Luka Modric Shines, Croatia Progress in Stunning Fashion

Croatia’s EURO 2020 journey began with uncertainty, their performances against England and the Czech Republic lacking the sharpness expected from a team of their pedigree. Yet, when it mattered most, under the lights of Hampden Park, Luka Modrić and his team delivered a masterclass, extinguishing Scotland’s hopes in a thrilling do-or-die clash. For the eleventh time in a major tournament, including the Euros and FIFA World Cup, Scotland’s dreams ended in heartbreak, while Croatia surged forward with renewed vigour.

A Clash of Stakes and Styles

Heading into the match, Croatia’s form was far from inspiring—just four wins in their last 15 matches. Compounding their challenges was a daunting statistic: Scotland had never lost to Croatia. Meanwhile, buoyed by their spirited performances against the Czech Republic and England, Scotland carried the momentum of a team hungry to rewrite history.

The opening moments reflected Scotland’s intent. Two corners within 40 seconds and a near-miss from Che Adams in the sixth minute suggested a team ready to break the jinx. The Hampden Park faithful roared with anticipation, their team’s energy palpable. 

But Croatia, despite their shaky start to the tournament, are not a side easily rattled. In the seventh minute, they silenced the Scottish crowd. Ivan Perišić, a perennial big-game player, rose high to nod a cross back into the path of Nikola Vlašić. Under pressure from Scott McTominay, Callum McGregor, and Grant Hanley, Vlašić controlled the ball with poise and lashed a low shot past David Marshall. The tide had turned, and Croatia began to assert themselves.

Scotland’s Resilience

Scotland, however, were not about to fold. They pushed forward with determination, creating a flurry of chances. John McGinn’s cross to the back post narrowly evaded both Lyndon Dykes and Adams, while McGinn’s header moments later was easily saved. Their efforts brimmed with passion but lacked precision in the final third.

Five minutes before halftime, Scotland found their moment of glory. A snappy move down the right, orchestrated by Stuart Armstrong and Stephen O’Donnell, led to a clearance by Dejan Lovren. The ball fell to McGregor, who took a touch and unleashed a rasping low drive from 18 yards. The net rippled, and Hampden Park erupted as Scotland scored their first goal of the tournament. The equalizer ignited hope, and the Scots headed into the break brimming with belief.

The Modrić Masterclass

But hope is a fragile thing, and Luka Modrić was there to shatter it. The 35-year-old maestro, defying the passage of time, delivered a performance that will be remembered as one of the tournament’s finest. From his early days dazzling for Dinamo Zagreb to his illustrious career at Real Madrid, Modrić has always been a player for the big occasion. At Hampden Park, he reminded the world why he remains among football’s elite.

In the 62nd minute, Modrić produced a moment of magic. A flowing Croatian build-up saw the ball worked wide to Joško Gvardiol on the left. Gvardiol’s cross found Bruno Petković, who deftly laid it back to Modrić. With the outside of his right foot, Modrić curled a sumptuous shot into the top corner, leaving Marshall rooted to the spot. It was a goal of breathtaking audacity and precision—a testament to the genius of Croatia’s captain.

Fifteen minutes later, Modrić delivered again, this time from a corner. His perfectly flighted out-swinger to the near post was met by Perišić, who glanced a header into the far corner. The Scottish resistance was broken, and their hopes were extinguished.

The End of a Dream

As the final whistle blew, Croatia celebrated their 3-1 victory, their passage to the knockout stages secured. For Scotland, the night ended in familiar heartbreak, their dreams dashed once more on the grand stage. 

Legacy of a Leader

The night belonged to Luka Modrić, whose brilliance turned the tide for Croatia. "I can’t think of the words to describe it," said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić of his captain. Modrić’s performance was a reminder of his enduring class, a beacon of hope for Croatia as they look to make their mark in the tournament. 

For Scotland, there is pride in their fight and the moments of joy they brought to their fans. But at Hampden Park, it was Croatia’s experience, composure, and the genius of Modrić that reigned supreme.

 Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

A Tale of Controversy and Genius: Maradona’s Dual Legacy at Mexico 86

 

Only a genius can spark controversy and then overshadow it with a moment of transcendent brilliance. Diego Maradona was that rare alchemist, a footballing magician who did both in the span of a single game—against none other than England, in a World Cup quarterfinal laden with historical and political tension.

The Shadow of the Falklands War

Four years before this fateful match at Mexico’s Azteca Stadium, the Falklands War had erupted between Argentina and the United Kingdom. The conflict over the South Atlantic territories of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia claimed the lives of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British personnel, and three Falkland Islanders. For Argentina, the war’s outcome was a national trauma, amplifying its collective grief and frustration. In England, it was a less resonant chapter but still an unmistakable point of pride.

By 1986, these scars were still fresh. Football, always a vehicle for national identity, became a symbolic battleground. When Argentina faced England on June 22, the echoes of war gave the match an intensity that transcended sport.

The Hand of God: Football’s Greatest Controversy

The first act of this high-stakes drama unfolded in the 51st minute. A chaotic sequence saw the ball loop towards the English penalty area. Diego Maradona, diminutive and dynamic, leapt alongside England’s towering goalkeeper, Peter Shilton. What followed became football folklore: Maradona’s left fist, disguised as a header, guided the ball into the net. Referee Ali Bennaceur allowed the goal, despite English protests.

Maradona’s post-match quip immortalized the moment: “It was the Hand of God.” Over time, his stance evolved from playful denial to outright defiance. “I don’t have to apologize,” he said years later, unapologetic about bending the rules in a game he likened to a chess match where improvisation reigned supreme.

Genius Unleashed: The Goal of the Century

If the first goal revealed Maradona’s cunning, the second showcased his genius. Just four minutes later, he picked up the ball in his own half, weaving through five English players with speed, balance, and unparalleled vision. His slalom ended with a feint that left Shilton sprawling, and a gentle touch placed the ball in the net. The Azteca erupted. This was not merely a goal; it was art in motion, a masterpiece created in real time.

Victor Hugo Morales, narrating for Argentine radio, captured the nation’s euphoria with his now-iconic commentary: “Cosmic kite! What planet did you come from?” For many, Morales’ words became as legendary as the goal itself.

The Political Undertones of Glory

Maradona later linked his performance to the lingering pain of the Falklands War. “By winning that game, we could somehow diminish the pain of so many mothers who lost sons,” he reflected. While he rejected conflating sports with politics, his actions carried a symbolic weight. For Argentines, the victory was cathartic, a rare moment of triumph against a foe that had recently humiliated their nation.

The Complex Legacy of Diego Maradona

Maradona’s dual goals—one born of guile, the other of genius—encapsulate his paradoxical legacy. He was a rule-breaker and an artist, a figure of controversy and awe. His actions on that fateful day in Mexico have been dissected, debated, and celebrated. To the English, his “Hand of God” was an unforgivable act of deceit. To Argentines, it was a sly rebuttal to decades of grievances, a reminder that football, like life, is often a blend of light and shadow.

As Jorge Valdano, Maradona’s teammate, later remarked, he stopped running alongside Diego during that second goal, realizing he was merely a spectator to history. And so was the world—witness to a moment where controversy and genius collided to define the beautiful game.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Dazzling Denmark Progress to the Next Round after Thrashing Russia

 

If any team embodied resilience and spirit at EURO 2020, it was Denmark. After enduring the traumatic collapse of Christian Eriksen in their opening match against Finland, the Danes faced an uphill battle. Consecutive losses had cast a shadow over their campaign, but their determination to fight back culminated in a spectacular performance against Russia, a night that will forever be etched in Danish football history.

The Build-Up: A Mountain to Climb

Denmark’s path to the knockout stages was fraught with challenges. With zero points from their first two games, their fate hinged on a decisive victory against Russia in Copenhagen, coupled with Belgium’s success against Finland. The odds seemed stacked against them, yet the fervour of their home crowd and the spirit of Eriksen spurred the team to deliver a performance reminiscent of their legendary 1985 World Cup qualifier triumph over the Soviet Union.

A Tense Start

Russia began with a clear defensive strategy, frustrating Denmark by closing down spaces, tracking runners, and blocking crosses. The Danes found joy on the flanks but struggled to breach a well-organized Russian defence.

The first significant threat came from Russia’s Aleksandr Golovin, who surged past two Danish defenders in the 17th minute but was denied by Kasper Schmeichel’s sharp save. Moments later, Roman Zobnin squandered a golden opportunity with a misplaced pass during a promising Russian counterattack.

Fyodor Kudryashov’s clumsy foul on Daniel Wass earned him a booking and briefly shifted Russia’s approach to a more cautious one. However, Kudryashov redeemed himself with a perfectly timed tackle to halt Mikkel Damsgaard’s dangerous run. Despite the tension, Denmark began to find their rhythm, with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg narrowly missing the target with a thunderous long-range effort.

Damsgaard’s Moment of Brilliance

The breakthrough came in the 38th minute, courtesy of 20-year-old Mikkel Damsgaard. Collecting a pass just outside the box, he unleashed a sublime curling shot that arced between two defenders and nestled into the corner of the net. Matvei Safonov, rooted to the spot, could only watch as the ball sailed past him. The goal ignited the crowd and sent shockwaves through the Russian team.

Second-Half Drama

Russia emerged from the break with renewed intent, as Golovin and Artem Dzyuba sought to exploit gaps in Denmark’s defence. Yet it was an unforced error by Daler Kuzyaev that handed Denmark their second goal. Kuzyaev’s blind backpass wrongfooted Safonov, leaving Yussuf Poulsen with the simplest of finishes into an empty net. The stadium erupted in celebration, and the Danes tightened their grip on the match.

The tension briefly resurfaced when Jannik Vestergaard was penalized for dragging Aleksandr Sobolev to the ground, allowing Dzyuba to convert a penalty and reduce the deficit. But news of Belgium’s lead against Finland, confirmed after a VAR review, reignited the crowd’s energy.

A Spectacular Finale

Denmark saved their best for last. Andreas Christensen unleashed a ferocious strike from over 20 yards, a goal that symbolized the team’s indomitable spirit. Moments later, Joakim Mæhle weaved through the Russian defence and finished with aplomb, sealing a 4-1 victory.

The final whistle unleashed scenes of unbridled joy. Players and fans celebrated as one, the night a cathartic release of emotion after weeks of turmoil.

A Night to Remember

Denmark’s dazzling display was more than just a victory—it was a testament to their unity, resilience, and the power of football to inspire. From Damsgaard’s brilliance to Christensen’s thunderbolt, every moment was imbued with passion and purpose. For the Danes and their fans, this was more than a match; it was a triumph of the human spirit, a night when Copenhagen became the heart of European football.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Holland and Austria Advance to Next Round

 

Ukraine’s EURO 2020 journey, which began with so much promise, came to a disappointing end after a lacklustre performance against Austria. The team that had captivated fans with their spirited display against the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena failed to sustain their momentum. Their elimination underscores the unforgiving nature of tournament football, where early promise can quickly give way to harsh realities.

Austria’s Historic Triumph

For Austria, the 1-0 victory over Ukraine marked a historic milestone. Christoph Baumgartner’s decisive goal not only secured their place in the knockout stage for the first time in European Championship history but also ended a 39-year wait to progress in a major tournament since the 1982 World Cup. Baumgartner’s goal in the 21st minute—an instinctive finish from a David Alaba corner—epitomized Austria’s discipline and determination. 

Baumgartner’s courage was equally noteworthy. Just minutes before scoring, he endured a head-to-head collision with Illia Zabarnyi, yet continued to play and delivered the decisive moment. His substitution in the 32nd minute, holding his head as he left the field, highlighted the physical toll of his contribution. Austria’s disciplined performance, characterized by compact defending and tactical awareness, set the tone for their historic achievement. 

Ukraine’s Missed Opportunities

For Ukraine, the match was a story of missed chances and dwindling intensity. Despite the stakes, their performance lacked the energy and cohesion that had defined their earlier matches. Andriy Shevchenko’s men struggled to penetrate Austria’s organized defence, and their creative spark appeared dimmed. The result left Ukraine third in Group C with three points, clinging to the slim hope of  advancing as one of the best third-placed teams—a far cry from the promise they had shown in their thrilling opener against the Netherlands.

The Dutch Resurgence  

Meanwhile, at the Johan Cruyff Arena, the Netherlands delivered a statement performance, dismantling North Macedonia 3-0 to cap off a flawless group stage campaign. Gini Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay were at the heart of the Oranje’s dominance, with Wijnaldum scoring twice and Depay contributing a goal and an assist. Frank de Boer’s controversial decision to switch to a 3-5-2 formation before the tournament now seems vindicated, as the Dutch secured nine points from three matches with an aggregate scoreline of 8-2.

Beyond the scoreline, the match was notable for the emotional farewell to Goran Pandev, North Macedonia’s talismanic captain, who played his final international game. The Dutch players formed a guard of honour for Pandev, a gesture that underscored the respect he commands in the footballing world. 

North Macedonia’s Pride 

Although North Macedonia exited the tournament without a point, they left with their heads held high. As debutants who qualified through the Nations League’s bottom tier, they exceeded expectations with their spirited performances. Against the Netherlands, they created several opportunities, including two disallowed goals and a strike that hit the woodwork. Their journey may have ended, but their passion and determination won admiration across the footballing world.

Looking Ahead

Austria’s reward for their historic qualification is a daunting round-of-16 clash against Italy, one of the tournament’s standout teams, in London. For the Netherlands, a last-16 tie in Budapest offers an opportunity to further cement their resurgence. 

As the tournament progresses, the contrasting fortunes of these teams serve as a reminder of the fine margins in football. Austria’s discipline, the Netherlands’ dominance, and North Macedonia’s pride stand in stark contrast to Ukraine’s fading fire—a tale of triumph, resilience, and the heartbreak of unfulfilled potential.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Clash of Titans: France vs. Brazil in the 1986 World Cup Quarterfinals

In the searing heat of Guadalajara, two footballing titans, France and Brazil, collided in a World Cup quarterfinal that transcended the boundaries of sport. It was not merely a match; it was a symphony of skill, drama, and heartbreak, performed on the grandest stage of all. As the sun blazed down on Jalisco Stadium, the world bore witness to an encounter that would be etched forever in the annals of football history.

The match ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, forcing the fate of these two storied nations to be decided by the cruel lottery of penalties. France emerged victorious, prevailing 4-3 in the shootout, with Luis Fernandez delivering the decisive strike. Yet, the heroics of French goalkeeper Joel Bats stood out as the fulcrum upon which the game turned. His save of Socrates’ opening penalty in the shootout symbolized the resilience of a French side determined to rewrite their World Cup destiny.

A Game Fit for a Final

Brazil’s coach, Telê Santana, lamented the harsh reality of knockout football, declaring, “To my mind, this was the true final.” And indeed, the spectacle on display bore the hallmarks of a championship clash. The capacity crowd of 68,000, draped in the vibrant green and yellow of Brazil and the elegant white and blue of France, roared their allegiances with chants of “Arriba Brazil” and “Allez France.”

The match began with Brazil’s signature flair, their first goal a masterpiece of teamwork. In the 17th minute, a dazzling combination play culminated in Careca, the tournament’s leading scorer, rifling a thunderous shot past Bats. It was a goal that encapsulated Brazil’s footballing ethos: beauty married to precision.

But France, led by the talismanic Michel Platini, refused to be outdone. On his 31st birthday, Platini provided the perfect response, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Brazilian goalkeeper Carlos to score a poetic equalizer in the 41st minute. His deft left-footed touch sent the ball into the net and the French contingent into raptures.

Drama and Redemption

The second half brought no shortage of drama. In the 74th minute, a brilliant run by Branco forced a penalty for Brazil. The moment seemed destined for Zico, the beloved maestro who had been introduced just minutes earlier. But destiny had other plans. His weak effort was thwarted by Bats, whose save silenced the Brazilian faithful and reignited French hopes.

The tension escalated further in extra time, where controversy reigned. A clear foul by Carlos on Bruno Bellone in the Brazilian penalty area went unpunished by referee Ioan Igna, leaving French coach Henri Michel to rue what he called an “oversight.” Yet, as Michel philosophically remarked, “I always believe that justice is done.”

The Cruelty of Penalties

When the match descended into penalties, it became a test of nerve as much as skill. For Brazil, the weight of expectation proved too heavy. Socrates, their iconic captain, saw his opening shot saved, setting the tone for a shootout that would end in despair.

France, on the other hand, exorcised the ghosts of their 1982 semifinal defeat to West Germany, where penalties had been their undoing. This time, they held firm. Fernandez’s decisive strike sent the French players into wild celebrations and the Brazilians into stunned silence.

A Legacy of Heartbreak and Glory

For Brazil, the defeat was a bitter pill. Their campaign, which had begun with such promise—four games without conceding a goal—ended in heartbreak. Santana, who announced his retirement after the game, left behind a legacy of footballing artistry, but also the pain of unfulfilled promise.

For France, the victory was a triumph of resilience and unity. Platini, the orchestrator of their success, exemplified the spirit of a team that refused to bow to adversity.

As the world turned its gaze to the remaining quarterfinals, where Argentina and England awaited their historic clash in Mexico City, one truth became clear: the 1986 World Cup was delivering moments of transcendence, and this battle between France and Brazil stood as its crowning jewel.

Football, at its finest, is a canvas for human emotion, and on that scorching day in Guadalajara, it painted a masterpiece.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar