I am sure the generation of 80s and 90s have not forgotten
this classic Derby on Valentine's Day in 2004.
A red card for Gary Neville. Manchester United went 2-0 up
with just 10-men. Paul Scholes would score. Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored twice
and hit the headlines.
But a 19-year old had been at the centre of everything. He
dribbled on both the flanks. Ran like a Hare. Provided assists. Won the ball back like a holding
midfielder. And he scored the third goal to make it impossible for Manchester
City to bounce back.
The high voltage game ended 4-2 and that man Cristiano
Ronaldo sent a message, he had set foot in world football to stay with dignity,
pide and in some style.
At that point of time, I could realize, Lionel Messi, about
whom I came to know via Sports Star Magazine and ESPN sports shows, would
certainly, create a lot of hype in the next five years and firmly believed that
a Brazilian would outshine him.
But well, it did not happen. Since 2006, no Brazilians lived
up to the expectations. Kaka's rise to the top was a short one. Robinho failed.
Adriano was lost. And the generation of Neymar could not deliver the way it was
expected.
It would be Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese, who would
challenge the hype of Messi and reach the top.
A Ronaldo did arrive, but it was not from Brazil.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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