France wins UEFA Nations League
Isaque Argolo | 10/10/2021

I:Again a final between Spain and France was played. Spain had eliminated current European Cup champions Italy, and France came as one of the top teams in the world. After all, even having lost the Euro so early, compared to the expectations they had about France, yet, with ample public thinking, France came as perhaps the favorite for the final, even though they had some difficulties against Belgium.

The final of the second edition of the UEFA Nations League was a dispute that only started after the 63rd minute, as the dismal performance of both teams in the first half and at the beginning of the second half was a completely notorious sight. On the one hand, a completely disconnected France, just like in the dispute against Belgium. On the other hand, as much as Spain managed to dominate the first two-thirds, they failed to connect a last pass to the conclusion. The number of chances created in the first half reflects this.

On the side of Spain, which kept its past characteristics, they presented a calmer game, a scientific trait and aiming for combinations. The center of the attack is interesting, as Oyazarbal was not acting as a centre-forward of a more used style recently, but as a player who served to stifle the opponent's pressure. Consequently, the connection between the defensive system and Oyazarbal was a strand used by Spain to get rid of French pressure.

France presented a faster playing style, with more targeted and incisive passes. The speed of the French team was much higher than that of the Spanish team. They, moreover, had background characteristics with players of high speed and quick completion — Kylian Mbappé, for instance. They were, in fact, a more experienced team than La Roja, which in turn featured a team full of young players.

One of the things that caught my attention in the match — in fact, even in the semi-finals — was the French personality when behind the score. In fact, it must be admitted that the French psychological and the search for results are commendable. France soon recovered against Spain, and became a completely different team from the start of the match. Karim Benzema's exceptional goal was a reflection of the current phase in which Real Madrid's forward is.

Furthermore, another point I would like to highlight was the peculiar goal by Kylian Mbappé, who, at first impressions, I thought was offside. Indeed, he was. According to the referee, Eric Garcia played the ball, thus creating a totally new play. Well, this generated debates between old referees who divided opinions.


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McGrory: 48 or 49 goals?
Isaque Argolo | 11/10/2021

II:A while ago, a reader had come into contact with a pertinent question: how many goals did Jimmy McGrory score in 1926/27? Well, on many goal lists this is common. I recall that statistical errors were common when I ran full seasons on ARFTS, as the numbers always diverged from older sources. I remember that some sources considered 48 goals; 49 goals were considered by others — Maxim Olenev, for example.

I won't remember the match for sure, but I remember what happened. McGrory was the last to touch the ball, but many believed that the ball had not fully entered, and Adam McLean, Celtic's extraordinary left winger, put the ball all the way in, without any doubt and hesitation from the audience. Consequently, many credited McLean with the goal, but the ball had already crossed the line when McGrory was the last to touch it.


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Alex's determination
Isaque Argolo | 11/10/2021

III:One of the main characteristics of the Scottish genius Alex James was his determination to the plan. James, in fact, was a genius, but with a vision always directed towards the benefit of the team as a whole, not just his side of performance. On a bad day, James would always keep trying until he got it right. I remember a speech that the star said he could miss nine through-balls, but if the tenth generated a goal, it would be worth the mistake of the others again. In fact, James was right about that.

The game is straight forward and making mistakes is part of it. I do, however, realize that there are a lot of players who are afraid of the incisive pass, and therefore decide to direct the ball back rather than trying a ball that could result in a goal for their team.


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You only had to say "Steve"
Isaque Argolo | 11/10/2021

IV:During the days of England's greatest glory, when the art of football coincided with effectiveness, an exceptional combination emerged. On the one hand, a young man who had been recommended by none other than John Goodall. On the other side, a creative, ingenious centre-forward, who always had the vision to pass to the best unmarked teammate. Steve Bloomer & G.O. Smith, respectively, were those big names.

One of the most impressive things Steve Bloomer has said throughout his brilliant football career is that G. O. Smith was a genius, but an easy genius to understand because he had a simple game. It was easy to play with Smith. John Goodall always mentioned that the best players were the ones who made things simple. Later, Johan Cruijff launched a sentence claiming support for simpler, easier-to-understand football.

One always understands the other's thoughts, plus their characteristics match. After all, Bloomer was a born scorer full of repertoire. G.O. Smith, on the other hand, was a technical & tactical master, who sought the incisive pass for his teammate to score. Before the word "Steve" died in G.O. Smith's mouth, the ball was already in the foot of the Derby County insider, and Bloomer, with his impressive shooting speed, had already scored another goal via a pass from the ingenious centre-forward. What a synchronization!