It's too easy to blame other people in football- Steven Gerrard
The beautiful game saw a
beautiful exhibition of skills and sportsmanship in the past couple of months.
Football powerhouses from Europe and South America clashed to claim to be the
best in their respective continents. New talents emerged and old names faded
away in history. In the US, a familiar story unfolded with Chile snatching Copa America once again from Argentina’s grasp. In France, history was scripted when
Portugal emerged as the unlikely champion to lift the Euro 2106. The two
tournaments were highlighted by two champions of the game showcasing their
skills. In the end, one wept while the other leapt in joy.
 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (Credit: SkySports) |
It has been a fairytale year for
CR7 winning the Champions League and becoming European champions, two of the
most coveted titles in the world. Despite a niggling calf injury, Ronaldo has
been able to lead from the front. The only major disappointment for him this
year was not being able to win the La Liga. However, on a personal note he
excelled with 35 goals from 35 appearances. His contribution to the Catalan
side in its Champions League campaign was profound having notched up 16 goals in 12 appearances. There is no doubt in this champion’s ability to win matches
or for that matter any tournament. However, soccer is a game of 11 players and
it is their coordinated efforts that bear fruit and win championships. Ronaldo
has been ably supported by the likes of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Toni
Kroos in Real Madrid. Similarly the Portuguese star found considerable support
in Portugal’s campaign in Euro 2016 from Qaresma, Nani and Renato Sanchez. As a
matter of fact Portugal won the finals of Euro 2016 without Ronaldo. Ronaldo
was lifted off the ground on a stretcher in the first half without having any
impact on the proceedings. Despite the major setback la Seleção held on to clinch
the title. It will go down as one of the greatest wins in the annals of
Potuguese footballing history. Pior to the tournament everyone held the belief
that Portugal was a one man team and concluded that they stood no chance at all
without Ronaldo. The Portuguese football team proved their most ardent critics
wrong when they downed an efficient French team to become European Champions. Ronaldo
has been fortunate to have had such company.
 |
| Lionel Messi (Credit: SkySports) |
Football is a team game and no
matter how good you are it is still a game of eleven players. Chile proved this
point when they beat a much fancied Argentinian side to successfully defend
their title in Centanario Copa America. In
contrast to Ronaldo, Leo Messi has been unfortunate. Not because he doesn’t
have high quality teammates but because his highly talented teammates have
failed to click as a team. The Argentinian side has failed to deliver when it
has mattered the most. Messi, too, has to take a fair share of this blame. He
hasn’t been able to dish out dazzling performances that we are accustomed to
see in La Liga, on the main center stage. Argentina’s performance in 2014 World Cup wasn’t outstanding notwithstanding the fact that they made it
to the finals. They played defensively throughout the tournament and lacked the
potency displayed by Germany despite having Messi, Aguero and Higuain in their
ranks. The three individuals are prolific goal scorers for their respective
clubs. But when it comes to delivering for their national side their big shoes
become too big to fill for themselves.
Hasty Decision
Messi announced his retirement from National duties soon after losing the finals of Copa America. But why?
Just because of the sorry state of affairs in the country’s national
association? Has his retirement done any good to a side that looks up to him to
deliver? Most feel sorry for him but you do not run away from a situation if
you are a fighter. You stand tall and fight. The association may have done him
wrong but does the nation have to pay for it? There are millions of kids and youngsters
that look up to Messi. Wouldn’t they feel let down? With great power comes
great responsibility. A captain does not abandon his ship or for that matter
his crew in times of distress. That’s when they need him the most, to guide and
motivate them.
Be a Team Player
Messi should take heart from footballing
minnows like Iceland. A country with a population of just 330,00 surprised
everyone when they beat England. They may not have big names in their ranks but
they had a big heart and copious team spirit. Argentina’s team and Messi should
take a leaf out of their notebook. If Messi does not return to international
football it will forever remain a part of his legacy. A legacy marred by losses
at the big stage of football. At various stages in their career Ronaldo and
Messi have blamed either their officials or their teammates for
non-performance. It’s time for the two to pull up their socks and realize that
they are not the team but a part of the team.
