MADRID, 25 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Italy starred this Thursday, as it happened for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a new bump. He will not be in Qatar, the Italians are left without a World Cup for the second time in a row, twice in the last 16 editions. A setback that other clubs and national teams also suffered in the past and of which we remember some.
1. ‘Maracanazo’.
The Brazil of Ademir, Zizinho or Jair enjoyed extraordinary favoritism before starting the final match of the 1950 World Cup against Uruguay. Everything was ready for the match to be a party for Brazil, but against all odds, the Charrúas turned their secondary role into a protagonist, beating the best squad in the world 1-2 at home and, above all, a country that dreamed of lifting the title . The Brazilian tragedy was consummated by Ghiggia with a historic double that revolutionized the world of soccer heroics.
2. The impossible comeback.
In the Champions League final of the 1998-1999 season, which was held at the Camp Nou, everything seemed to indicate that Bayern would lift a new European title. They were winning 0-1, but in the 91st minute a center from Beckham deflected by Sheringham ended up in the net and put fear in the body of the English. Shortly after, another corner kick from Beckham ended up being pushed into the net by Solskjaer to Oliver Kahn’s disbelieving face. To remember the images of Pierluigi Collina trying to lift some desolate players from the German team.
3. The ‘Centenariazo’.
Barely three weeks ago, it was 20 years since Deportivo de la Coruña blew up Real Madrid’s birthday party at the Bernabéu. The whites blew out the candles for their centenary that season and the perfect gift was to play the Copa del Rey final at their stadium. The Galicians, putting themselves at the level of the Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos and company, won 1-2 in the Madrid fiefdom in the 2002 final.
4. The miracle of Istanbul.
Duel of historical Europeans in the final of the Champions League in Istanbul in 2005. Between Liverpool and Milan they collected nine trophies of the highest continental competition. The Italians, who took advantage of the English’s initial nerves, took the lead with a goal from Maldini off Pirlo’s cross in the first minute and led 3-0 at half-time with Crespo’s brace. However, the film took a turn after the break and the ‘reds’ were able to equalize after a goal from Gerard that started a tsunami of football to start what would be a historic comeback. Smicer and Xabi Alonso equalized and penalties crowned Rafa Benítez’s team.
5. A Classic to remember.
May 2, 2009 will always be in the memory of FC Barcelona fans. The azulgrana thrashed Real Madrid with a historic 2-6. In the season in which they would end up winning the treble, Barça feasted on the field of their eternal rival, with a lethal and unstoppable trident formed by Messi, Henry and Eto’o, capable of lifting Higuaín’s 1-0.
6. From the ‘Maracanazo’ to the ‘Mineirazo’.
The ‘Canarinha’ once again felt another World Cup embarrassment on her skin. The Brazilian team faced Germany for the first time in a semifinal and did so with the responsibility of hosting their 2014 World Cup. But the Germans, with Klose, Kroos, Müller, Khedira and company, were a merciless roller that ended up endorsing the biggest win that Brazil has received in its history. A 1-7 that will remain in football memory.
7. The biggest comeback in the Champions League.
Five years ago the Barça feat at the Camp Nou. On March 8, 2017, Luis Enrique’s men pulled off an epic comeback from 4-0 in the first leg against PSG with an omnipresent Neymar who was the star of a magical and unforgettable night for Barcelona fans. A very complete game that had all the ingredients to go down in history and stay alive in that edition of the Champions League.