Resilience and Redemption: Real Madrid's Triumph in the 2020 Supercopa de Espan

When the stakes are high and Atletico Madrid stands in the way, Real Madrid has an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion. History has shown that even in the dying moments of a tense final, Los Blancos find a way to break Diego Simeone’s resilient side. The 2020 Supercopa de España final was no exception. Guided by the indomitable Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid clinched their first trophy since the 2017-18 Champions League triumph. For Zidane, it marked the first silverware of his second stint as manager, a feat that both he and club president Florentino Perez hope signals the beginning of another golden era.

Perez’s faith in Zidane’s winning mentality remains steadfast. “Zidane has plenty of trophies and we're very happy for him. I hope that he wins more trophies,” Perez remarked. “Zidane has a loving relationship with Real Madrid. He decided to rest for a year and now he's returned with renewed energy. Zidane is a blessing from heaven.”

The Challenges of an Undermanned Squad

Real Madrid entered the tournament in Saudi Arabia without key players Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale. Benzema’s absence was particularly significant, given his prolific form over the past two seasons. Zidane’s tactical response was to deploy a five-man midfield, blending youth and experience. This strategy paid dividends, with Casemiro and Fede Valverde emerging as pivotal figures. Valverde, in particular, demonstrated why he is so highly regarded, showcasing his ability to create spaces and instigate offensive plays despite Atletico’s disciplined defensive setup.

Atletico’s Defensive Masterclass

Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, true to their reputation, proved to be a formidable opponent. They effectively stifled Real’s midfield, pressing Casemiro and Toni Kroos to disrupt their rhythm. This tactical approach limited Real’s ability to transition into the final third. Luka Modric provided moments of relief, but it was insufficient to break Atletico’s stranglehold. Recognizing the need for greater dynamism, Zidane introduced Rodrygo Goes, whose presence improved Real’s penetration into Atletico’s penalty area. Rodrygo’s incisive play created opportunities, including a missed chance by Luka Jovic following a brilliant through-ball. However, the breakthrough remained elusive, and the match extended into extra time.

Moments of Drama and Decision

Extra time saw both teams push for a decisive goal. Thibaut Courtois and Jan Oblak, the two goalkeepers, were outstanding throughout, making crucial saves to keep their teams in contention. Courtois, in particular, redeemed himself after a shaky start to the season, delivering a performance that underscored his importance to Real Madrid’s resurgence.

The turning point came in the 115th minute when Fede Valverde committed a professional foul on Alvaro Morata, who was poised to score the winning goal. Valverde’s cynical tackle earned him a red card but effectively prevented Atletico from sealing the match. Simeone later acknowledged the tactical intelligence behind the foul, calling it “a play that any player would make in such a situation.”

The Penalty Shootout

With the match still deadlocked, the outcome was decided by a penalty shootout. Courtois emerged as the hero, saving one penalty while Saul Niguez struck the post. Real Madrid’s penalty takers—Carvajal, Rodrygo, Modric, and Ramos—were clinical, ensuring victory without the need for a fifth kick. Courtois’ performance throughout the tournament, including saving nine of the eleven shots on target, was instrumental in Real’s triumph.

A Promising Start to the Year

The victory in the Supercopa de España marks a promising start to 2020 for Real Madrid. It also serves as a testament to Zidane’s tactical acumen and ability to inspire his team under challenging circumstances. With renewed energy and a squad brimming with potential, Zidane’s Real Madrid appears poised for further success. For a club accustomed to silverware, this triumph is not just a celebration but a harbinger of greater achievements to come.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Art of the "Olympic Goal: A Historical Perspective

Last night in Saudi Arabia, the footballing world witnessed a moment of brilliance as Toni Kroos, the midfield maestro of Germany and Real Madrid, etched his name into the annals of the sport’s rich history. In the 15th minute of the Supercopa de España semifinal against Valencia, Kroos delivered a corner kick so audacious and precise that it bypassed every player and nestled directly into the net, leaving Valencia goalkeeper Jaume Domenech stunned and scrambling. The goal not only opened the scoring but also propelled Real Madrid to the finals, reaffirming Kroos’ reputation as a player capable of producing moments of genius. 

While Kroos’ strike was extraordinary, goals scored directly from corners, known as “Olympic Goals,” are not unprecedented. Legends such as Garrincha, Lothar Matthäus, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, and Diego Forlán have achieved this rare feat, with Garrincha famously doing so four times during his illustrious career. Yet, the origins of this phenomenon trace back to a lesser-known figure in football history: Cesáreo Onzari. 

Cesáreo Onzari: The Pioneer of the Olympic Goal 

On October 2, 1924, Cesáreo Onzari, an Argentine left-winger, forever changed the game. During an international friendly against Uruguay, the reigning Olympic champions, Onzari scored directly from a corner kick in the 15th minute—a striking coincidence with Kroos’ goal last night. The ball curved elegantly into the net without being touched by another player, stunning both the crowd and the Uruguayan team. 

This moment of brilliance was dubbed the "Gol Olímpico" or “Olympic Goal,” a nod to Uruguay’s status as Olympic champions. The goal was made possible by a recent amendment to the rules by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) on June 24, 1924, which allowed goals to be scored directly from corner kicks. 

The match itself was fraught with tension. Argentina emerged victorious with a 2–1 scoreline, but the game ended in controversy. With just four minutes remaining, the Uruguayan players walked off the field, citing aggressive behaviour from the Argentine players and unruly spectators who allegedly threw bottles at them. The bitterness surrounding the match only added to the legendary status of Onzari’s goal, cementing it as a defining moment in football history. 

Debunking Myths and Recognizing Milestones 

Although FIFA credits Billy Alston of Scotland with scoring the first goal from a corner on August 21, 1924, historical records clarify that Alston’s goal was a header scored a year earlier, on August 23, 1923. The first documented direct goal from a corner in English football came from Huddersfield Town’s Billy Smith on October 24, 1924, during a match against Arsenal. 

The phenomenon of Olympic Goals has since transcended eras and geographies. Şükrü Gülesin, a Turkish player, holds the Guinness World Record for scoring an astonishing 32 goals directly from corners during the 1950s. In the context of global tournaments, Megan Rapinoe’s stunning strike against Canada in the 2012 Olympic semifinals marked the first Olympic Goal at the Olympic Games, while Marco Coll’s audacious effort against Lev Yashin in the 1962 FIFA World Cup became the first of its kind on that stage. 

Onzari’s Legacy 

Cesáreo Onzari’s contributions to football extend beyond his historic goal. A one-club man for much of his career, he represented Club Atlético Huracán from 1921 to 1933, scoring 67 goals in 212 appearances. On the international stage, Onzari played 15 matches for Argentina, netting five goals and winning the Campeonato Sudamericano in 1925. That same year, he briefly joined Boca Juniors for their European tour, showcasing his talents to an international audience. 

Onzari retired in 1933, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence. His passing on January 6, 1964, marked the end of an era, but his name endures in football folklore as the pioneer of the Olympic Goal. 

The Art and Significance of the Olympic Goal 

The rarity of the Olympic Goal lies in its combination of precision, power, and ingenuity. It is a testament to a player’s ability to read the game, exploit defensive lapses, and execute with surgical accuracy. Beyond its technical brilliance, such a goal encapsulates the spirit of football: creativity, audacity, and the pursuit of the extraordinary. 

Toni Kroos’ moment of magic in Saudi Arabia serves as a modern reminder of the timeless allure of the Olympic Goal. While football evolves with time, moments like these bridge the past and present, paying homage to trailblazers like Cesáreo Onzari while inspiring future generations to dream big and dare boldly.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

The Cape Town Masterclass: A Testament to the Timelessness of 5-Day Tests

Joe Root’s decision to bat first on a deceptively hard Newlands pitch set the tone for a riveting contest. From the outset, the conditions promised attrition, with cracks in the surface hinting at challenges for batsmen as the game progressed. The South African pacers exploited these conditions early, pushing England onto the back foot, but the English team’s resilience laid the foundation for a contest that would stretch to the brink of endurance and skill.

By the end of Day 1, the pitch had begun to reveal its secrets. The cracks that seemed ominous never transformed into unplayable demons, but they demanded unwavering focus and a willingness to curtail rash decisions. Test cricket, at its essence, thrives on such subtle battles—moments where composure triumphs over impulse.

England’s Grit and South Africa’s Missteps 

South Africa’s innings was a story of intermittent promise undone by lapses in concentration. Pieter Malan, Rassie van der Dussen, and Quinton de Kock steered their team through to tea on the final day with a faint glimmer of a draw still possible. The equation boiled down to resilience. England showcased it; South Africa faltered.

The turning point came when de Kock, known for his flamboyance, fell into a well-laid trap. A long-hop from Joe Denly—a delivery de Kock would dispatch with ease nine times out of ten—induced a half-hearted pull shot. Zak Crawley’s athletic catch at midwicket ended an innings of painstaking defiance, leaving South Africa reeling.

Van der Dussen, the lone survivor, was undone by Joe Root’s inspired tactical gamble. Placing James Anderson at leg gully, Root gave Stuart Broad the green light to bowl straight and into the body. Van der Dussen succumbed, edging to Anderson, and England inched closer to an improbable victory.

The Stokes Phenomenon 

Ben Stokes, a modern-day amalgamation of Imran Khan’s flair and Ian Botham’s audacity, rose to the occasion. With overs dwindling, England needed a game-changer. Stokes delivered. His relentless accuracy and unyielding will broke through South Africa’s lower order. 

Dwaine Pretorius resisted valiantly for 21 balls without scoring, embodying the grit needed to save a Test. Yet, Stokes’ precision delivery found the edge, and Joe Root’s sharp low catch signalled the beginning of the end. Stokes dispatched Anrich Nortje the very next ball, ensuring no late resistance. Finally, Vernon Philander’s defiant last stand was curtailed with a ball that epitomized Stokes’ brilliance. England’s talisman scripted yet another chapter in his growing legacy.

Collective Brilliance 

While Stokes grabbed headlines, this victory was a team effort. Ollie Pope’s disciplined knock in the first innings, Dom Sibley’s maiden Test century in the second, and the relentless bowling of Anderson and Broad ensured England remained in contention. It was this collective performance that transformed a precarious position into a memorable triumph.

A Case for 5-Day Tests 

This Test at Cape Town was more than just a cricketing contest; it was an argument against truncating the format to four days. In an era where the International Cricket Council (ICC) entertains the idea of shorter Tests in pursuit of commercial gains, this match stands as a testament to the unique drama of the 5-day game.

Had this game been limited to four days, the climactic tension of the final session would never have unfolded. The intricate narratives—the battle of attrition, the tactical gambits, and the triumph of skill over fatigue—are the very essence of Test cricket. Shortening the format would strip the game of these moments that elevate it beyond a mere sport to a test of character and endurance.

The 5-day Test has endured as the pinnacle of cricket’s formats precisely because it offers this unique blend of challenge and artistry. While innovation has its place, tampering with a format that has stood the test of time risks eroding its soul. The Cape Town Test was a timely reminder of why Test cricket, at its best, remains unparalleled in the sporting world.

 Conclusion 

The Newlands Test was not just a match; it was a spectacle. It reinforced the values of patience, strategy, and perseverance—qualities that define cricket’s longest format. As cricket’s custodians deliberate the game’s future, let Cape Town’s five days of drama serve as a clarion call: preserve the sanctity of the 5-day Test. For it is in these extended battles that cricket finds its most poetic expression.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

Shane Warne’s Hat-Trick: A Moment Suspended in Time

Just before noon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, history stood poised at the top of Shane Warne’s run-up. At the crease, Devon Malcolm, England’s hapless tail-ender, shuffled into position, unwittingly about to become the final brushstroke in a masterpiece. Warne, already a magician in the making, had woven his spell over successive deliveries. One more wicket and the leg-spinning alchemist would seize one of cricket’s rarest accolades—a Test hat-trick.

It was Damien Fleming, Warne’s teammate and fellow Victorian, who offered the simplest of counsel: close your eyes and bowl your stock ball. It was a bowler’s equivalent of instinct—muscle memory over calculation, faith over doubt. Warne obliged.

Malcolm, a batsman more known for his vulnerability than his virtuosity, lunged forward uncertainly. The ball kissed his pad, then his glove, before veering sharply off its trajectory. The arc was preordained. At short leg, David Boon, the rugged Tasmanian, dived to his right, snatching the ball in a single, emphatic motion. For a man who so often wore the visage of a grizzled enforcer, Boon’s celebration was almost poetic—ball flung skyward as if sending Warne’s name into the heavens alongside it.

Warne sprinted towards his jubilant teammates. “I don’t think I’ve ever run that fast,” he later confessed, perhaps still grappling with the magnitude of his feat. After all, no bowler had taken an Ashes hat-trick since Hugh Trumble—91 long years before Warne had ever turned a ball on his backyard pitch in Victoria.

Soon after, England crumbled to 92 all out, its lowest Ashes total in 36 years. Australia’s margin of victory—295 runs—was as emphatic as its dominance in the series, now 2-0 in the hosts’ favor. And yet, amidst the wreckage of England’s innings, the moment that endured belonged to Warne.

The Hat-Trick as Destiny

Test hat-tricks are freakish phenomena—rare and unplanned, almost cosmic in their orchestration. There had been only 20 in the history of the game before Warne’s, some separated by mere hours, others by decades. Australia itself had seen two in recent memory: Merv Hughes in 1988 and Damien Fleming just months prior in Rawalpindi. Yet Warne’s was different. It was an event imbued with inevitability, as though the cricketing gods themselves had scripted it.

Standing at the top of his mark, Warne turned to Fleming. “I asked ‘Flemo’ what he had done, and he said, ‘I just closed my eyes and bowled my stock out-swinger.’” Warne grinned. “So I closed my eyes and bowled my stock ball.”

At the other end, England’s captain Mark Taylor orchestrated the theatre, drawing his fielders in—a human noose around Malcolm. The leg-spinner fizzed in. The edge was faint but sufficient. The catch, spectacular but certain. For a moment, silence. Then, Steve Randell, the umpire, raised his finger, and the roar of the MCG swallowed all else.

Warne had become only the sixth Australian to claim a Test hat-trick, the first in an Ashes contest for nearly a century. He himself seemed to struggle with the surrealism of it all. “I suppose I’ll wake up soon,” he mused, as if afraid the illusion would break. “All you can do is go out and do your best. If you get wickets, you get wickets. If you don’t, as long as you win.”

And win they did. Moments later, the last English wicket fell. The scoreboard painted a picture of devastation—four ducks among England’s final four batsmen. The last of them, Phil Tufnell, edged Craig McDermott behind to Ian Healy, ending the match with a whisper rather than a fight.

The Shadow of McDermott

As the Australians left the field, Warne carried with him a souvenir stump, pausing only to shake the left hand of England’s wounded but defiant Alec Stewart, who had resisted longer with one good hand than most of his teammates had with two.

Yet, in the glow of Warne’s triumph, another figure lingered in the periphery—Craig McDermott. The blond fast bowler had been Australia’s spearhead, taking five wickets in the innings and eight in the match. It was his relentless hostility that had reduced England to rubble, his accuracy that had drawn the edge, the error, the fatal misjudgment. And yet, in the theatre of the day, he had been cast as a mere supporting act.

McDermott, whose career had teetered at the crossroads not long ago, had every right to bask in his own redemption. But he knew the narrative had shifted. When Warne, ever self-deprecating, remarked that he had merely “chipped in” for a couple of wickets, McDermott smirked. “Only three, mate,” he muttered. But he was smiling.

For all his efforts, McDermott understood the immutable truth of that afternoon: it was Warne’s world. The rest of them were merely playing in it.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Bridging the Divide: The Case for Bangladesh’s Tour of Pakistan

The Bangladesh Cricket Team stands on the cusp of a historic decision, with a proposed tour of Pakistan that includes a Test series alongside shorter format matches. Should the tour materialize, it would mark Bangladesh’s return to Pakistan for Test cricket after a hiatus of over two decades, the last such encounter occurring in 2003. However, as with previous attempts, uncertainty looms large over the tour’s fate. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finds itself navigating a delicate balance, reportedly contemplating a proposal to shift the series to a neutral venue should the Bangladesh government withhold its clearance. This cautious approach reflects not only the complexities of geopolitics and security but also the weight of history that underscores such a momentous decision.

On December 3, 2019, Akram Khan, the chairman of cricket operations at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), articulated a cautious stance regarding the proposed cricket tour of Pakistan. “If we get the clearance from the government, we can start discussions with the Pakistan board, but we are yet to get the clearance. Everything will depend on what the government wants. We will definitely sit with the players to take their opinion as well if the government gives clearance for the tour,” he remarked. 

The BCB’s proposal to split the series—playing the shorter formats in Pakistan and the Test matches at a neutral venue—did little to appease the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). For a nation striving to restore international cricket on home soil, this compromise undermined their efforts. Hosting a partial series would dilute the symbolism of their hard-earned progress. 

The Sri Lankan Precedent 

Pakistan recently hosted Sri Lanka for a full Test series, marking the return of the longest format to its soil after a decade. The series concluded without incident, and Sri Lankan players left with glowing reviews of the hospitality and security arrangements. The PCB’s meticulous planning ensured that every detail was accounted for, and the success of the series became a testament to Pakistan’s readiness to host international cricket. 

Ehsan Mani, the PCB chairman, expressed his frustration over the BCB’s hesitance. “No one should be under any misapprehension as to where Pakistan's home Tests will take place. All of Pakistan's matches, against Bangladesh or anyone else, will take place in Pakistan,” he declared. Mani’s comments underscored the PCB’s resolve to reclaim its status as a host nation. 

A Historical Bond Forged Through Cricket 

From a historical perspective, Pakistan has played an instrumental role in nurturing Bangladesh’s cricketing aspirations. Despite the turbulent history between the two nations, particularly during Bangladesh’s liberation war in 1971, cricket became a bridge that helped mend relations. 

In the mid-1970s, cricket in Bangladesh was struggling to find its footing. The war-torn nation faced insurmountable challenges, and the sport was overshadowed by the popularity of soccer. However, the then Board of Control for Cricket in Pakistan (BCCP) extended a helping hand. 

In 1975, the BCCP invited Bangladesh to nominate a player for the World XI to participate in a celebratory tournament marking the centenary of Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s birth. Raquibul Hasan, Bangladesh’s nominee, became a symbolic representative of the nation’s cricketing potential. His inclusion introduced Bangladesh to the global cricketing community and set the stage for the MCC’s historic visit to Dhaka in 1977, where Bangladesh played its first first-class match.  

During the 1980s, Pakistan continued to support Bangladesh’s cricketing development. Tours by Pakistani teams and visits from cricketing icons like Imran Khan and Sarfraz Nawaz inspired young Bangladeshi players. These initiatives helped popularize cricket in a nation dominated by soccer, laying the foundation for Bangladesh’s eventual rise as a Test-playing nation. 

The Case for Bangladesh’s Participation 

From a purely cricketing perspective, Bangladesh stands to gain significantly by playing more Test matches against Pakistan. Pakistan’s bowling attack, renowned for its quality and depth, offers a formidable challenge that could help Bangladeshi batsmen improve their technique and temperament. Exposure to such high-quality opposition is essential for Bangladesh to elevate its standing in Test cricket, a format where they continue to struggle. 

The argument against touring Pakistan on security grounds has become increasingly untenable, especially in light of Sri Lanka’s successful series. The PCB has demonstrated its ability to host international teams safely, and further reluctance from the BCB risks isolating Bangladesh in the global cricketing community. 

A Step Toward Reconciliation 

Beyond cricket, a tour of Pakistan represents an opportunity for Bangladesh to strengthen ties with its neighbour. Cricket has long been a unifying force, capable of transcending political and historical divides. By agreeing to play in Pakistan, Bangladesh would not only honour its cricketing roots but also pave the way for greater regional camaraderie. 

Conclusion 

The hesitation to tour Pakistan is understandable given the complexities of geopolitics and security concerns. However, the benefits of taking this step far outweigh the perceived risks. For Bangladesh, the tour is not just an opportunity to compete but a chance to honour the historical support that Pakistan provided during their formative years in cricket. 

If Bangladesh aspires to grow as a cricketing nation, it must embrace challenges, even those that come with uncertainties. By playing in Pakistan, Bangladesh would reaffirm its commitment to Test cricket, strengthen its ties with a key cricketing neighbour, and, most importantly, take a bold step toward building a brighter future for the sport in the region. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar