Filth of the Year

Everyone is posting awards and what not but A Water Carrier isn’t everyone so we’re going to revel in the pure filth of this Alexandre Pato goal against Napoli. It’s the most underrated goal of the year. Why? Let’s go through ‘Is that a great goal?” checklist, inquisitor. Atmosphere? Check. Commentary? Check. Unsaveability (I made that word up)? Check. Quality opposition? Check.

The adolescent, sudden outburst of pace as the balls floats through the Milanese air, a sign of a boy who isn’t quite a man yet. He slows down as he assesses the options, the Napoli lads reckon they’ve contained him but they’re retreating. His wand of right foot then casts a spell on the ball, expertly placing it in the top corner like a…shot putter.

Then there’s Morgan de Sanctis, Napoli’s goalkeeper, who just lets it roll into his hands. He doesn’t scream at the defenders. He doesn’t unleash any fury by kicking the ball into the net again. It’s the demeanour of a man who knows he’s been well and truly beaten by a special strike.

Happy New Year from all the staff at AWC,

Salim.

Fabio Cannavaro: The Prince of Naples

After a career spanning nearly two decades and 659 appearances, Italy’s 2006 World-Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro has retired with immediate effect as a result of persistent knee injury.  He will remain at Al Ahli for the next three years, taking up the role of technical adviser.

Cannavaro’s first taste of success came on the international scene when he triumphed with the Italy U-21 side in 1994 and 1996 in the European U-21 Championships. Cannavaro had been a ball-boy during the 1990 World Cup final when Italy lost to Argentina in Naples. He played for his local club Napoli before his transfer to Parma, where he struck an excellent relationship with French 1998 World-Cup winner Lilian Thuram, notably winning the UEFA Cup and 2 Coppa Italia. His alliance with Alessandro Nesta provided the bed-rock for Italy at Euro 2000 as they came within seconds of winning it – an injury time equaliser by Sylvain Wiltord taking the game to extra-time before David Trezeguet smashed the golden goal home. Cannavaro moved to Inter in 2002 but an unsuccessful two-year stint there prompted him to move to Juventus.