Many a time we like to revisit some of those marvelous sports experiences/moments which live with us for the rest of our days. I am one of those people who are the victim of 'Sports Nostalgia'. Not sure if there is such a thing but I am pretty sure most of us would love to recall those epic times of adrenaline rush and would like to discuss them over and again. Therefore, I shall attempt to revive their essence by presenting the overview, highlights, and analysis of my favorite games thus far from different leagues. I would call this series "Football Nostalgia Series" and the first among all is my all-time favorite player 'Zlatan's' debut at LA Galaxy.
A perfect prank with LAFC for the fool's day:
The sunny afternoon before the first day of April brought LA Galaxy against LAFC and the match turned out to be nothing less than a comprehensive pack of amusement. Even though LAG was already thriving under the brilliant skills of a bright striker ‘Kamara’ but, the club manager Kinnear felt that they required a hammer to deliver some finishing knocks. In the list of such goalsmiths, there are a very few names and arguably the best of them is 'Zlatan'. However, a lot of controversies was following this legend owing to his absence from the other league matches caused by a serious knee injury. Also, with his age approaching a high figure of 36, his fans assumed that the lion might spend the rest of the days in his den. But, LAG was ready to bet on this old horse and this "LAG vs LAFC" was announced the debut match of the legendary striker.
Would it be a remarkable comeback of the legend? Fruitful for LAG or..?
Image Source
The match started with a serious shock to the LAG fans because in the excitement of Zlatan’s debut everyone had overlooked the dangerous moves of LAFC’s forward Carlos Vela. Within the first 5 minutes of the game, he captured all the spotlight by shooting an amazing in-swinger from outside the D, which comfortably dodged the defense line including the goalkeeper.
LAG 0-1 LAFC
We could see major attacks by the LAFC strikers from the left side of the LAG’s end probably due to a bit slower reflexes of the defender Cole even though he had got a lot of experience but, he seemed to be a bit out of form. It wasn’t long after that LAFC’s forward D. Rossi charged again from the left but found that the LAG had managed to seal the side. Finding no space for penetration, Rossi tossed the ball to Vela who was rocketing in from the right. A breath-stopping moment followed when LAG’s goalkeeper Bingham analyzing a relatively shallower defense on the side made a leap-slide to the ball. Vela in response demonstrated a complete grasp on nerves, dodged the keeper with a quick turn, took his time and baggage.
LAG 0-2 LAFC
The commentators, the crowd and the whole team went crazy in celebrations. LAFC kept dominating the game even after the half-time with almost giving no room to LAG’s attack. That wasn’t just it, LAFC was not done yet, it was 47th minute of the match when LAFC’s striker Urena brought himself into a position to receive a long pass from Blessing with LAG’s defender Steres running in parallel to catch-up with him. Urena finding himself at an extreme narrow-angle with the goal post attempted a cross to Vela on the left, which unfortunately got intercepted by the LAG’s own defender Steres and landed into the net.
LAG 0-3 LAFC
Drums and dance by LAFC fans Image Source
Dead silence in the LAG’s stand while a huge celebrations at the LAFC’s. But, salute to the LAG’s players who had a firm belief and enough motivation to carry on the attacks and that paid-off well when Carrasco managed to snatch the ball from LAFC’s defender and passed it on to LAG’s amazing midfielder Sabastian who shot it into goal with a lightening one-touch.
LAG 1-3 LAFC
That apart, but a question was lurking on everyone’s mind including myself “Where was Zlatan and was he coming to play?”. The call of the hearts were answered and the match had to take yet another turn when finally Zlatan entered the ground in 70th minute of the match with loud enchanting of the desperately awaiting fans. Was it his threat on the opponents which caused their legs to shake or a warm welcome by his team members, LAG’s midfielder Pontius instantly landed a header goal and celebrations continued..
LAG 2-3 LAFC
Then came the remarkable moment of the whole match and probably the one that would be imprinted in the memories of the viewers for decades. LAG’s defender cleared the incoming ball with a header towards Zlatan standing just ahead of the center-line. I am not sure what was he thinking, but they say that lions don’t think, they do and in that instant Zlatanism happened. The leg of Thor gave lightning speed to the ball which covered many yards in the blink of an eye, passed over the keepers head and landed in the net. COULD YOU BELIEVE IT!! (Goosebumpsss) I am sure, even LAFC's GK got them
LAG 3- 3 LAFC
Mortals!! you dare question Zlatan! Image Source
- His first goal in MLS,
- 501st of his professional career,
- An equalizer for the team
And with such a mesmerizing style that it was hard to close the wowed jaw.
Commentators: “LAFC has just been zlatandd.. welcome to MLSs.. take a boww..”
If you have seen zlatan’s karate shoots then you are lucky, and if you have seen a header by him then you are blessed. All of us became luckily blessed to witness both, where the amazing header of this insanely tall “God of goals” at the extra time (91 minutes) concluded the remarkable victory of LA Galaxy over LAFC. Unbelievable.
LAG 4-3 LAFC
Oh yes, we probably joined in for the legend’s comeback but, got the LAG’s comeback as a bonus. All hail to the mighty..
David Squires on Zaltan Image Source
Highlights of the match
That is all for today.
Do let me know your feelings and experience related to this match.
