Sometimes the stars align and things just go as they are supposed to. Sometimes heart wins over skills and fighting like a lion pays off against precise footwork.
This was the case during the last group stage match between the United States and Argentina in a warm Uruguayan night back in 1995. The Albiceleste lined up the likes of Gabriel Batitusta and featured Diego Simeone off the bench.
Russian, English, Slovakian and Croatian fans (and other fan groups) have been the talk of Euro 2016.
5th tier Swedish Player, Jesper Hellengren took his chances from about 40 yards out and ended up hitting a beauty that sailed into the corner past the outstretched goalie. A kind of goal that we all dream about came true for this man. What a hit, couldn't have been struck any better. Cheers! Similar to Van Bronckhorst's hit in the 2010 World Cup eh?? Who did it better?
Lionel Messi does it again for Argentina. His glory run at these Copa America games continued on Saturday night as he played a beautiful ball to set up Higuain for Argentina's first goal of the night. What a ball and what a finish by Higuain who has been brilliant. As soon as Messi stepped on the field in Argentina's third group play match, the level of play ramped up. The now 'scruffy' veteran has time and time again shown people why he is one of the greatest with his recent performances.
I have a lot of good memories from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, not that I was there. I had Tuesdays off back then, and so for two of the Tuesdays between June 12 and July 13 2014, I drank from noon until two in the morning. I danced the night away that night, among other things, and I like to think that, somehow, my moves were inspired by Colombia’s brilliant goal celebrations from that tournament. There is no way in actuality that they were, but hey, the spirit was there.
First, our becoming-standard and too-often-used disclaimer for negative stories about fans at Euro 2016: not all Croatians. But, some Croatians. Croatia were playing really well and up 2-1 against the Czech Republic Friday when a group of Croatian fans thought it would be cool to bombard the field with flares.
It was not cool.
Alexis Sanchez unleashed a vicious strike in the 50th minute to double Chile's lead over Panama in the Copa Americas. An absolute perfect hit to say the least that left the goalkeeper or any aspect of human life no chance at reacting that fast. Worth a few watches and a note to watch Chile's next game because you never know when Alexis will do it again. Well done son. Have a day!
In case you missed it here is the stunner from Dimitri Payet. It was evident from the opening ceremony how much this game and tournament was going to mean to the French players. Tears of pure joy falling down Payet's face is all you need to see to know the meaning of his goal. Romania fought hard as they tied the game up with a penalty in the second half but the French were still searching for a goal and 3 points as regulation end neared.
As per usual when I write about the Russians at Euro 2016, I begin with this disclamer: not all Russians. But some Russians.
The USMNT beat Ecuador 2-1 in a match that pretty much had everything. Clint Dempsey bagged a goal and an assist, Gyasi Zardes grabbed the second, and Michael Arroyo pulled one back for Ecuador to set up a grandstand finale.