 |
| Manchester City celebrate their first title victory in 44 years. Photo courtesy of ibnlive.in.com |
"Who is writing this stuff," said ESPN soccer announcer Ian Darke in the closing seconds of the miracle finale between Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City.
Both teams had tremendous pressure on them coming into Sunday's match-up. Manchester City had to win in order to wrap up the English Premier League title, and for Queens Park Rangers, they had to win in order to stay in the EPL for another year.
Down 2-1 with about five minutes to play in the game, Manchester City hurried, putting their offense together for a desperate tying goal. Manchester City's head coach Roberto Mancini decided to make a change, substituting forward Carlos Tevez for the tall, Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko. That decision will forever be remembered.
Midfielder David Silva hit his precise corner kick onto Dzeko's head, finishing it powerfully past the outstretched arms of Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Paddy Kenny into the back of the net. Manchester City had tied the game at 2-2. However, there was one more goal in City's way of capturing the EPL title, which they hadn't won in 44 years.
Forward Mario Balotelli, the troubled young Italian who is known for his immature decision making on-and-off the field, was also put into the game a bit earlier than Dzeko. In the 93rd minute, Balotelli received a pass from Maradona's son-in-law Sergio Aguero. Losing his balance, Balotelli managed to toe poke a quick give-and-go to Aguero, who dribbled past two defenders, finishing it with his right foot.
A dramatic finish that ended with Aguero running around the field with his shirt off, flailing it around like a rally towel. Even the crowd, who were crying earlier, ran onto the field in excitement, cherishing the once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Now that the suffering has ended, City fans are finally able to brag about being a title winner towards their most hated rivals and next door neighbors, Manchester United.
No comments:
Post a Comment