Does Bodø/Glimt’s success give us hope for soccer’s future?
The soccer information agenda hasn’t precisely been a picnic not too long ago. Concerns over the hosting of World Cup matches in Mexico. Gianni Infantino cozying up to Donald Trump every time he can. The fleecing of supporters planning to go to the US this summer time. Is all this actually value it? But then there’s Bodø/Glimt.
Tiny, little Bodø/Glimt from the Arctic Circle. The Norwegian miracle membership that pulled off one of the biggest upsets in European soccer historical past on Tuesday by dumping Internazionale out of the Champions League. The superb anomaly reminding us all why we fell in love with this silly sport within the first place.
Bodø/Glimt ought to have stood no likelihood towards Inter. The Serie A leaders and three-time European champions boast a squad value €666m ($787m), in accordance with Transfermarkt. Bodø/Glimt’s squad, in stark distinction, is valued at simply €57m ($67m). Inter are a longtime superpower over a number of many years; Bodø/Glimt had been within the Norwegian second-tier 10 years in the past.
What occurred at San Siro on Tuesday was most surprising as a result of it wasn’t in any respect surprising to anybody who has watched Bodø/Glimt this season. Kjetil Knutsen’s aspect already had humbled Atlético Madrid and Manchester City earlier than beating Inter dwelling and away. Their counterattack is arguably probably the most potent of any workforce in Europe. They play with full conviction regardless of the opponent. Inter will not be the final large to undergo.
At a time when inequality on the elite stage of European soccer has by no means been larger, Bodø/Glimt’s success provides a glimmer of hope for the longer term. Money might decide most issues, however not every little thing. Not on a regular basis. Sometimes David beats Goliath 5-2 on mixture. The Champions League wanted this. Soccer wanted this.
Are Arsenal over their title race wobbles?
In a special timeline, Declan Rice’s mistake for Tottenham Hotspur’s equaliser on Sunday may have been his Steven Gerrard “this does not slip” second. Just seconds earlier than, the midfielder had gestured for focus from his Arsenal teammates just for his personal to lapse, dribbling into bother on the sting of his personal field. Randal Kolo Muani made him pay.
Arsenal’s latest wobbles have been expensive. The midweek collapse at Wolves hinted at a gaggle of gamers getting edgy, probably inhibited by the trauma of previous failed title challenges. A nine-point lead turned a five-point lead turned a two-point lead earlier than Sunday’s north London derby.
So when Rice gifted Spurs the equaliser simply moments after Arsenal had taken the lead, the guests may have crumbled utterly. Instead, they scored three extra to win 4-1. The footballing activity may need been harder had Tottenham not been with out 12 first-team gamers by damage or suspension, however the psychological check was a stern one and Mikel Arteta’s workforce got here by it.
Arteta recognised the victory may very well be a “turning point” in Arsenal’s season. There is difficult work forward for the Gunners if they’re to carry off City and win the title. Sunday’s consequence and efficiency confirmed they’re prepared for it.
How regarding is Christian Pulisic’s type and health?
Christian Pulisic most likely received’t be an Italian champion this season. Milan’s dwelling defeat to Parma on Sunday felt deadly to their Scudetto hopes. There at the moment are 10 factors between the Rossoneri and Inter on the high of the Serie A desk with Cristian Chivu’s workforce on a run of 13 wins from their final 14 league video games.
For a very long time, Pulisic was doing greater than anybody else to make Milan challengers. The American ahead racked up seven league objectives by early December when many had been calling him the very best participant in Serie A. Since then, although, Pulisic has netted simply as soon as. He’s but to search out the again of the web in 2026.
Even extra regarding than that from a US males’s nationwide workforce perspective is that Pulisic’s begin towards Parma on Sunday was his first since 18 January. Max Allegri has been managing Pulisic’s minutes for months, cautious to not overload a participant who’s struggling for full health after a collection of damage points.
Considering Pulisic’s significance to his nationwide workforce, one wonders how often Mauricio Pochettino is involved with Pioli and the Milan medical employees. What is the probability that Pulisic will be capable of deal with a match each few days on the World Cup? The USMNT wants their greatest participant match and firing for the summer time. That will not be life like.
