. Having left an indelible mark on Italian football, the Argentine star’s decision to remain in Europe marks a continuation of a journey that has already captivated fans across the continent. When Dybala announced his departure from Juventus in 2022, the footballing world was filled with anticipation about where the Argentine star would land next. The answer came in the form of AS Roma, where Dybala was given the chance to reignite his career under the guidance of the legendary José Mourinho. It was a move that surprised many, but it was clear that Dybala was eager for a fresh challenge in a different environment.

In Roma, Dybala found a new home. He quickly adapted to Mourinho’s tactical setup, becoming a pivotal figure in the team’s attacking play. His vision, passing, and ability to score from seemingly impossible positions brought a new dimension to Roma’s game. 

Dybala's Legacy and What’s Next

At 30, Dybala is in the prime of his career. He has already achieved so much, yet it feels like there is more to come. His decision to stay in Europe signifies a commitment to pushing his limits and cementing his legacy as one of the continent’s finest players.  Dybala’s journey is far from over. What makes Dybala so special is his unique style of play. He is a player who can unlock defenses with a single touch, create space where there seems to be none, and score goals that leave fans in awe. 

As he continues to thrive in Europe, one thing is certain: Paulo Dybala’s story is still being written, and football fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Paulo Dybala’s decision to remain in Europe is a testament to his drive, ambition, and love for the beautiful game. For a player of his caliber, the continent remains the perfect stage, and as long as Dybala is on the pitch, magic is never far behind.

A CITY UNITED

 

Image Credit- The Indian Express

The Manager of this Blog has nothing more to say. The News piece has covered it all. A City stands united for justice. Rivalry set aside for a greater cause. This is football all about. Love, Respect and Fight for Honor. Hope the justice is served as soon as possible. 

ONE MORE TITLE FOR BAYER LEVERKUSEN

 

Image Credit- The Hindu.

 No Bayer Leverkusen fan would ever forget the 2023-24 Football Season. The season wherein thy lifted their first Bundesliga Title as well as their second DFB Pokal.  Furthermore it is pertinent to note that they went unbeaten throughout their domestic season. A feat. which no German Team has ever achieved. However, the question which arose now was that will they continue the form next season. Afterall in order to qualify as a great team you need to do this on a consistent basis. For the time being it all looks good as Bayer Leverkusen have continued their winning run and have won their first ever DFL SuperCup. 

The German Champions were facing VfB Stuttgart in their home ground. So there was a proper support for Bayer Leverkusen. Furthermore they started off pretty well as they scored the opening goal in just 11 minutes. However, Stuttgart made a strong comeback to the game and at one stage were leading 2-1. Apart from that Bayer Leverkusen were a man down for most part of the game as Martin Terrier received a red card in the 37th minute. So it was getting tough for the home side. 

However, just like the previous season, Leverkusen equalized in the nick of time and the game went into penalties. Eventually in the penalty shootout they got better of Stuttgart and won the game (4)-(3) in penalties. It was a hard fought game wherein both team gave their best. Both sides played attacking football and we even witnessed some heated moments. Overall it was a Blockbuster. 

It is now one more title for Leverkusen. However, it will not be an easy path ahead. The Defending Champions have to play their best as the Bavarians will be eying for a comeback. 

The German Season has Begun.  

THE UNIMAGINABLE

 

Image Credit- Goal.

On 25th August Liverpool will be playing their first home game of the season against Brentford. It will be a full house as everyone will be present except one guy- Jurgen Klopp. His absence will be felt. He will surely be missed. Furthermore it is now hard to imagine someone other than Klopp on the touchline of Anfield. Afterall he was one of the greatest managers the club has ever seen. To be honest he comes in the league of Shankly and Paisley. 

Klopp was the man who built Liverpool into a formidable side. A man who made everyone believe. A man who won trophies for this legendary club. As a result, it is going to be very hard for the new Manager Arne Scot to step into the shoes of Jurgen. Afterall he is irreplaceable.  

THE DREAM DEBUT

 

Image Credit- ESPN 

UEFA Champions League Winners Real Madrid were facing the Europa League Winners Atlanta in the UEFA Super Cup Game at Warsaw. It was expected to be a one-sided match and it turned out to be one. Though Atlanta fought hard, but they were no match in front of the Galactico's. Interestingly at the end of first half the scorecard read 0-0. They even created chances. However, it was very much expected that Madrid will breach the Atlanta defense any moment and it eventually happened in the second half.

Valverde scored the opening goal of the game in the 59th minute which was soon followed by Mbappe's goal. It was his first goal for Real Madrid and that too in his debut game. Nothing gets better than this. At the end of 90 minutes the match ended 2-0 as Real Madrid won yet another UEFA Super Cup Title. 

Mbappe has won the first silverware with the club of his dreams. One will only hope that this dream run continues for long and he lifts many more trophies. 

FAREWELL PEPE

 

Image Credit- Times of India.

The 2023-2024 Footballing Season has seen some of the legends say good bye to this beautiful game. Pepe has now become the latest entrant to the list as the Portuguese Defender has announced his retirement from Professional Football. The 41 year old defender was last seen in the Quarterfinals of the UEFA European Championship wherein the French knocked them out in a penalty shoot-out. It did not turn out to be a perfect farewell for the Portuguese Legend, but he has literally won it all. Barring the FIFA World Cup, Pepe did win every title. Furthermore he has been a crucial part of every team he has played for. No Real Madrid Fan will ever forget his partnership with Sergio Ramos. They were our wall. They were our fighter. They scared every opponent by their aggression and passion. The streets of Madrid will never forget the contribution of Pepe in making Galactico's a Champion Side. 

Farewell Pepe. You will be missed. 

THEY JUST KEEP WINNING

 

Image Credit- Manchester City F.C.

In the past few years Manchester City has emerged as the one of the strongest football teams the game has ever seen. They are so powerful a side that even drawing a game seams a challenge against them, forget about winning. They have won six Premier League Titles in the last seven seasons. Hence one can figure out their dominance in English Football. However, the previous season was below their usual standards because they only won a League Title. Mind you this is their below par performance.  They failed to defend their UCL Title and faced a defeat in the final of the FA Cup against Manchester United. 

However, this time they have started their season right. In the Community Shield Final they came from behind and silenced their neighbor. At one time it appeared that they are going to lose the game as the Red Devils were leading 1-0. But, in the 89th minute of the game Bernardo Silva scored the equalizer and the match went into the penalties. Eventually the Men in Blue won the game 7-6 in the penalty shoot out and lifted the Community Shield in a packed Wembley Stadium. 

The Season has got off to a great start. Will they win a Quadruple this Year? The Answer lies in the womb of time.  However, for the time being everything feels good for the defending champions. 

THE LEGEND OF CHUNI DAA

 

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Subimal "Chuni" Goswami is a name which no Indian Football Fan will ever forget. He was the man who led the Indian football team to a gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games, Goswami played as a forward. Notably after this triumph, he even received an invitation for a trial from English club Tottenham Hotspur, which he declined due to uncertainties about moving abroad. He remained devoted to Mohun Bagan, playing for them without pay, driven by loyalty and pride. Goswami also shone in cricket, leading Bengal to the Ranji Trophy final in 1972, and participated in tennis and hockey at local clubs.

Goswami was gifted in areas other than athletics. In addition to playing the Kolkata sheriff, he appeared in a Bengali movie. Throughout his life, he balanced a number of interests, with sports being his main love. He was previously spared punishment by national team coach Syed Abdul Rahim, demonstrating his extraordinary abilities. 

Goswami was an avid tennis player who frequently sneaked away from his work at the State Bank of India to play at the Calcutta South Club. He also loved cricket and football. According to cricket pundit Harsha Bhogle, his love of sports never faded. Goswami was vociferous about advancing Indian football and took every match seriously. His charisma and skill won him a devoted following throughout India. Undoubtedly, he was among the best athletes in India.

REFERENCES-

1. Indian Football: Chunni Goswami and his legend in anecdotes (scroll.in)

2. Flashback Friday: When Chuni Goswami turned down offer to join Tottenham Hotspur (thebridge.in)

3. When Indian football legend Chuni Goswami rejected English giants Tottenham Hotspur to play in India (sportskeeda.com)

A GAME TO REMEMBER

 

Image Credit- Money Control.

Venue- Kazan Arena, Russia.

Tournament Favorites Brazil were taking on the Golden Generation of Belgium in the Quarterfinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Both the sides were famous for their attacking style of play. As a result, everyone was expecting an exciting contest between the two. And Boy! What a game it turned out to be.

The Men in Red got past their Opponent by the barest of margins. The Belgian won it 2-1 in a closely fought game. The credit for the same goes to their legendary Goalkeeper Courtois who made innumerable stunning saves. He was certainly on the peak of his powers that time. As the Commentator said it right- This Keeper is in some mood today.   

The Brazilians started off pretty well. However, an on goal in the 13th minute gave Belgian the lead. Furthermore, in the 31st minute De Bruyne scored another brilliant goal on the counterattack and doubled his team's lead.

However, Brazilians did not lose their heart and continued attacking. Eventually in the 76th minute they scored their first goal, and the game became truly alive. It appeared that the Brazilians would equalize any moment, but the strong defense of Belgium kept them on bay.  In the injury time Neymar took a brilliant shot on the goal but was denied again by Courtois. It was a shot which deserved to go into net, but the Belgian Keeper was possessed that day. He made the save of his life. Neymar was shattered. 

The Final Whistle was blown. Tournament Favorites have been knocked out. No one could believe what they saw. But it was a game which no football fan would ever forget. 

To watch the Highlights of the Match, Click Here.