Posted on December 25, 2021 at 2:10 p.m. – updated on December 25, 2021 at 2:12 p.m.
Axel Allag
As the year 2021 draws to a close, we take a look back at the most significant achievements on the European and international football scene.
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A European first for Villarreal d’Emery
Thanks to a success against Manchester United in the Europa League final (1-1; 11 shots on goal to 10), Villarreal won the first Europa League in its history on May 26 in Gdansk. A European coronation which was gleaned by the yellow submarine by having demonstrated an appreciable regularity in the performances. Indeed, the formation trained by the former coach of PSG was undefeated in European competition during this 2020-2021 exercise (12 wins, 3 draws). “The secret is work“, Explained the native of Hondarribia after the coronation of his troops.
Chelsea, 9 years later
Winner of its first Champions League in 2012 against Bayern Munich (1-1; 4 shots on goal to 3), Chelsea had to wait 9 years to win again the queen of club competitions. However, the formation trained by Thomas Tuchel did not leave with the favors of the forecasts, on May 29 in Porto, against Manchester City of Pep Guardiola. Regardless of the label, the Blues were able to annihilate the offensive force of the Citizens and the goal scored by Kai Havertz in the 42nd minute could send them to the top of Europe. In this campaign, Chelsea have conceded only 4 goals in 13 games.
Italy climbs onto the roof of Europe
The wait was a little longer for Italy. 63 years after their last Euro coronation (1958), the Nazionale won Euro 2021 by winning against England at Wembley last July 11 (1-1; 3 shots on goal to 2). This is the longest wait between 2 titles for a nation in the tournament, exceeding that experienced by Spain. La Roja had chained 2 Euros between 1964 and 2008.
Messi finally triumphs with Argentina
He had been waiting for his first major trophy in the colors of Argentina for so long. After 4 finals of major tournaments lost (World Cup 2014, Copa America 2007, 2015 and 2016), Lionel Messi lifted the Copa America against Neymar’s Brazil on July 11 at Maracanã (0-1). Without shining in this final, the one elected best player, scorer and passer of the competition saw his loyal teammate Angel Di Maria score the decisive goal, with a clever lob. A coronation which also proved to be decisive in obtaining the seventh Ballon d’Or de la Pulga, obtained on November 29.
Brazil retains Olympic title
Already titled at home in 2016, the Seleção retained their title at the Tokyo Olympics on August 7.. With in particular in its ranks the indestructible Dani Alves, Brazil disposed of Spain in the final of the tournament (2-1 after extra time). Returning to Barça since, Alves has also won his 43rd career title, a record. The 38-year-old is all he needs is the World Cup.
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