A TRIBUTE TO THE SPECIAL ONE

Image Credit- The Sun   

 

27th April 2014

Liverpool, needing a draw to de facto win their first title in 25 years , were playing a second-string Chelsea team. Liverpool's legendary captain made a mistake, but given that they were attacking the fabled Kop end, it was almost a certainty that a draw was the very least that they would get from the game. Well, that's now things happen with Special One. His tactical genius was there for everyone with even limited understanding to see. Chelsea defused a strong Liverpool attack, and scored in final moments to win the game 2-0, effectively ending the title hopes of Liverpool.

In a remarkable career that has spanned over a 1000 games, there are bound to be many special moments from the Special One: the victory against much-favored Manchester United in 2004, the "sweetest defeat of his career" in Nou Camp in 2010, amongst many, many others. But for me personally, this is the best Mourinho moment, and it is because of the reason that unlike other victories, there was no immediate consequence of the result. The passion manifested in his mannerism after the game showed that notwithstanding the occasion, he wanted to win. He couldn't care less what others thought about his football, because he knew that in the ultimate reckoning, its the results that matter.

Recently, his career has lost a bit of shin, but for his contributions to the game, which might not always have been beautiful, he will always be the "The Special One".

 

Written by Shubham Priyadarshi. 

THE RETURN OF THE KING

 

 

Image Credit- The Indian Express.

 In the summer of 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United to join Spanish Giants Real Madrid on a record transfer fee. After playing for 9 seasons in the Los Blancos jersey, Ronaldo moved to Turin. In Juventus F.C., Ronaldo won a couple of league titles but in the Champions League the team's performance was dismal. Furthermore in the 2020-21 season, Juventus lost the domestic title to their rivals Inter Milan. It was now quite certain that Ronaldo will leave Juventus. But, which club will he join was the question.

 PSG signed Messi in August 2021 and there were also rumors that they can sign Ronaldo. However in the last week of August, Manchester City became one of the favorites to sign Ronaldo. There were talks between Ronaldo's agent and the officials of Manchester City. But, eventually Manchester United succeeded in signing Ronaldo. Ronaldo was back to Old Trafford after 12 long years.

Everyone were excited for his second debut. And it became a debut to remember. Ronaldo scored a brace in his second debut against Newcastle at Old Trafford and the Red Devils won the game 4-1. The crowd was shouting Cristiano's name and Sir Alex looked at him like a proud father.

With this win, United are currently at the top of the table. Will this be United's year?  Will they lift the Premier League trophy after 9 years? The answer lies in the womb of time.

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.

THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER FOR LIONEL MESSI

AUTHOR- AAYUSHYA PRAKASH 

 

Image Credit- NDTV 

In the final of Copa America 2021, Argentina and Messi were to face the hosts and defending champions Brazil. Brazil defeated a brave Peru side to secure a spot in the Final. The atmosphere was electrifying at Maracana. It’s the same venue where Germany handed Argentina a world cup defeat 7 years ago. The star-studded Brazilian team featured Neymar, Caseimero, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Vinicius Jr. Firmino and Ederson. Argentina were also nothing less than that playing Angel Di Maria, PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, Lautaro Martinez, veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi  and two very creative and underrated midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso.  The match was going to be full of attacks and high voltage drama. In simple words Box Office.

The Selecao were looking to attack from the beginning. Fred was awarded the first yellow card of the match. Soon after Argentina got possession and within 20 minutes they landed their first blow. This match was nothing like slowly settling in the game and finding possession or maintaining formation. In fact it was an ‘attack is the best defense’ kind of game. Both teams were trying hard to intercept almost every pass and not letting the opponent find rhythm. While Brazil enjoyed more possession, Argentinians were always looking dangerous on the attack.

Angels to the God

The Brazilian defence looked solid with the likes of Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and CDM Caseimiro. In the 21^st minute of the game an ecstatic pass from the Argentine midfielder Rodri De Paul set Angel De Maria free on the right wing who controlled it with sublime delicacy. Renan Lodi failed to intercept which compelled Ederson to charge on De Maria. Angel saw the opening and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper which found the back of the net, the only time in the game. Two angels collaborated to accomplish God’s will. Till the final whistle, it remained the only difference between the two teams.

Missed chances

In the 52^nd minute Brazil had the chance to equalize. Richalison slided one into the net on rebound from Otamendi. But the referee raised the offside flag and the goal was disallowed. In the 55^th minute, Martinez made a superman save to deny Richalison who hammered one on the target.

Late in the 89^th minute Messi missed a simple chance. On the counter, Messi crossed the ball to Rodri on right flank who offloaded it to Messi. Only Ederson was in the way, but one wrong footing ensured an easy save from the City’s Wall. Otherwise, Brazil was done for good.

What it takes to win a cup?

Argentina won Copa America after 28 years. In 10 edition after 1993, La Pulga played in 5. In 3 of them he carried his team into the finals. He lost two of the finals on penalties while the last edition saw Argentina facing humiliation by the hands of Brazil. But this year, something was different with the Argentinean team.

Over the group stage matches we saw a team which was not playing without a cause. We saw a hungry team who wanted to achieve something for someone special. They were ready to go on war for the one the whole Argentina loves the most. We saw a coach who was questioned time and again, ever since he was given charge of the team. He defied all odds to win a major trophy with his team and silenced every mouth around the footballing world. We saw a group of people which was not all about one man’s performance. As I’m writing this article, Coach Scaloni in a press meeting stated that Messi played with a hamstring injury. In the semi final he was fouled many times. His left sock turned red near ankle just around 1 hour mark. In the final fullback Montiel met the same fate. We saw a team who played with dirt on their jersey, blood drenched socks and a heart full of trust, resilience and will. In the end it was all emotions.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE SPECIAL ONE

 

It was the summer of 2004. Arsenal were the winners of the 2003-04 Premier League Season. It is noteworthy that Arsenal Football Club went unbeaten the entire premier league season and were indeed at the top of their game. Apart from Arsenal FC, Manchester United and Liverpool were the other dominant forces of the Premier League who used to be the major contenders of every single trophy in England.

However then arrived a manager who changed everything. He was none other than Jose Mourinho. Jose Mourinho was a famous name at that time. After all in a span of two years he had led a small club like Porto to Champions League glory.   

In his first press conference as a Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho described himself as the special one.

"Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm a European champion and I think I'm a special one," Mourinho said

This press conference gave him the title of the special one. So now the question is that was he a special one?

The answer- Yes. Mourinho led Chelsea to Premier League glory in 2004-05 season. This was Chelsea’s first premier league win in 50 years. Apart from the Premier League trophy Chelsea also lifted the League Cup and went up to the semifinal stage of the 2004-05 Champions League Season wherein they were eliminated by their domestic rival Liverpool F.C. [P.S.- It was a ghost goal].

Chelsea started the 2005-06 season well as they defeated Arsenal 2–1 to win the 2005 FA Community Shield. In this season Chelsea defended their Premier League title and at one stage it appeared that no English club can come close to this club form West London.

In the 2006-07 season Chelsea lifted both the domestic cups [League Cup and F.A. Cup] but failed to win the Premier League trophy. In this season as well Chelsea went up to the semifinal stage wherein they were once again eliminated by their domestic rival Liverpool F.C. in a penalty shootout.

Eventually in September, 2007 Jose Mourinho left the club. But, by now Chelsea were a dominant force in English Football. Mourinho returned back for the second time in 2013. In his second tenure Chelsea lifted the League Cup and the Premier League Trophy in 2014-15 season. However due to a disastrous start in the 2015-16 season Mourinho was sacked in December, 2015.

Today Jose Mourinho manages Roma F.C. But, he will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea

THE BATTLE OF BUFFET

 

 Image Credit- Scroll 

The Battle of Buffet is the name of Premier League game played between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford, Manchester, on October 24, 2004.

Arsenal were the defending Premier League Champions and were unbeaten for 49 premier league games [An English Footballing Record]. On the other hand Manchester United were struggling in the Premier League. However when the two sides met at Old Trafford the equations completely changed.

Arsenal dominated the first half of the game. But, in the second half Manchester United looked more threatening. In the 73^rd minute of the game Wayne Rooney was fouled by Arsenal defender Sol Campbell which resulted in a penalty.

Ruud van Nistelrooy converted the penalty and the hosts were 1-0 up. Eventually in the 93^rd minute of the game Wayne Rooney doubled the lead and the game ended at 2-0. The Invincibles were defeated. The 49 match unbeaten streak was broken.

However many felt that Rooney had dived and the penalty should not have been given. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger criticized the referee for his performance and even said Ruud van Nistelrooy a cheat.

Arsene Wenger was fined 15,000 pounds for his misconduct. Whereas Ruud Van Nistelrooy was retroactively banned for three matches, for a challenge on Ashley Cole that was missed by Riley.

Furthermore in the tunnel after the match, tempers boiled over between the staff of both the clubs. The brawl ultimately resulted in a throwing of a slice of pizza at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, by Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas. 

Now we all know why this game is called as the Battle of Buffet.