#now for my Copa America game! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

billybob598 · 1 year ago

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Wanna Know Something? (Mary Earps x Reader)

Yoooooo, i posteddddd. I know, I haven't written anything in so long, my bad lol. Hopefully this makes up for it. Remember, any feedback good or bad is welcomed. Enjoy reading!

Word Count: 1.6k (wtfff idk how i did that ngl)

“Hey, good luck today,” you hear somebody whisper. Turning to look at the speaker you see Mary reaching out her fist towards you. You smile and bring her into a hug.

“Good luck querida,” (darling) you mumble into her ear. Mary places a soft and discreet onto your neck, your legs almost give out at the action. As you pull away you reach out to Leah who was ahead of both of you. She turns and gives a quick hug to you, her Arsenal teammate.

“Vamos Y/N,” Rafaelle says over her shoulder as the officials start to move forward. You quickly get back to your line and try to focus on the game ahead.

Mary had been your girlfriend for almost a year now. You were the starting goalkeeper for Arsenal and Brazil. Sometimes, you couldn’t believe that Mary loved you, she was so amazing, so funny, so kind, one of the best people you knew for sure. Now, you were playing against each other in the Finalissima. This was a big match. Brazil was hungry to prove that they could compete against top European teams and this was a perfect opportunity. When the national anthems start to play you feel a sense of pride grow inside of your chest. Here you were, in front of a packed Wembley Stadium, playing against your girlfriend for a trophy. It doesn’t get much better than that.

As you near the goal you’ll be protecting you do your pre-game traditions. Touch the left post first, then the right, then jump and touch the crossbar. After, you sprint to the edge of the 18-yard box, kneel, and say a quick prayer. Done. You mentally lock in for what you know will be a tough match.

At halftime, you’re frustrated. England had been controlling most of the ball, they had also gotten a few shots on target. You could do nothing more when Toone finished off a fantastic build-up by England in the twenty-third minute. All throughout Pia’s halftime talk you are planning a speech to the team. Just before you guys head back out, you stand in the middle of the locker room and start to speak,

“Listen, I know everyone out there is rooting against us, so let’s use that to our advantage. Let it fuel us, make us hungry to beat them. They came to see an England win, not a Brazil one. Let’s show them why we are Copa America champions!” This gets everybody fired up. You can sense the shift in the energy of the team, everyone is excited and motivated to prove themselves. The second half is a different story than the first. While England still controls most of the ball, your Brazilian team was creating more chances, being quicker on the counterattack, and finally starting to test Mary. As the game heads into stoppage time, you can feel your heart start to sink. You feel yourself start to lose hope. Then, out of nowhere, Mary bobbles the ball and Andressa jumps all over it, putting it in the back of the net. You scream, jumping up and down with excitement. Soon after that full-time is called. Taking a deep breath, you calm your nerves before the penalty shoot-out. Your goalkeeper coach reminds you of all of England’s penalty takers habits.

After giving your teammates fist bumps and high fives, you make your way towards Mary and the ref who are already waiting for you. The ref runs through all the penalty rules for you guys. When she finishes speaking and leaves the two of you alone, you turn to Mary and with a smirk reach your fist to her. She grins at you and moves to fist bump you, only for you to dodge it at the last second. She shoves you with a playful smile tugging at her lips. You laugh, before starting the walk to the goal.

England has the first penalty. You jump up and down on your goalline, doing jumping jacks trying to distract Stanway. As she takes her first step, you analyze her, deciding to dive to your right. It turns out to be the right decision, but you can’t quite get enough to push it out of the net. You groan as the ball ends up behind you. When Mary gets a hand on Adriana’s shot you hold your breath, only to release it as it rolls into the back of the net. When Ella Toone lines up to take the penalty you know where she is going. You dive to your left, reaching your hand out to block the ball. It bounces off your hand, and for a second you can’t believe it, you saved it. The ecstasy is short-lived however, as you watch the ball roll back towards the penalty spot your head smashes into something quite hard. The post. You black out immediately. Most of the fans groan at the missed penalty. Toone turns away and starts to make her way back to her team. Mary’s the first one to realize something is wrong when you don’t get back up right away. She runs over to you, turning you over to see your eyes closed and a massive gash on the side of your head. Panic overwhelms her body, she grabs a hold of your face trying to get you to wake up. Your Brazilian teammates rush over, all screaming for medics. Rafaelle reaches you and checks for a pulse. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief when she finds one. Some of your fellow Brazilians wince at the amount of blood coming out of your head.

“Come on baby, please wake up,” Mary begs to your limp body, “wake up for me please.”

The medics finally reach you, they wrap something around your head to try and stop the bleeding. Geyse takes your girlfriend’s arm and slowly moves her away from the situation. Mary feels tears start to sting her eyes as she watches the EMTs load you onto a stretcher and take you straight to an ambulance. Wembley breaks out in thunderous applause as you get taken away from the field. The backup goalie jogs onto the field while slipping on her gloves. Mary is conflicted, on one hand, she wants to go to the hospital with you and make sure you’re okay. On the other hand, she knows she can’t just bail and that she has to finish the rest of the shoot-out. She decides to stay on the field with the knowledge that she’s going to dedicate the last few penalties to you.

Mary saves two of the last three and lets out a warrior yell when Kelly sinks her last penalty. She’s so happy and proud that she almost forgets about your condition. Almost. When she sees Rafaelle talking to Leah with a solemn look on her face she rushes over eager to see if your best friend had heard anything about you.

“So?” Mary looks at her expectantly.

“She’s still out, but she’s stable. So far everything is okay.” Mary breathes a sigh of relief at the news.

“I’m gonna head there now,” the English goalkeeper decides, moving towards the locker rooms. Leah grabs her arm.

“We have to do the trophy lift,” her captain tells her.

“Leah, come on, can’t I just go see her?” Mary asks.

“You can go right after, but you should be there for the trophy lift, at least.” Mary nods, sighing. During the celebrations, Mary is just going through the motions. She tries to hurry up the process so she can go see you. Finally, Leah gives her the go-ahead and she rushes to the hospital. When she reaches the hospital reception she’s panting heavily,

“I’m here for Y/N Y/L/N,” she says in between heavy breaths. The receptionist nods and shows her to your room. Mary slowly enters, confused when she hears the TV on. Fully opening the door, she’s met with you grinning at her with your arms spread wide.

“Congratulations! Finalissima winners, that’s pretty cool!” You say brightly. You cock your head to one side when your girlfriend doesn’t respond instead just staring at you. “You okay?” She doesn’t answer, opting to hug you. The air gets knocked out of you, but you hug back.

“Oh my God, Y/N. Y-You were bleeding and w-weren’t moving or an-anything,” she chokes out, tears streaming down her face. You kiss the top of her head gently.

“Don’t worry querida. I’m right here, see?” You gently whisper to her, tilting her head up so that her eyes meet yours. “I’m okay.”

“You’re okay,” she nods looking like she’s trying to convince herself. You nod and wipe the tears off of her cheeks delicately. You scoot over and pat the space beside you. She hesitates for a second before giving in and getting into the hospital bed with you. You guys cuddle as you watch the Lionesses celebrations on the TV. She can tell you’re starting to doze off so she whispers into your ear,

“We would’ve won even if you were in the net.” You smirk slightly.

“In your dreams Earps. We all know I would have saved at least one of those.” She rolls her eyes at your antics and kisses the top of your head,

“Just go to sleep, love.”

“Wanna know something?” Mary gives you a questioning look, prompting you to continue. “Metal posts are really, really hard. I would not recommend ramming your head into them. You might not feel great for a bit after.”

#mary earps #mary earps x reader #woso x reader #engwnt x reader #woso imagine

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outsideratheart · 2 years ago

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Finalissima (Leah Williamson x reader)

A/N: In honour of the lionesses wining the Finalissma here is a little fic. I’m not sure if it can be classed a sequal but it does take place in the same universe as Welcome to Colney. I hope you guys like it.

When you arrived at Wembley Park the sight of the stadium brought goosebumps to your skin. The stadium was legendary and as you looked up the steps at the end of Wembley way you saw the video montage advertising the historic match between the Champions of Europe and the Copa de America champions. A sense of pride fills you when you see the moment Leah lifts the trophy. You may not have known her at that point but hearing the way she described that day makes you feel like you were there. Then it showed you and the rest of the Brazilian team lifting your town trophy and you are reminded why you are there. You have a job to do and there it just so happened that the person standing in your way was also your girlfriend.

You were looking forward to the press conference because it meant you got to see Leah. Having just arrived for their MD -1 training, Leah and Sarina were already outside the conference room by the time you and Pia arrive.

“Don’t worry, you’re not late” You hear Leah say when she sees you reach into your pocket for your phone

It had only been four days since you had since Leah but boy was she a sight for sore eyes.

You didn’t know what to do. With both Sarina and Pia standing close by you couldn’t greet the blonde you way you truly wanted to so you settle a hug which doesn’t half as long as you wished and subtly place a kiss to her neck as not to get caught by the women in front of you.

The four of you make small talk until a member of the media team tell you that the press conference is ready to begin. You and Leah enter side by side but are soon split up with you being placed at one end of the table and Leah at the other.

“They have to seperate us” Leah says earning a laugh from the journalists

The blonde jokingly holds up her fists, a gesture which you respond.

“I’ll do my fighting on the pitch”

Your competitive nature is something that Leah admired, now less so considering she was on the opposite end of it.

The first couple of questions were for the coaches and whilst you tried your hardest to listen and take in what they were saying, your focus remained on your girlfriend. No words were exchanged put plenty was said with your eyes.

“Focus Y/N” your coach whispers whilst Sarina answer a journalist’s question.

“I am”

“On the press, not on your girlfriend”

When you and Leah officially started dating you didn’t hide it. The fans soon noticed the way you were always together. They caught the moments when you hand rested a little bit too low on Leah’s back or how she was wore clothes that struck a striking resemblance to yours.

“I’m playing mind games”

“No, you’re letting her in your head. Parar agora”

Pia was right. Leah had been sending you teasing messages all day about how Wembley is her house and nobody will beat her there. She had access to your head that nobody else had and although you wouldn’t admit it, she was breaking you down from the inside.

You wait for the question that you know is coming. It just a matter of whether you or Leah gets asked it.

“Y/N, Leah” you both look at each other “Tomorrow you will be marking each other. Do you think this is will be easier or harder given that you are team mates?”

Leah waits knowing that you will want to answer this question.

“Before coming to Arsenal I knew that Leah was one of the the best centre backs in the world. In the last few months I have seen the reason why she rightfully has this title. As for tomorrow, what’s the saying? Iron sharpens Iron. I know Leah will bring her A game but there’s nothing I want more than to walk away from Wembley tomorrow Finalissima champions and being the first team to beat England under Sarina Wiegman”

She knew you meant it but the emotionless tone of your voice worried Leah. You were her team mate and girlfriend yet the way you talked about was as if she was just another opponent.

“Thanks Y/N” Leah jokes “Tomorrow is going to be difficult. Brazil has the reputation they have for a reason. Their playing style is like no other and we welcome the challenge. I admire Y/N’s optimism but we are playing at Wembley, these are our fans and we won’t let them down, they will see us lift another trophy”

The tension between the two of you grew thick and heavy within seconds.

“As you can see our captains are ready for battle” Pia jokes.

When the press conference ends you have an uneasy feeling in your gut. Ever since this fixture was announced you and Leah joked about going head to head but now that it’s the day before the game things have changed, there is no longer room for jokes.

The four of you leave the conference room, Pia says she will meet you back in the hotel stating that you need to be back for team meal and Sarina tells Leah to meet her on the pitch in ten minutes.

Once you are alone you sink down the wall, Leah soon join you. When she is by your side your hand rests on her thigh and she leans her head against your shoulder.

“Are you ok?” Leah asks.

“It’s a lot” you place a gentle kiss to the side of her head “I hate that one of us has to lose tomorrow”

“It’s all part of the game Y/N, the game you love so much. That competitive fire the burns in there” Leah taps your heart “is why you care so much and it’s why you feel the way you do”

“It is going to be really fun to beat you tomorrow”

“I’m being supportive and you’re ruining it”

“I know, I’m sorry”

Abruptly, Leah stands up and for a small moment you think she is mad at you so you avoid eye contact, instead choosing to play with the laces on your trainers. You feel Leah kick your foot gently in attempt to get your attention, it works. She holds her hands up and helps you to your feet.

“Tomorrow is going to be incredible, win or lose. We are making history and there’s no one I would rather do it with. We are going to lead our teams out to a sold out Wembley stadium and then at the end of the game I want you to come and find me, ok?”

It amazed you how Leah knew exactly what to say to make you feel better, no matter the circumstance.

“Come here”

You greet her the way you wanted you before the press conference but your kiss is cut short when you hear someone clearing their throat. Much to your annoyance Leah pulls away but you pull in and steal one more kiss.

Playing in front of a sold out Wembley stadium is something many few can say they have done especially in the women’s game and it is a moment you will tell your children about in the future but right now the screams of the home fans make you realise the challenge at hand will be anything but easy.

The first half ends with England up 1-0, the home side was proving that Wembley was in fact their house but it wasn’t over yet and you were determined to play your heart out for the next 45 minutes. Despite the absence of Marta and Debinha, you are Geyse are putting the England defenders through it and they are struggling to keep up with your pace and Brazilian flair. They are starting to get desperate as the second half is all Brazil.

Just as you are through on goal your ankles get clipped and given where you are on the field you know exactly who is responsible for it.

“Watch it baby, being cute only gets you so far” you whisper as she helps you to your feet.

This is how to game goes and as the clock counts down Brazil get’s closer and closer to getting the equaliser. It’s not matter of if, it’s a matter of time and that time comes in 93rd minute. The moment you hit the ball you know it is going into the back of the next. You quickly celebrate before grabbing the ball so that the game can restart as soon as possible but there isn’t enough time for a second goal as the final whistle is blown.

Penalties.

Both teams have strong penalty takers so it comes as no surprise when the fifth and final penalty determines the game. The referee gave you the ball and the boos that followed were deafening. You could feel your heart beating rapidly but it didn’t change a thing. You had taken countless penalties over your career and the key is to treat each one the same, the crowd & venue didn’t matter.

You weren’t predicable when it came to placement from the spot yet somehow Mary is able to get her fingers to the ball and sends it over the bar. She did it, she had saved your shot and you had cost your team the Finalissima.

You couldn’t believe it. The sounds of the crowd became muffled almost as if you were underwater. Your gaze remains on the goal, which was now empty as Mary Earps has long left to celebrate with her team, you were in shock and you mind replays the shot over and over again. The shame you felt was overwhelming and you wasn’t ready to face your team yet but you knew they would be on their way to you.

Leah watched from a distance as you crouched down with you head hanging between your legs. She is torn between celebrating with her team and going to comfort you. In the end she chooses the latter knowing that she has all night to be with her friends.

“Give her a minute” Rafaelle stands in front of her blocking the way.

“I just want to see if she is alright” Leah didn’t want to challenge her team mate and your friend.

“Y/N has never missed a penalty in her entire career and to do it now, in front of all these people and in a final. She felt a lot of pressure for this game”

“We all did and for it to go to penalties isn’t what any of us wanted”

Leah tries to explain that they all felt pressure given the stakes but Rafaelle still tries to explain your point of view. She knows by past experiences that there’s no way you will talk about what you felt today and what this loss means to you.

“You see the number she wears” Rafaelle point to where you are now stood and more so the the 10 on the back of your shirt “That 10 means a lot in Brazil and she will feel like she failed not only us but everyone back home. She says it’s her job to score goals and today she did that but she won’t be happy with one because she knows if she would have scored two then we would have won”

“I won’t say anything Rafa, I just need her to know that it is ok”

“Leah I know you are her girlfriend and she loves you but I’m her best friend so listen to me when I say give her some time and wait for her to come to you. This will hurt Leah”

The blonde didn’t hear a word the Brazilian said after ‘she loves you’. You and Leah hasn’t said those words said but she wanted to.

Eventually you rejoin your team and congratulate the opposition on their win. You interaction with Leah is short and you keep your game face on, you couldn’t let Leah see through your facade.

“You played really well Y/N” After her discussion Leah didn’t know what to say to you.

“Not good enough but congratulations Leah”

For a brief moment Leah thinks are you going to kiss her and it gives her peace knowing that you are ok but you move to side at the last minute, the kiss is placed on her cheek instead of her lips.

She watches as you walk into the tunnel with your medal in your medal in your hand instead of round your neck.

An hour or so later you stood at the balcony on the rooftop of your hotel as you watched the England fans on the street below you. It hurt knowing that you let your team and country down but what you hate the most if that no matter how hard you try you cannot be happy for your girlfriend.

“I’m surprised to see you here” the sound of Geyse’s voice brings you out of your trance.

“Where else am I suppose to be?”

“We thought you would be with Leah” Rafa and few of the other girls join you.

“No” you shake her head “I don’t think she wants to see me, I wasn’t the best girlfriend earlier”

“Y/N you were being a captain who tends to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders”

“It’s my job and today I failed—“

“You didn’t fail us and we wouldn’t be mad if you wanted to spend the night with your girlfriend especially when we leave for Germany tomorrow”

“I don’t know where she is”

Just has you finish your sentence you phones goes off.

“Leah?” Rafa asks and you shake your head.

It wasn’t Leah but it was someone that could help you find her but it came with one condition, an exchange of shirts. You double check that the team are happy for you to leave and they all but push you towards the door.

Meanwhile at a restaurant within Wembley Stadium the Lionesses are celebrating the win with their families but Leah cannot help but think about one person that isn’t with her. She stares at her phone screen with her thumb hovering over your contact. She knew Rafaelle was right but she needed to know if you were ok.

“Still thinking about your hot Brazillian girlfriend?” Beth asks. Although she wasn’t playing in the game she still showed up the support them.

“Rafa said to wait until she comes to be but I don’t know I can wait that long”

“Well it looks like you won’t need to” Beth turns her team mate around to where you have just entered the restaurant.

You were still dressed in your team tracksuit and the look of defeat was there but barely visable to anyone that didn’t know you. She sees your eyes scan the room and a smile appears on her face when you find her. The closer you get to her the bigger the smile gets and Leah knows the one her face mirrors yours.

“Minha Linda” your arms wrap around her tightly.

“What are you doing here?” Leah asks before kissing you quickly.

“I’m here to support and celebrate my girlfriend because that is what she deserves” your arms fall to her waist.

“How did you know where we were?”

You hold up your match worn shirt and watch as a look of guilt washes over Leah’s face.

“Baby, I swapped with Rafa” Leah didn’t know what to say. If she had known you wanted to swap shirts with her than she wouldn’t have given hers to her fellow centre back.

“This isn’t for you. It’s for Mary” Leah eyes widen at her keeper’s name “I know, she’s got guts but I think her performance makes her deserving, don’t you?”

“She put an end to your streak” Leah couldn’t help it as a smirk tugs her lips. She hates that it was against your but Mary’s save won them trophy and she was proud of her.

“She did but next time we play I want your shirt, deal?”

“Deal”

You quickly made go over to Mary who upon seeing you enter already has her shirt ready. The two of you sign them before posing for a photo and you make sure to congratulate the keeper on her exceptional performance, Mary Earps had earned your respect in that game and you wanted to make sure she knew that.

Having shared you enough, Leah pulls you back over to where her family are seated and introduces you to the entire Williamson family.

Leah saw you relax as the night went on but she remembered what she was told earlier on and she couldn’t let it go. She hates the amount of pressure you put on yourself, she saw the way you were with Arsenal but with Brazil it grew tenfold and you needed you to know you weren’t alone.

“Y/N” Leah tapped you thigh softly as you listened to what her mum and brother were talking about. Upon hearing your name you turn your attention to your girlfriend “I want you to know that you’re not alone anymore. I’m here if you want someone to talk to about the pressure you feel about representing your country. I know it’s a little bit different for you but I understand what you’re going through”

“Leah I know that I have you and it means a lot. I knew you understood me the day we first met and it’s why I feel the most at peace when I’m with you. Today was hard and losing the game was tough but it’s moments like this with you that I know win or lose everything will be ok”

You had spent the past couple of days stressing about the outcome of this game and what it would mean for you and Leah, in the end it didn’t change a thing. If anything you both respected each other more and it became a memory that you will both remember for a long time to come.

#woso x reader #woso imagine #woso one shot #leah williamson x reader #leah Williamson one shot #leah Williamson imagine #engwnt x reader #engwnt imagine #engwnt one shot #awfc x reader #awfc imagine #awfc one shot

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iluminaughter · 7 months ago

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Bill doodles until "The Book of Bill" releases ‼️

27. This is more a vent than an own idea, yesterday I saw a soccer game, for "Copa America" (it was Chile v/s Argentina) The refereeing of that game made me so mad dude. Now with a cold mind I think…was it Bill who refereed that game? Typical dorito stuff…. t-n-

27 DAYS LEFT‼️

------------(btw, THANK YOU FOR THE BIG RECEPTION -----------------OF THE YESTERDAY'S POST!!! You guys are awesomee <3) ------

(edit 06/27: I realized through a reblog that I bugged myself, when I was copypasting the countdown I didn't change the number, my apologies for the mistake, my bad -w-'7)

#art #digital art #fanart #bill doodles countdown #bill cipher #soccer #referee #gravity falls #sona #cameo #lol

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the-radio-demon-blog · 6 months ago

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Alastor, you don't understand, tumblr people "need" to know if you have a tail or not because there are debates and wars. They value this like brazil value football, it's like a religion.

Also, what your thoughts on brazil, i from there :)

I do not understand the need nor do I--hah--need to understand the need. Debates and wars over my tail? My, I wish I could take advantage of that. But what would I do with that? Ah I see.

My apologies, I never looked beyond Louisiana's borders or America for that matter. My knowledge is quite embarrassing if I say so myself. I do admire the Brazilian team's footwork when it comes to football! Actually, the whole hotel is watching their lovely game in the COPA America against Uruguay! They are all quite invigorated! Niffty a little too much but that is quite fine! Mr. Suarez is yet to be seen taking the field thankfully.

I'm sure no one wants to see Mr. Suarez make his fourth bite, now do we? Haha! Of course not!

#alastor hazbin hotel #hazbin alastor #hazbin hotel alastor #alastor #hazbin hotel #ask answered #asks open #ask blog #send asks #ask #roleplay blog #copa america

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cloudsspoke · 8 months ago

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Breaking: Paulo Dybala no va a la Copa

This whole Dybala mess really upsets me.

This is actually kinda ironic for me because back in March, at the end of my post (this post), I wrote a lengthy paragraph about how fans’ toxic culture could destroy this team.

That supporters’ behavior who tend to compete players against e.o or criticize players, act like they have the right to decide who should join the NT and who shouldn’t is ridiculous. I mean, being Scaloni isn’t an easy job. Not only that Scaloni have to defend the Copa America title holder, but he also has to pick 23 or 26 players to be invited for his Copa squad when roughly 50 players are showing immense performance on their respective clubs this season. It must’ve been a dilemma, and supporters need to be wise in accepting what Scaloni has decided and believe that Scaloni knows better what is best for his team.

I never expected that I would have to swallow the bitter pill of my own words. Because that is actually what’s happening now, with Dybala becoming the center of controversion in light of the decision made by Scaloni.

Really, who would have thought that the player that gets left behind would be Dybala?

We’ve all seen how Dybala is a true baller this season, despite his injuries. Man be the only player who won 3 POTM awards, assisted 9 times, and scored 13 goals with 7 of that being 100% successful penalties. Unlike how he got injured 40 days before the World Cup, this time –less than a month before Copa– he’s fit. But what the heck then Scaloni decided not to call him?????

Maybe this is what Scaloni meant when he said, those who played for WC don’t have any advantages. That the only 2 players who got a 100% guarantee to play for this year’s Copa are just Messi and Di Maria. But the idea of not calling Dybala is just a total shocker to almost everyone.

A little throwback when the news of him picking up an injury just 40 days before the World Cup sent his teammates into concern. According to Cuti’s statement, their Whatsapp Group chat talked about that and he felt bad for Dybala.

But, surprise surprise, he still made it into the list and joined the whole team just a day before he celebrated his birthday with the team in Abu Dhabi (November 14th).

You can see just how happy and relieved everyone was when they embraced Dybala, even Cuti hogged him from the rest of the players.

Back to the present time.

How can I defend Dybala without discrediting other players, such as Angel Correa, Garnacho (who did well on United tbh), Carboni, or Nico Gonzales, whom according to Sofascore they are all scored less than Dybala’s average rating.

How can I explain that I don't expect Dybala to play as a starter (I don't even expect him to play as a sub either). My only plea toward Scaloni is simply to put Dybala on the roster just like Scaloni always puts Armani despite him not playing. Dybala's presence itself is enough for me.

I know the reality is kinda harsh for Dybala as he found it difficult to get a permanent spot (not only in the Scaloni era).

As in the last World Cup, Dybala only played <20 minutes (replacing Julian in the 74th minute in the match against Croatia and coming on in the last minute during the Final match).

Moreover, in the previous Copa Dybala was also absent due to poor performance at Juve caused by his injury. It really hurts to know he missed the chance to play when the country won the trophy.

To lessen the disappointment, he at least won Finalissima by only playing for 5 minutes, and amazingly in just that short time he scored a goal to secure that 3-0 victory over Italy.

Looking back at the 2019 Copa, out of the total 6 matches played by Argentina, Dybala’s first time entering the field was in the 3rd match against Qatar. Coming on in the 76th minute to replace Lautaro, providing an assist for Kun 6 minutes later. Argentina’s 4th match, he played in the last 5 minutes when Argentina was leading 2-0.

In the next game, again he came in the 85th minute when Argentina had already lost 2-0 to Brazil, and as for the last match to obtain the 3rd place Dybala played as a starter, along with Messi and Kun, scored in the 22nd minute before being replaced by Di Maria in the 67th minute.

Can you see what I’m trying to prove here?

Dybala may not always be the #1 option, but when he eventually plays, he delivers. He’s a clutch. And just like his statement, that he simply wanted to support the team, and tried not to show an angry or frustrated face for not being played. He knew this, and regardless of the situation he was fine with that. He accepted that.

And judging from how very important it is to be an NT player for every Argentinian footballer, I believe Dybala is happy enough to be invited to this year’s Copa even without any guarantee that Scaloni will really let him play. I believe he wouldn’t mind being a benchwarmer (unlike that England player who refused the country call because he didn’t want to be a benchwarmer under Southgate as coach).

So, what made Scaloni leave him out this time around?

What frustrates me the most is knowing there’s no logical reason to justify Scaloni’s shocking decision not to call Dybala up for Copa. There’s absolutely no reason at all.

1) He's fit,

2) His performance with Roma this season is amazing despite injury, while the other players that Scaloni chose are actually played not much better than Dybala,

3) Sentimental aspect-wise, he's one of the senior players,

And even more so 4) He has good chemistry with the whole team (( Especially since he's also part of Messi's close circle –Messi, LDP, Ota, Di Maria, and the Palo Santo trio– ))

5) Nothing bad happened between him and Scaloni previously (as confirmed by Scaloni himself in this interview).

Even Scaloni told that story about his son Noah’s favorite player is Dybala. Like, is that doesn't mean a thing??????

In return, Dybala always shows respect to Scaloni. Never openly throw a fit or complaint.

6) More importantly, this might be Dybala’s last chance to play in Copa America ffs!!

So, what's with the sudden plot twist????

Many people reacted to this news by saying, “Scaloni can do everything that he wants, you don’t question him”, "With or without Dybala won't change anything", and yes, it’s true. Scaloni could have called Dybala either based on performance aspect or sentimental reason, or even simply just because he can and I bet no one will gonna file a complaint about that because almost all of us expected Dybala to be there!! And okay, Dybala's existence won't give any differences since probably won't play either, but at the very least it could spare Scaloni from having this unnecessary public frenzy.

But somehow out of nowhere, Scaloni chose the extreme opposite. Which then sparked public heated discussion, and eventually, supporters dragged the other players like Garnacho or Nico Gonzales, when In my opinion the most random thing out of this situation is the fact that Scaloni chose Angel Correa over Dybala (again, I don't mean to belittle Correa, simply just stating a fact that it's bizarre).

Call me overreacting or being a bit too dramatic, but it feels like Scaloni is using the power that he knows he has. I’m saying this because there’s no justifiable reason to explain this Dybala situation, this feels like purely a power trip from the coach.

I try to respect Scaloni’s decision, I try to be positive and supportive, I want to be level-headed in response to this news, I try not to hate the coach, I try not dragging the other players, and even try to not pity Dybala’s bad luck too, but it’s just hard.

I know, anything can still happen.

Who knows, right?

Maybe Scaloni suddenly realizes that he made a mistake and is willing to make a little change on the squad list. Maybe some players try to reason with Scaloni for him to call Dybala. Or maybe someone from the already selected strikers picks up a last-minute injury so he can’t play thus Scaloni has no other option than to replace that someone with Dybala (this is very ill thought coming from my brain, pardon not pardon). or maybe Dybala will get married to Oriana this June, so at the very least, he won’t be feeling too woeful to abstain from Copa (the last part is just my wishful thinking tho)…

At last, I'm upset knowing that Dybala out from Copa means I won't get any new content of this beloved Cordobese pair.

And for this reason alone, Scaloni, sir, what you did is a crime.

UPDATE:

Paulo Dybala rompió el silencio tras la no convocatoria a la Selección Argentina:

Tenía confianza en formar parte del equipo, así que fue un golpe muy duro para mí porque ser parte de la selección nacional es una de las mejores cosas que he tenido. Entiendo que a nuestro entrenador le resulte difícil elegir. Tenemos tantos buenos jugadores en equipos de toda Europa y él tiene que elegir 26. Respeto su decisión. Siempre le he dicho eso. Tengo una gran relación con él y sin duda ha elegido lo mejor para la Selección Argentina.

Estaré animando desde casa, como siempre que no estoy en el equipo. Tengo muchos amigos y espero de todo corazón que puedan volver a ganar la Copa América.

No estoy llorando, tú estás llorando 😭😭😭😭

#La Scaloneta #Argentina NT #Copa America 2024 #Lionel Scaloni #Paulo Dybala #Cuti Romero #Leandro Paredes #Rodrigo de Paul #Lionel Messi #as roma #scaloneta

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nicolesainz · 2 years ago

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Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince (CP 10)

Christian Pulisic x f!reader

Warnings: heavy swearing, angst, violence and fluff

A/N: as if it isn’t already obvious from where i was inspired to write this one shot (the connection between chris and maathp can’t be undone, but im glad)

Summary: you always counted on yourself to defend against the bullies and mean comments on the press, although now things have changed, as he will be the one saving you from running in the dark

“She’s only on the team because of her boyfriend being the captain. Otherwise she’d be in a B category”

“She has two left feet. Can’t even kick a ball properly”

“Poor Christian, hope he finds someone better than her”

“Pulisic being with a girl out of his league? Shameful.”

Usually, one would find me in our room crying my heart out and with my mind racing between ‘Would Chris be better without me?’ and ‘What must I do to improve myself’.

I’ve been receiving this comments ever since mine and Christian’s relationship was announced. We had the support of friends, family and teammates and from a big portion of the fans, but some of them bite back. They don’t like what they see.

Well, they mostly don’t want to see me.

Girls hate the fact that their favorite footballer is taken and boys think I’m privileged enough to be on the Women’s USA team.

I’ve always told Chris to not respond any of these. That they don’t affect me. But they do. They hurt and I am a human, not a fucking robot.

He always wants to reply or post something on his story about defending me and leaving us to our peace, but I tell him to stay back. I don’t want anyone to hate him or have him receive nasty comments. He surely doesn’t deserve this.

We were now at Cobham, while he was training, I was discussing with the team about our next session. I decided to take a break and just scroll through my insta. I recently posted a pic of me and the team, reaching the semi-final at Copa America and once again, they were there

“You did nothing”

“Useless player”

“Only there because of Chris”

“Just leave. We don’t need you”

“Next time, I will break your phone in half and throw it in a pond” I look up to see the constantly kind Mason.

He was the only one who knew about this ugly situation. Mostly because he once caught be crying at their changing room. It was one of my most vulnerable moments. And I was glad to have him there.

“Don’t tell Chris. Please. I am fine. I’ve been used to them”

“But you shouldn’t be. Let him help you. He can shut their mouths. I know you are strong but you shouldn’t have to put up with their bullshit”

Mason sat next to me, not removing his eyes from mine. We had grown very close and was my best friend. He knew that I wasn’t in a position to pressure Chris into doing something that may hurt him publicly.

“Maybe I will just disappear from social media. The fans will still see me at the club’s posts and I won’t bother seeing the comments. Problem solved” I shrugged and put my phone in my pocket.

“You shouldn’t have to limit yourself to please others. You will say, do and post whatever you want. They aren’t in your place to understand the worries and pains of this sport”

He is right. I do agree. But I can’t fight back this time. I fear that no matter what I say, it will come back at me like a boomerang. Fuck!

Before Mason gets on to continue, Christian comes up to us with Ben following him. He looks exhausted but also with a questionable look plastered on his face.

“Why hello, Y/N. What brings you around?” Ben greets me with a hug.

“Here to support the superstar. Plus, I’ll be leaving soon for the international games, so as much time as I spent with him, the better” I smile at my boyfriend who has his arms around my waist, softly kissing my collarbone.

“All the best! Hope the team does well. We have faith in ya!”

“Shall we get going babe?” Chris asked me, looking at the time on his phone.

I simply nodded my head smiling and collectively said goodbye to his two teammates, first to Ben and then Mason.

Once I finally was for the last time in Mason’s embrace he whispered in my ear ‘he loves you more than anything and would fight the world just to see you happy’

I held Christians hand in mine and walked back to his car. The ride despise it being silent, it was comforting as my eyes didn’t remove from his beautiful physique. I loved admiring him.

In Chris, I had found true love and compassion. Feelings I thought didn’t exist, until we met.

When we reached our house, Christian dropped his bag on the floor and immediately spoke up.

“Please talk to me” he sounded like pleading.

“What do you mean?” I knew what he meant. Very well!

“Baby let me help you. Mason has told me about the incident back in the changing rooms.”

“I’m a burden to you Chris. Nothing more. And I hate doing this to me” tears start escaping my eyes.

Christian instantly wrapped me in his arms tightly. “Your name in my mind, has as its synonym the word ‘love’. You could never be a burden. More like my source of happiness”

“People are judging you for being with me and telling you deserve better. Which you do. You’re deserving of the world.”

“But you are my world. I don’t want anything fucking else but you, my dear. Let them judge. They don’t know what a wonderful woman you are!”

“What if we-“

“Don’t you dare fucking finish this sentence. I will never leave you. And neither will you me. I will fight for you. I don’t give a single penny if they start hating on me or talking shit about me. As long as you’re with me, I can handle everything else”

Chris cupped my cheeks, not wanting to remove his hands from any part on my body. I knew that without him, I wouldn't feel safe or loved. It's a feeling that only one person can create. And I am more than thankful to have had this with him.

"I don't want to hurt you, I love you more than anything that I have. I do not wish for people to hate you just because of me. This is unfair."

My eyes are bloodshot red and a soft kiss lands on my lips, as Chris has the urge to prove something to me with that move.

"A kiss, a touch and a hug of yours, are the reasons I breathe. Without you, I would be hurt. Without you life would be meaningless. Football is my career but you are my present and certainly future. I love you, Y/N and I will fight the goddamn world for you. No one else, you hear me?"

"Can you hold me like this forever? From the moment we met, I have never wanted to stay in a place so badly" I cooed softly, hiding my head on his chest.

"Baby, we can stay like this forever. Since that's what we both want, then it stands. And I had no intention of letting you go any time soon. I have planned a lot of things for us"

At moments like these, you know that if the person in front of you, would guard you with his life no matter the case, they are your one true love.

#christian pulisic #christian pulisic x reader #christian pulisic x you #christian pulisic fluff #christian pulisic fanfic

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avalentina · 3 months ago

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From Italy with Love!

A BookstoreOwner!Y/N x Christian Pulisic blurb

(image not mine) credit: usmntonly on X!

Warnings: none, it's just a fluffy happy blurb to celebrate his first fully Italian interview.

A/N: I totally lost my shit the first time I watched the video😍. And I think I've watched it over a hundred times since. I need to get an audio recording of it and put it on repeat🤣

ENJOY!

⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽

You couldn't be more proud at this moment. You've known Chris for nearly 16 months, and have been dating for 14 of those, in that time you'd taught him Italian and now as he looked up and winked at you quickly before the interviewer started talking to him in rapid fire Italian you were glad you had your phone out to record it. When he started answering the first question in Italian you let out a happy excited proud scream internally, or so you thought, but the way his smile widened afterwards as he continued his thought made you realize it actually came out. “Shit, sorry, mi dispiace tanto(I'm so sorry).” You apologized profusely to the lingering spectators around you.

After the interview was over you met up with Christian in the tunnel. He gave you a quick hug knowing you really didn't care if he was sweaty, or soaked, or sweat-soaked. And after a brilliant assist to add to his brilliant start to the campaign he can have whatever he wants from you.

“Well, I guess you won't be needing me around anymore.” You say with a slightly teasing laugh, after spending all your time together in his off season including traveling to the Copa America games, and hanging out with his family and friends in Miami. Not to mention the private trip to Turks and Caicos.

“Oh, I beg to differ, clearly you're my lucky charm. See you at home right after Fonseca is done with us at Milanello.” He said, giving you a quick kiss on the cheek before heading towards the locker room.

You made a quick stop for groceries on your way to the home you two share, a beautiful place in Como with amazing views of the lake. It obviously means you actually have to drive to the store, but it's well worth it. When you get in, you start prepping a few of Christian’s favorite post game snacks to pop into the oven when he gets home. You get your night care routine done and slip into one of the super oversized hoodies you like to sleep in with a pair of silk pajama shorts and the plush slipper socks you usually wear around the house.

When Chris gets in you're settled in the lounge watching reruns of one of the NCIS shows. Chris sets his bag in his mud area as you call it, you have one too, just for coats, shoes, and whatever else; you keep your keys in yours just so you don't lose them. He pops a snack in the oven before following the noise of the TV straight to you where he settles in next to you.

“You were brilliant again today baby, as always, especially as of late.” You say as the two of you cuddle up on the sofa.

“Mhmm.” He mumbles while you scratch lightly over his back just how he likes it.

After he eats the two of you are out on the balcony overlooking the water when he gets contemplative.

“I know you weren't being serious earlier when you said I wouldn't be needing you around anymore, but I just want to make sure you know exactly how far from the truth you could be. I didn't know what was missing from my life until I found you at your bookstore. And I've been thinking lately, waiting for the new season to calm down a bit and really get going, but I want it to be you and me forever baby, officially.” Chris said and turned you to face him fully before getting down on one knee.

“Y/N, you came into my life when I had just switched to a new club in a new country, not at all expecting it to be where I'd find a true home. I went into your bookstore needing a new copy of philosopher’s stone because mine got lost when I moved. Meeting you was fate, destiny, or maybe just a whole lot of luck, but I knew right then I needed to find some way to spend more time with you. Which led to you teaching me the beautiful language. For every minute I got to spend with you I wanted to spend a lifetime’s worth more. So will you please marry me?” He gives his little speech that has you tearing up. When he pulls out the ring box and pops it open it's quite literally the exact one you had jokingly shown him a picture of.

“Oh mio Dio, Christian, sì! Da quanto tempo hai questo anello? Sei serio? Oh mio Dio, ti amo e non vedo l'ora di essere tua moglie. Anch'io non vedo l'ora di poterti chiamare mio marito. No, sul serio, tipo: oh mio Dio, dannato Cristo, non posso credere che stia accadendo proprio adesso. Sì, sì, sì, certo che ti sposerò.” (Oh my God Christian, yes! How long have you had this ring? Are you serious? Oh my God I love you and I can't wait to be your wife. I can't wait to be able to call you my husband either. No, seriously, like oh my Jesus fucking Christ I can't believe this happening right now. Yes, yes, yes, of course I will marry you.) You say and he laughs at your little happy freak out moment before slipping the ring onto your finger. “Think I can start going by Mrs. Captain America now?” You ask him with a playful laugh before kissing him deeply.

⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽

Feedback appreciated!

-Ava

#christian pulisic #usmnt #ac milan #serie a #football #soccer #captain⚽america #italian #⚽️#first time #oh my god #i died #i just had to #bookstore owner!y/n #it practically wrote itself 🤣#cp⚽

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pulisicsgirl · 6 months ago

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poor christian... the ref was so shit i was ready to punch him through the tv! but also usa kinda brought it upon themselves with the way the panama match played out :( either way we get holiday christian coming up and triple-g getting fired so kind of a blessing in disguise? (i'm trying to cope after seeing christian's sad face)

the way in which i’m SO bad about answering my inbox, im SO sorry nonnie!!!!!!!!!!

it may actually be a blessing in disguise that i didn’t see this until now because I was sooooo angry about the ref and honestly the Copa America as a whole when the US was first knocked out, so maybe it was a good thing I had time to cool off before I answered 😅 but yeah so many of the decisions made in that game were absolutely diabolical and that ref should never be allowed on a football pitch again but at least we got to see angry christian

but you were sooo right nonnie, like all of the holiday content?????? 😵‍💫🫠 i’ve been DYING over here and we can absolutely discuss that more if you want to he just looks so good and tan and relaxed when he’s in the States 🥰

and honestly if crashing out of the Copa America like that is what it took to get the federation to fire Gregg, then I almost have to say it was worth it 😬 let’s just hope they don’t replace him with someone worse gareth southgate

#christian pulisic #usmnt #copa america

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austin-in-taiwan · 6 months ago

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July 15 - Taipei - Chiang Kai-Shek memorial, Shilin night market

Today was another very eventful day with tons of Taiwanese history and food! However, we did have a free morning today. How did I spend it? Since the time difference is +12 hours compared to home in Florida, I woke up at 8 AM to watch the Argentina v Colombia Copa America final. If you know anything about this final, you would also see that it not only went into overtime (+30 more minutes of gameplay) but also was delayed an hour and a half because of fans without tickets storming the stadium to try to get in. So, unfortunately, I spent my entire morning trying to watch this game. However, I filled the rest of my day with great food, and the itinerary was exciting, so that made up for it.

Jacob, Jack, Andy, and I went to a nearby beef noodle shop that was recommended by an Uber driver the night before. It was really good (picture below)! After that, we had an hour-long classroom session, during which I did some reading about the Chiang Kai-Shek personality cult!

Then, we traveled to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. It was one of the most amazing memorials I've been to. We were even able to catch the changing of the guards, which is very similar to one in Virginia at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Chiang Kai-Shek's statue was comparable to the Lincoln Memorial in terms of size and his position (sitting down). Downstairs, there was also a very cool exhibit about his life, and it included both a section praising him and one talking about his negatives!

After that, we traveled to the Grand Hotel! The view was absolutely stunning. A wall was filled with pictures of famous people who had visited and events that had occurred there. President Eisenhower, Reagan, Nixon, and Clinton had all visited the hotel before.

Finally, we ended our day at the Shilin night market. I tried numerous foods, including bao buns, peanut roll ice cream, a Korean cheese hotdog, pork skewers, and green tea. All in all, it was a great dinner, and I really enjoyed the Shilin market!

Academic Reflection

Throughout the guided tours and the reading I completed, I learned much about Taiwan's history, especially Chiang Kai-shek. I knew very little about Chiang Kai-Shek before today. All I knew was that he was a leader of Taiwan! So, after doing some independent research, I learned about his involvement in the Republic of China, WWII with China, the Chinese Civil War, his relocation to Taiwan, and his legacy as a leader here. Furthermore, from the article in my textbook for this program, I learned some fascinating information about how Chiang Kai-Shek developed a personality cult. Despite the absence of specific agencies or direct orders from him instigating this, several independent organizations played a role in its emergence. Competitions among artists were held to create statues and paint portraits of him, roads were named in his honor, and his photos were displayed in schools and military institutions, which also took part in celebrations dedicated to him. These collective efforts and many more fostered this "personality cult" for Chiang Kai-Shek among the Taiwanese.

Throughout the tour, I also learned a lot about the history of Chiang Kai-Shek and Taiwan from our tour guide, Peter, and the museum. First, I learned how Taiwan has transformed into a democracy after Chiang Kai-Shek and his son's rule (they both ruled until they died). It was super interesting to see how Taiwan is rated a much better democracy than the US (the US didn't even break the top 20 democracies in the world). Furthermore, I learned how the view on Chiang Kai-Shek is very split. Many people still praise him (probably party as a result of the personality cult), but also there are now many people who condemn him for his authoritarian style of rule, cultural suppression, and especially the 228 incident ( a violent crackdown on anti-government protests in 1947) which lead to thousands of Taiwanese civilians deaths.

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lalalaugenbrot · 6 months ago

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so. wanted to go to bed at like 1 am. saw on insta that the copa america final was going to be tonight (yesterdays night tonight), not todays tonight as i thought. checked the time and it was already to begin 2 am (CET) so i thought my god what is another hour, it's the final! what if colombia wins?! so i managed to find a vpn and tuned into caracol (colombian tv channel) to check if it was working. it was! and they were already pre game reporting - nice! i listened to them a little... halftime is going to be 25 mins so shakira can perform??? first of all what gringo fuckery is this why are they forcefully trying to convert actual football into their football?? and secondly - is that allowed?!?? how did argentina not protest against this lmao 😭😭. SHAKIRA is performing at the COLOMBIA - argentina final??? what?? they should've at least allowed argentina to bring some national hero to perform as well but ok. ok. also: there seems to be a problem at the entrance?! people aren't being let in? the game is being delayed half an hour?? i was so tired at that point i just calculated at which time the first half would be almost over so i could tune in again then, set a timer, turned off my tablet and went to sleep. HARD CUT timer goes off, i'm confused for a second. ah right, football! i turn the tablet on again. restart the live stream. they're still not playing?!?? what. okay so the game has been delayed over an hour? at least they're about to sing the hymns now. i listen to that, watch the first 20 mins of the game but by god i couldn't do it, i was SO tired. so i calculated again. rest of this half. 25 mins "halftime show" (...), 30 more mins. okay. back to sleep. argentina leads by 1 goal, then colombia scores one, the stadium explodes, the match ends 1-1, they go into penalties, it goes well at first for both teams, but then colombia loses by one missed penalty. argentinian fans storm the field, colombians are devestated, i'm in some kind of common room?? of the building where i live, watching the match there with other colombian families, they're all sad too... HARD CUT the timer goes off, i'm confused for a second. oh, so the game is still on?! that was a dream? colombia can still win? i turn the stream back on. it's 0-0 actually, not many more minutes to play. game over. okay then, penalties, let's do this. wait what, NOW we're having extra time?! omg please no i am so tired, it's already getting light outside again. but okay. extra time, no goals, looks like penalties again (what if my dream was semi prophetic?!), but then, of course, argentina scores shortly before the game is over, i see colombia lose FOR THE SECOND TIME tonight, turn the tablet back off. my alarm is set to 7:52 because i have to urgently reschedule a dentist appointment ✌🏻

#HOW DID THE GAME LAST THE ENTIRW NIGHT?????#colombia you still did so well!!!! 🥰

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realmadridfamily · 6 months ago

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Honestly Madrid players haven't done well in these continental tournaments :(

France was underwhelming, same for Brazil. Germany gave a good game but they're out. At least Arda gave good games and even scored a fantastic goal. Modric is definitely no longer fit for 90 minutes. I feel bad for Valverde after the mess in Copa America.

Only Dani (and Nacho and Joselu sort of) can say they've done okay. Oh and Jude is also there carrying England.

You don't even know how much I miss Real Madrid. Let them go home now!

This is a very good tournament for Dani and it's not shocking that his teammates from the Spanish national team are talking about the Ballon d'Or for him or about being among the candidates … it's a pity that people don't realize what he does for this team and how much fear there was before the match against France because of his absence. Nacho is Nacho. He showed that he is not here by accident. And well… I will keep my fingers crossed for Spain on Sunday, especially for them. Because this is their last chance and they deserve it not only because of their current condition, but also because of their entire career. Anyway, Spain is the best team at Euro in my eyes and they played the best matches. I feel sorry for Fede because individually this tournament was good for him. How this guy develops from year to year and what an example he becomes for others is very impressive. Our future captain! Brazil … Rodrygo hasn't been himself for a few months, so it's not a surprise for me. I'm worried that maybe it's a mental problem. Vinicius tried to do something (which sometimes seemed selfish), but it's difficult when you have three rivals around you and no help from your teammates. He won a penalty or two for Brazil, but the referee, well… maybe I'd better keep quiet, but I want to point out that it could have looked different at the end. I will leave Endrick alone because he is still a young boy with no experience. He still has time. I talked about Militao a few days ago… the fact that he took part in the Copa America at all is admirable. He played quite well, but was unlucky in the penalty shootout. Well, life. England, like France, played below any expectations. Looking at their names, we expected much more. Of course, I didn't expect fireworks from Jude due to his health problems, but he helped his team a lot on the way to the final. Thanks to this, he is still in the fight for the Ballon d'Or or maybe he has taken the lead. Anyway, the match against the Netherlands was England's best match at the Euro. They deserved to play in the final. France… tell me what you want, but Mbappe's performance in this tournament is not just bad luck with his nose, but a summary of the entire difficult season. Physically he was not properly prepared and mentally he was tired. It was visible. Cama played well when he could be on the pitch and Tchou had good and bad moments, although I was worried about him because of the injury from which he had just recovered. Mendy didn't have a chance to perform properly. But France also had their chances to play in the final and then the narrative could have been different. Arda … what can I say? Our diamond. Croatia also had its problems, although Luka made the difference. But… he doesn't have as much strength as before. Toni had a difficult last match, let's face it. He got carried away by emotions, which is new for him, but he himself changed this team with his return. That's the truth.

Well, not everyone can win and someone had to be eliminated. This is football. You either win or you fail. Sometimes it's difficult to transfer your potential from the club team to the national team because you have to adapt to a different style of play, to a different profile of players around you. In the club you play from memory, automatically. And I'm not just talking about our players, because many others also "failed" because the expectations from them were high. Even Cristiano and Messi have been criticized for this over the years.

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