THE MISERY OF HARRY KANE

 

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On July 15, 2024, Spain lifted their 4th European Title as they defeated England in a closely fought final in Berlin. The Spanish deserved to win this trophy for the kind of football they have played entire tournament. Furthermore, it is pertinent to note that they faced the toughest teams in the tournament. Firstly, they were placed in the Group of Death along with Italy and Croatia. Post that they faced Hosts Germany in the Quarterfinals and Favorites France in the Semifinals. So, after beating such big teams they made their way into the finals. Hence it was a much-deserved title win. 

The English were literally struggling against the Spaniards. They did equalize because of a Cole Palmer screamer, but they were no-way favorite to win the game. With this loss they have now faced back-to-back Final defeats in the European Championship.  

One might support any team but will surely feel for Harry Kane who despite being a prolific goal scorer has failed to win a single title. Last season he joined Bayern Munich and even Munich went trophyless after a decade. So, one can say that Kane doesn't have the best of fortune. Despite giving his best, he falls on the final stage. 

One can only hope that his fortune changes soon and he is able to lift a cup for his side. 

THE LEGEND OF MARCO REUS

 

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On June 1, 2024, Marco Reus played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. Unfortunately, he did not get a fairytale ending as his boyhood club lost 0-2 to Real Madrid in the Champions League Final at London. Furthermore, it is pertinent to note that in the previous season, men in yellow lost the Bundesliga title on the basis of goal difference to their arch-rival Bayern Munich on the final day of the Season. Hence one can say Reus is not that a lucky footballer. But one will truly admit that he is definitely a loyal footballer. Afterall, he stayed with his boyhood club at a time when everyone else around him left for money and titles. He literally stood out as a symbol of loyalty and passion in this plastic era.  

Interestingly at Dortmund he won just 2 DFB Pokal and 2 DFL Super cup trophies which is not that many titles for a player of his calibre. However, winning it for your people means more. And this is why Reus preferred Dortmund above everyone else. Though in his final attempt Reus failed to win a League as well as Champions League Title for the club of his life, but he will still be remembered by every football fan.

This is the Legend of Marco Reus.    

FAREWELL TONI: YOU WILL BE MISSED

 

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In May 2024, Toni Kroos announced that he will be retiring from football at the end of the season. Everyone was shocked to listen to it because he was in red-hot form and had many years of football left in him. But Kroos decided to leave football when he was on the pinnacle of his career. And Boy! What a way he bowed out from the beautiful game. 

In his final season at Real Madrid, he ended up winning the Super Cup, La Liga and the prestigious Champions League Trophy. Furthermore, it is pertinent to note that he was not just the part of the winning team but was also the star performer for his team in the entire campaign. The passes and assists he gave in crucial matches were simply unbelievable. His assist to Vinicius in the Semi-Final against Bayern was literally unbelievable. 

For Germany he tried his best to win the Euro but failed to get past the quarterfinal stage wherein the eventual winner Spain got better of them in a close encounter.

With this defeat Toni Kross is now a retired footballer. Football Fans are sad because they won't be able to see his magic on the pitch. However, for all the memories he has given to us, we can definitely say- Thank you, Mr. Kroos for the magic and memories and may you have a wonderful retirement life ahead. 

Football will truly miss the German Sniper. 

    

THE LEGEND OF LUKA MODRIC

 

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Over a past few years Croatia has performed brilliantly in major football tournaments. Unfortunately, despite reaching the knockout stages (Finals and Semifinals) they have failed to get past the final frontier every single time. As a result, they were determined to turn the tide in the 2024 European Championship. However, this was not going to be an easy task as they were placed in the group of death along with Spain and Italy.

Furthermore, their chances of making past the group stage became even more tough after they faced a humiliating 3-0 defeat in the hands of Spain in the opening game. Post this they played a 2-2 draw against Albania which meant they had just one point after 2 games. As a result, their game against Italy became a must win game for them.

And this is when Luka Modric stepped into the scene. He scored a goal against Italy and got his team a crucial lead. It looked that Modric will single handedly take his side to the round of 16. However, calamity struck in the injury time as the Italians equalized in the 98th minute of the game. The Croatians were thus out of the tournament. 

Modric was shattered and so were the fans who were cheering for him. However, this is football. A game which gives us both joy and heartbreaks. Luka Modric was awarded the man of the match award for his exceptional performance in the game.

It is pertinent to note that despite inching towards 40, Modric remains determined to play and perform for both his club and country.  Hence, every fan will now hope and pray that the Almighty gives him strength and he continue to perform and win trophies on the big stage. 

FAREWELL CAPTAIN: YOU WILL BE MISSED

 

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When the final whistle was blown on June 6, 2024, it marked the end of an era. This is because, after a goalless draw against Kuwait in Kolkata, Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from the Indian football team. It is important to remember that when it comes to football, India is not a superpower. However, this did not depress our icon, who never stopped striving to elevate his squad to the top. In 151 international appearances he scored a staggering 94 goals which is worth appreciation. Due to his contribution India was successful in lifting multiple silverwares on the international stage.  

Hence, it can rightly be said that Sunil was our team's skeleton. As a result it will be difficult to fill the vacuum that his retirement has left. What does Indian football hold in store? The answer lies in the womb of time. But for now, farewell, legend. You will be missed. 

THE BEST OF RED DEVILS

 

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It was the FA Cup Final wherein 2 city rivals [Manchester City and Manchester United] were facing each other. It is interesting to note that Manchester City won the 2023 FA Cup Final against Manchester United itself. So, the men in red were seeking a revenge. On the other hand, the men in blue wanted to extend their dominance. However, Manchester City were surely the favorites to win the cup. Afterall they were the Premier League Champions and were also the defending champions of the FA Cup. 

However, anything can happen in a game of football, and this is what happened in Wembley. The Red Devils scripted a monumental victory against their city rival as they won the match 2-1. Alejandro Garnacho scored the opening goal in the 30th minute of the game. Whereas Kobbie Mainoo doubled their lead 9 minutes later. At half time the score read Man Utd 2- 0 Man City. 

In the second half City tried their best to break the United defense. They succeeded in scoring a goal in the 87th minute. But it was not sufficient as Man United won a FA Cup title after 8 long years. There were emotions all around the United Camp. Afterall, they have won a silverware in a season which prior to this game no one wanted to remember.

     

THE ULTIMATE CHAMPION

 

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In a previous post we have already discussed about the title win of Bayer Leverkusen. However, at the end we posed a question that whether they will end up as invincible or not. After a month we did get the answer. The Leverkusen Side are the new Invincibles now. Defying all odds they went on to win the league without suffering a single defeat. Furthermore, they also completed a double as they were successful in lifting the DFB-Pokal as well. Unfortunately, they failed to win the Europa League Final against Atlanta or else it would have been a perfect invincible season. 

But, despite their defeat in the Europa League Final one can easily say that this was one of the greatest seasons of Bayer Leverkusen. What they have achieved in a year is a dream for every club. Xabi Alonso has indeed come a long way now.