In March, a little genius only further enhanced his reputation with an unbelievable 5-goal haul. The venue Camp Nou, Barcelona vs. Bayer Leverkusen. Lionel Messi did something no other player had done in the Champions League era. The goal that made more history for him, his 5th goal of the night:
The summer of 2012 will be remembered as a nadir for football supporters in the Republic of Ireland, when the national side headed to Euro 2012. In a difficult group, outclassed the side failed to perform to the required standard and headed home early. Their group rivals Italy and Spain would progress. Both sides would end up in the final. The final was the crowning moment for the Spanish side, a game they completely dominated and the scoreline reflected their dominance over the Italians. Below is a link to the longer version highlights of the final that for the football purists was a joy to watch and see the greatest International side in my lifetime make history:
Another moment for me was from the much derided competition the Europa League. The final in Bucharest served notice to the rest of Europe if we didn't know already what a talent was on shown. Radamel Falcao light up the Romanian night to help Atletico Madrid win the Europa League for the second time in 3 seasons and dispatch fellow talented Basque's of Athletic Bilbao 4-0.
Adding this next moment of the year sums up my love for the craziness and something different about some footballers. Back to Euro 2012 this moment comes from and from the enigma that is Mario Balotelli. Many despise him others like me like him, a talented player but a complete nutcase at the same time. Going into the semi-final against the much fancied Germans, Italy's moment of the tournament came. When a defence splitting pass from Montolivo sent Balotelli clean through and dispatch an unstoppable shot beyond Manuel Neuer. A rifled shot into the top corner for Balotelli's second and in the end the clinching goal that sent Italy to the final. The pose celebration summed up the brilliance and madness that can be Mario Balotelli.
As title clincher's go like 1989 :( , this was literally down to the last kick of the season. Manchester rivals, City and United battling it out on a Sunday afternoon to be crowned the Champions of England. Moments of that afternoon come flooding back but probably two moments stand out for me. Of course Aguero's winner set up by the above aforementioned Mario Balotelli but along with that moment was Phil Jones's reaction(not going to be harsh on him with the weird photo) at the Stadium of Light. Knowing City had scored to deny his team-mates the title.
The two moments capture the elation and joy, but also the shock of a professional footballers dream of the League title medal been snatched away from him at the death. The fine line between success and failure was never more apparent in those last moments of the 2011/12 league season.
Tomorrow Part 2, purely focused on my own club Liverpool. Should be interesting.
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