Sport
“It’s coming to Rome”: Italy crowned as Champions in Euro2020 Final
Italy secures its first win since 1968 in the Euro 2020 Final after an intense shootout at Wembley Stadium
“It’s coming to Rome”. Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci screams this phrase into the camera, overwhelmed by elation after he scored the match’s equalising goal.
He valiantly helped his nation to their second European Championship in the second half.
It was a generally poor shoot-out, with the Azzurri missing two and England missing their last three shots.
Italy comes back after falling behind in the final two minutes
Italy winning the Euro 2020 final comes as a welcome surprise to fans, who were left on the edge of their seat after their team fell behind in the first two minutes of the game.
The Azzurri were seemingly scrambling to restore their defensive lines, as Luke Shaw capitalised on a Giovanni De Lorenzi positioning error to steer home his driving volley from inside the 18-yard box.
But did England look like taking full advantage of this? Seemingly not.
Was it the pressure? The occasion of ‘playing’ at home in a Final may have gotten to the Three Lions. But Gareth Southgate’s men turned timid.
Did they go out and attack, trying to extend the lead? Or did Italy crank the pressure up, trying to impose a possession-based style of football; similar to the one it experienced against Luis Enrique’s Spain only days before in the Euro 2020 semi-final?
English fan celebrations may have begun a tad early when the half-time whistle was blown
Giorgio Chellini and Bonucci – arguably the hero, along with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma – showed why they are regarded as one of the best centre-back pairings in world football. It was the masterstroke of the two, to come up with the idea to allow the latter to join the midfield fray, meaning the Azzurri would free Jorginho and Marco Verratti to pull the midfield strings.
And once this occurred, the English started to fall.
As La Nazionale pushed forward time and time again, it became evident that the trophy was more heading towards Rome, and not down the aisles of the Stadium it currently resided in.
Souuthgate’s attempt to steer control back with the introduction of Jordan Henderson, almost worked, as his partnership with the midfield seemingly gave England a fleeting chance. And Jack Grealish’s menacing presence gave Three Lions’ supporters the hope they desperately craved.
But the dreaded Beast awoke – every footballing fan and player’s nightmare – the spot-kick.
With confidence, each player strode to the 12-yard disc, but a combination of nerves, misguided spot-kicks and Donnarumma guessing the right way on the final three occasions, saw Italy add a second European Championship to their cabinet, elimination the haunting moments of both the Euro 2000 and 2008 Finals.
The heartache of failing to qualify for a World Cup tournament – the first time in 58 years – saw Mancini brought into the Azzurri fold, replacing then-tactician Giampiero Ventura. And what a whirlwind journey it has been.
From their lowest-ever ranking, to the highs of their infamous night at Wembley, the former Manchester City and Inter boss has led his nation to an 34-match undefeated streak – something unimaginable only a year ago.
England misses out on winning first European Championship since 1968
In the first half, England’s Luke Shaw secured the match’s first goal in the first two minutes.
Will Patrick Mahomes be hailed as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history?
The Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious once again, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 to claim their second consecutive championship.
The high-stakes game kept fans on the edge of their seats as both teams showcased exceptional skill and determination.
The 49ers, known for their strong defence, put up a formidable fight, but the Chiefs’ offensive prowess ultimately proved too much to handle.
STAR PLAYER
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs with a stellar performance, showcasing his prowess with strategic passes and crucial touchdowns.
MASTER CHIEFS
As the confetti rained down on the Chiefs, celebrations erupted both on the field and among fans worldwide, marking another historic moment in the team’s legacy.
With this victory, the Chiefs solidified their status as a dominant force in the NFL, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the future holds for this powerhouse team.
The Chiefs join the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s, the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s and New England Patriots of the 2000s and 2010s as the only NFL teams to have won three Super Bowls in a five-year span.
Disney’s ESPN may achieve a $24 billion valuation; potential suitors could involve Apple and Verizon.
In a recent financial report, Bank of America suggests that Disney’s ESPN could be on the verge of reaching a staggering $24 billion valuation. This eye-catching figure has sparked interest from potential buyers, with technology giants Apple and telecommunication leader Verizon being touted as likely contenders.
The valuation surge is attributed to ESPN’s successful digital transition, with streaming services, exclusive sports content, and expanding international markets contributing to its growth. Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s sports networks further boosted ESPN’s portfolio, making it an attractive asset for prospective buyers.
Apple, known for its foray into content creation with Apple TV+, could leverage ESPN’s sports content to expand its media empire. Meanwhile, Verizon, with its vast telecom infrastructure and distribution capabilities, could use ESPN to enhance its content offerings and engage a broader customer base.
This development marks a pivotal moment in ESPN’s history, and its future owner could redefine the landscape of sports broadcasting. As the valuation continues to climb, all eyes are on the potential suitors and the ensuing negotiations.
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