The Final of Dreams !

Italy vs England, Brazil vs Argentina, choose your poison folks ! 😇 After a month long, arduous, ‘hearts pumping out of the chest’ tournament, we are left with two remaining survivors in each of high profile football tournaments, this world is watching. Italy and England are arguably the most transformed football teams in Europe. With Mancini’s (manager of Italian Football team) Azzurri revolution, the Italians have revived their hopes of going into next couple of tournaments as favorites. Also, Gareth Southgate and his “science of football” has done wonders for England who are consistently in the top 4 of major tournaments (building on the semi-final finish at the world cup in 2018). Brazil look to defend their title as champions of South America against their fiercest rivals and neighbors, Argentina. Will this be Messi’s (the GOAT’s) ‘Last Dance’ ? Let’s dig in 😋
Trivia: When was the first time Copa America and Euro both had a host nation in the finals ?

Thanks to the revival of Serie A, Italy can produce top football talent year in year out. This has a direct impact on how the Italian national team has improved and performed consistently under the tutelage of Roberto Mancini (who won the “incredible” Premier League title with Man City in 2011). Nothing was easy about the Italian’s route to the finals. They faced stubborn Austria before beating World No. 1 Belgium and then facing resurgent Spain in the semi-finals, whom they beat 4-2 on penalties after 1-1 in regular time. On the other side of the bracket, England were mighty favorites to reach the final, so there was a lot of pressure of expectations (something England is accustomed to, right ? 😆). They beat Germany 2-0 before destroying Ukraine 4-0 and then facing a spirited Danish side to come from behind and win 2-1. The final being in Wembley a boon or a bane for the English ?

Turns out, it was the English Achilles’ Heel, a penalty shootout, that handed the Italians the ultimate prize after a near perfect tournament. The scores were tied 1-1 after Luke Shaw gave the English a dream start in first two minutes only for Bonucci to equalize in the 67th. A few attempts here and there and we headed into the penalty shootout which saw Harry Kane and Harry Maguire to score for England. It was not until superstar Gigi Donnarumma pulled out a stop off Jadon Sancho following a mis-hit by Rashford, that things got really, really intense. Scores 2-3, with Italians looking to seal the deal and guess what, Pickford makes a beauty of a save to keep the scores 2-3 and one kick to spare ! All now rested on the young (very young rather) shoulders of Saka who had been a livewire throughout the tournament. Saka steps up, takes his kick and Gigi makes a comfortable save only to walk it off (McGregor style) to hand Italians the Euro 2020 trophy ! Long may the Gigi tradition continue for Italian goalkeepers !

In Brazil however, Argentina took an early lead with Angel Di Maria scoring in the 22nd minute which was enough to give Lionel Messi, his first ever trophy with his country ! Things do come in a full circle. Leaving these memorable summer tournaments behind, players return to their respective clubs and friendlies are in full effect. The Premier League season beings on August 13 th! Messi is still a free agent, Harry Kane and Jack Grealish are rumored to be heading to Man City. Cant wait for the new season to begin !