While the majority of fans are looking ahead anxiously to 2012 for the second half of the domestic seasons and the drama of the European Championships, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the highlights of 2011 – a year which saw an array of new stars and many spectacular performances.
Though it is the jaw-dropping triumphs that will live longest in the memory, it is also worth remembering that it was not a rosy year for everyone. While some players took great strides forward, others slipped off the radar; while some will recall 2011 as a career year, others will be glad to see the back of it. For every Lionel Messi fairy tale, there is a Fernando Torres nightmare.
Here, Inside Futbol picks a handful of 2011 moments that put smiles on the faces of fans around the world:
Barcelona are Top Dogs Again
Josep Guardiola’s men enhanced their claim to be the best team ever with another sparkling campaign. Barcelona bagged a Champions League-La Liga double while playing a style of football that put the Catalans head and shoulders above the chasing pack. Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta made up an all-Barcelona nomination list for the Ballon d’Or while the Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate generated endless column inches, with both notching staggering goal tallies.
The Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry reached fever pitch with a staggering four matches in all competitions in the latter part of the campaign, producing huge drama and some sublime goals. Heading into 2012, Barcelona still look irresistible – but Real will not go away quietly.
Manchester United Set Record with 19th League Title
Sir Alex Ferguson set out to chase Liverpool’s record title haul from the moment he took charge at Old Trafford in 1986 – and 25 years later, United moved ahead of their rivals with title number 19. While there were undeniable weaknesses to be found in his 2010/11 squad, Manchester United’s know-how proved the difference in holding off Chelsea in a rollercoaster campaign that included Wayne Rooney’s stunning bicycle kick against Manchester City as well as a run to the Champions league final. Pipping City to the crown this season would be another impressive feat.
Copa America Produces String of Shocks
Given the talent available to Brazil and Argentina and the fact that they had contested the Copa America finals of 2004 and 2007, these two teams stood out as favourites for the 2011 tournament. But the rest of the pack had other ideas in one of the most unpredictable Copa Americas ever.
Both Brazil and Argentina fell on penalties at the quarter-final stage – to Uruguay and Paraguay, respectively – to throw the race wide open. To make matters more embarrassing, the Brazilians missed all four penalties in their shootout. Peru and Venezuela joined Uruguay and Paraguay in the last four, with Luis Suarez and the Uruguayans triumphing in the final. It was a timely reminder of the strength of South American football.
Santos Claim Copa Libertadores Glory
The South American version of the Champions League always serves up memorable storylines – and 2011 was no different as a Neymar-inspired Santos held off Uruguayan giants Penarol to bring the trophy to Brazil. It remains to be seen where Neymar’s future lies but, should the striker opt for the challenge of European football in 2012, this was a fitting send-off.The final featured plenty of quality football and also dominated the headlines for the scuffles that broke out on the pitch post-match.
Napoli Continue Their Revival
The sight of Napoli back on the football map has been refreshing. The club that was sparked to life by Diego Maradona back in the mid to late 1980s endured major struggles as recently as 2004, when substantial debts forced the team down to Serie C1. But the passion of the supporters never faltered, sparking a fairy tale surge back to Serie A.
A top six spot in 2010 was followed by a third place finish in 2011 – and now Napoli are making waves in the Champions League too, ousting Manchester City from the group stage to set up a winnable tie with Chelsea in the first knockout round. A bright future lies ahead for the Azzurri.
Japan Win Asian Cup
Japan will not forget 2011 in a hurry after winning a record fourth Asian Cup, courtesy of a 1-0 extra-time victory over Australia in the final. The tournament, held in Qatar in January, featured countless thrills and spills, but it was the Japanese who held their nerve. A special mention must go to Uzbekistan for a surprise fourth place finish that could be a solid building block for the years ahead.
