Spain reach Nation’s League final, beat Italy

Published

3 years ago

October 7, 2021

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Spain reached the final of the UEFA Nation’s League condemning Italy to their first home defeat since 1999.

The 2-1 loss to La Roja also ended the Azzurri’s 37-match unbeaten run under Roberto Mancini.

The San Siro meeting was the first meeting of the teams since their Euro 2020 semi-final encounter at Wembley, where Italy had the last laugh.

Following a 1-1 draw in regular time, Italy nicked it in the penalty shootouts.

But this time, Luis Enrique’s men did not let the match get to extra time.

The UEFA Nation’s League is still at its infancy as an international tournament, but the line-ups and intensity of the tie reflected how highly both teams valued the tournament.

Donnarumma under pressure

Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper, did not have the comfort of playing in front of a cheerful home crowd.

Donnarumma was heavily booed by the San Siro crowd throughout the game because of his forced move from AC Milan to PSG this summer.

Perhaps it was the continuous jeering that led to a lapse of concentration as the 22-year-old made a mess out of an apparently harmless Marcos Alonso attempt.

Donnarumma slipped the ball through his fingers, but it hit the woodwork and Leonardo Bonucci cleared the danger.

But, the home side was already a goal down by then, thanks to a 17th minute Ferran Torres volley from a Mikel Oyarzabal cross.

Federico Chiesa and Alessandro Bastoni had forced Unai Simon into action earlier on, but it was the visitors who took the lead.

Lorenzo Insigne came close to equalising for Italy when he steered the ball wide from an Emerson cross in the 36th minute.

Red card for Bonucci

Chances were abundant on both ends of the pitch until the 42nd minute, when Italy were reduced to 10-men following a Leonardo Bonucci red card.

The veteran defender was penalised for elbowing Sergio Busquets.

It was his second yellow of the game, so he had to walk off the pitch in agony.

Understandably, the balance of the match tipped towards Spain after that incident.

Already 1-0 up, the 2010 World Cup champions looked to exploit their one-man advantage and extend their lead.

Oyarzabal and Torres combined again to bring Spain another goal.

Six minutes after the restart, Torres headed an Oyarzabal cross into the Italian net.

The Manchester City man, who appeared to have picked up a knock, was replaced by Yeremi Pina soon afterwards

Federico Chiesa hit the bar in the 60th minute. Even though the offside flag was up, the decision could have been reversed by VAR had it gone in.

The Juventus man teed up Lorenzo Pellegrini for a late goal, but it only turned out to be a consolation goal in the end.

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

3 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.