Some Legends Are Never Forgotten- Johan Cruyff

The Dutch Flying Man, Johan Cruyff, dies at 68

The Barcelona legend, Johan Cruyff, bid goodbye to football and the world on March 26th, 2016. Tributes pour in from all around the world, and as a Barcelona fan and a football fan, I dedicate this article to the late (Original) Flying Dutchman.

The Ballon d'Or winner played
 for Ajax since age 15.

The playmaker made quick
fans at FC Barcelona

Born as Hendric Johannes Cruyff, the Dutch player had a successful career as a player, followed by coaching the top clubs he played for like Ajax and Barcelona. In 1971, Cryuff became the first Dutch player to win the Ballon d'Or Award as European Footballer of the Year.

Cruyff continued his career in United States, playing for Los Angeles Aztecs in 1979-80 and the Washington Diplomats the next year. He also played for Levante UD and went back to his home club Ajax , before retirement. He ended his career with Feyenoord.

As a player, Cruyff scored 392 times over a 19-year career in 520 games. He landed Holland in the World Cup finals in 1974. He was voted Player of the Year on three occasions.

After his retirement, he went on to become coach with his clubs, Ajax and Barcelona. In his coaching career, he had won 242 victories, 70 losses, and 75 draws of the 387 matches.

The Dutchman took Holland to World Cup finals in 1974

The Holland star shared about his illness in public only last year in October. He was a heavy smoker until his heart surgery in 1991. It was only a month ago that the 68-year-old had shared that he was 2-0 up in his fight with lung cancer.

Support and Consolation poured in from fans and the football fraternity:-

The World of Johan Cruyff website posted, "On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. It’s with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief."

The Dutch Football Federation wrote, "With great sadness we have learned of the death of Johan Cruyff. Words are not enough."

FC Barcelona paid tribute sharing, "FC Barcelona would like to express its pain and sorrow at the passing away of Johan Cruyff, who was both an FC Barcelona player and a coach and who will forever be a legend at the Club.

“FC Barcelona wishes to send its most heartfelt sympathy to Johan Cruyff’s family at such a painful moment, a sentiment which the Club members, fans and the whole world of football and sport will share. Rest in peace. Thank you Johan."

The Catalonian club, FC Barcelona, held a tribute event in memory of the late Barca player and coach.

Cruyff's home club Ajax issued a statement saying, "Johan Cruyff has died in Barcelona at the age of 68. The greatest Ajax player of all time had suffered from lung cancer since October last year. Ajax shares in this great loss and wish the families much strength."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid tribute saying, "Johan Cruyff was a magnificent player, one of the greatest players the world has ever known. A symbol of elegant play. An inspiration. A source of admiration for fans. He has marked football history forever. I'm very saddened by his death. He will be terribly missed."

Former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker wrote: "Sad to hear that Johan Cruyff has died. Football has lost a man who did more to make the beautiful game beautiful than anyone in history."

The current Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi wrote, "RIP Johan Cruyff. Your legacy will live on forever."

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos wrote: "Goodbye to one of the all-time legends of football. Player and coach ahead of his time. RIP Johan Cruyff."

Manchester City central defender Vincent Kompany were among the first ones to share, he wrote, "Johan Cruyff, true football royalty. I don’t think anyone has ever influenced the game as much as he has done. We have all been touched and inspired by his vision and his beliefs. Football will miss him, but we will never forget. #JohanCruyff."

The Weekends Most Craziest and Most Cutest Post-Match Interviews

Ronaldo after Atletico match and Rashford after Arsenal match

This weekend was eventful not just in terms of all the action on field but post-match too. Where a comment from football world's top dog struck a bad taste with the fraternity, to another comment of a now-famous player had made many hearts melt.

Yes, we are talking about the Real Madrid front man Cristiano Ronaldo's crazy rendition against his teammates after losing the Madrid derby against Atletico.

The Portuguese playmaker's anger was evident through the match as opportunities to score were not utilized.

Cristiano Ronaldo against Atletico Madrid

Ronaldo in the post-match interview suggested that Real Madrid would have been on the lead of the La Liga table, if his teammates were as good as him.

By "as good as him" we can assume he was speaking about their talents.

"We had more chances than them and deserved to win," he said. "We know that the situation is difficult but we have to continue.

"We will not give in. When you don't have your best players, it is hard to win. If you don't have Karim, Pepe and Bale, it's more complicated.

"I like to play with Karim, Bale, Marcelo. I'm not saying the others aren't good players. For example, Danilo was the best player on the pitch today. If everyone was at my level, maybe we would be leaders."

While football pundits and fans stand divided on these comments by one of football's greatest, one of football's very promising youngster gave the most adorable post match interview.

Marcus Rashford in post match interview

Marcus Rashford, the Old Trafford's latest rising star grabbed a lot of attention after aiding in the 3-2 win against Arsenal on Sunday.

The 18-year old was asked in a post match interview along with Micheal Carrick, what were his plans for celebration?

He responded saying, "I won't be celebrating tonight. I have a chemistry exam tomorrow, Varela has too."

He sounded like superman! Saving the world today and going to work tomorrow. He surely made his impression by scoring two goals against Midtjylland on Thursday followed by the winning goal on Sunday.

His teammate, Micheal Carrick, described him as "a breath of fresh air", the United fans will call him their "saving grace".

FIFA Ballon d'Or Ceremony- Date, Time and Live channels

FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland will host the grand ceremony today with the participation of former and current players of the footballing world. To bestow upon players awards based on their contribution to the sport. Including the biggest accolade of Ballon d'Or to the best player of the year. Here are the timings and the official channels of Live telecast of the event.

Ballon d'Or Gala begins at-
17:30 UK Time
12:30 ET
16:00 GMT
9:30 IST

Live Broadcast on-
Euro Sports (European Countries & UK)
Fox Sports (USA)
Sky Sports 1 HD (UK)
Star Sports 4, HD (Asian countries)
FIFA Official Youtube channel- https://www.youtube.com/fifa

The three nominees for Ballon d'Or were announced in November itself. As usual the dynamic duo's rivalry continues, since both Messi and Ronaldo have been nominated. While a new entry to the list was made by the 23 year old Brazilian, Neymar Jr.

Messi and Neymar, who are part of the formidable Barcelona front alongside Luis Suarez have had a splendid year with the club winning five big titles in the very year of 2015. The Argentine contributing 48 goals will the witty Brazilian forward making his mark with 41 goals.

On the other hand, Ronaldo had a rather unsteady year with Real Madrid slagging behind their arch-nemesis Barcelona. But the score sheet of this Portuguese forward makes him a very strong contender with a total of 54 goals.

Even though varying rumors have been making rounds that Messi will be the winner, it is only time that could tell.

Will it be Ronaldo's yelp?

Or Messi's magic suit?

Or a new rule will be set by the young & charismatic Neymar?



 

FC Barcelona Presents Their 5 Trophies To Camp Nou

On Wednesday, FC Barcelona played the last match of year 2015 against Real Betis, but it was an historic occasion.

Prior to the match, Barca presented to Camp Nou the five trophies won through the year 2015. These titles are: La Liga cup, Copa Del Rey, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World cup.

The players of Betis gave a guard of honour stand to the Blaugrana as the stepped out to the pitch.

It was also the 500th appearance of the Argentine forward Lionel Messi for FC Barcelona.

All in all the club had a phenomenal year with a total of 180 goals, of which 137 goals were scored by the three forwards- Messi(48), Suarez(48) and Neymar(41).

And on this note, I wish all Footballing fans a very happy and victorious NEW YEAR. May life's pitch treat you with opportunities and assist you in scoring all your goals and adding on to your personal trophies. Have a very sporty 2016!


La Liga winners 2015

FIFA Club World Cup winners 2015

UEFA Super Cup 2015

UEFA Champions League winners 2015

Copa Del Rey winners 2015

 

A Sweet Victory For FC Barcelona, One That Would Leave A Sour Taste For Real Madrid

FC Barcelona's 4-0 victory over La Liga rival Real Madrid during the El Clasico on Saturday was quite entertaining and the social media had it's fun with it.

A minute silence was observed in memory of the Paris attacks

On Saturday, at Santiago Bernabeu, the home team got thrashed by the visitors as Luis Suarez scored twice and Neymar and Iniesta also added goals.


Los Blanco's strategy fell apart when Suarez scored in the 10th minute. Their defences were weak and goalkeeper Keylor Navas was left helpless.

Along with Suarez, Neymar and Iniesta added to the scoreboard

Barcelona dominated the possession throughout the game. The Brazilian Forward Neymar who has had an outstanding performance in absence of Messi was the second to score at 38th minute.

The second half was inaugurated by the Benitez band with multiple attemps to get the game back, but Barca goalkeeper Claudio Bravo did a splendid job in tackling those shots. The Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta was the next to score at 53rd minute.

The Uruguayan then put the game out of R.Madrid's reach by gaining a goal at the 73 minute. With this victory the Catalonian club has a 6-points lead over the Los Merengues.

FC Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique and Real Madrid Coach Rafa Benitez post match

Lossing the game against their eternal rivals has now opened rumors of Coach Rafa Benitez possibly getting sacked. Whether it was his tactics that failed the team or the lack of team effort is still a matter of speculation.

Barca forward Lionel Messi being defended by the French defender Raphael Varane 

Another highlight of the night was that Barca forward Lionel Messi though began the game on bench was brought in at 57th minute.

The last few minutes Real Madrid had to play with ten men as midfielder Isco got sent away for a bad tackle on Neymar.

Chilean goalkeeper gets Ronaldo's classic shot to the face

The hero of the night was undoubtedly the Chilean goalkeeper Bravo who was stretch and pushed to his limits yet came out unfathomed.

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvuzdgyo0GQ

Post match the fans had their fun by trolling Real Madrid on Twitter and other social media site, they are kind of brutal. Some of the images are displayed below.

 

"Watch me Whip Whip, Watch me Nae Nae" was the message Neymar had for his critics

After facing a shocking 2-1 defeat against Sevilla pre-international break, FC Barcelona are back with a bang as Neymar scores four goals.

FC Barcelona forward Neymar Jr was at the top of his game

Neymar who's form was much in question since magic man Messi being out of action, has stepped up his game and scored 4 out of 5 goals for FC Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night. The match ended 5-2 as Neymar brought the game home with his outstanding performance.

The night at Camp Nou was kick started by Rayo with an early goal at 14th minute by Javi Guerra, but the lead didn't last long as Neymar scored two back to back penalty at 22nd and 32nd minute.

Javi Guerra celebrates along with Rayo teammates

The two goals were penalties rewarded to Neymar after being tripped by Rayo player Diego Llorente. The Brazilian scored his first with a shot to the left corner of the net while sending the goalkeeper the other way. 

Neymar takes a spot-on penalty

Barcelona would have had the game from the beginning if Ivan Rakitic who raced past the Rayo players only to met Rayo goalkeeper Tono who blocked the shot.

Both sides had multiple opportunities to score and equalise but goalkeepers Bravo and Tono were put to work and had some splendid saves through the game.

The second half started with Rayo trying to gain back the match, but the Brazilian Forward striked yet again with two goals with in a minutes span.

At 69th minute, Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez made his way to the goal but was denied by the goalkeeper with a poor clearance. The rebound was picked up by none other than Neymar who registered his hat-trick for the night.

Neymar celebrates his hat-trick with a groove

A minute later, Suarez assisted Neymar to his fourth. The Brazilian then sent a cross from the left-hand side for Suarez who sent the volley in for a fifth one for Barcelona at 77th minute.

FC Barcelona forward Luis Suarez celebrates a well-deserved goal

The night hadn't ended till Jozabed scored a compensatory goal at 86th minute for Rayo, taking their count for goals to two.

Barcelona talisman Messi and Midfielder Iniesta were surely missed but Neymar did seem to rise to the occasion. It seems like the special diet that the Brazilian boy was put on during the international break surely did payoff!

Watch Highlights:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdrD30EKWIc

Post-match Neymar applauded the efforts of his teammates

Neymar cherished his victory by taking the game ball

Neymar celebrating his goal with fellow forward Suarez

Neymar celebrating his first goal with Suarez