First Whistle – January 2012
Goalden Times wishes its readers a wonderful 2012. Hope football brings in golden times in our lives throughout the year.
We have witnessed some amazing football in the year gone by – especially with the return to glory for some of the greatest and oldest institutions of the game. It had ended though, with two shocking losses for Football ‘upon which it is difficult to speak, and impossible to be silent’.
Another significant event of 2011 has been the launch of Goalden Times. Our efforts on the website were recognized by top20footballblogs.com. Such acknowledgement made us feel good but in the longer run it’s your love for the game that will keep us going and help in widening the fraternity.
The beginning of 2012 saw the Argentine international, Lionel Messi winning his third successive Ballon d’Or, thus equalling Michel Platini – the only other player to have won the award three times in a row. The award was open to Europeans only, when Platini had won it from 1983 to 1985; thereby making Messi’s achievement even more astounding.
Baichung Bhutia, India’s most accomplished footballer bid farewell to football as a player, with an exhibition match where the Indian national team played against FC Bayern Munich. Although the Munich side made it look too easy in the 4-0 triumph, it was a grand and emotional end for Baichung. When he left the pitch on the 85th minute, 30,000 fans at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium gave him a standing ovation. Players from both the sides shook hands with him as he walked his way to the bench for the last time.
With the Africa Cup of Nations in a few days, the UEFA Champions League back in action in February and the domestic leagues moving into critical stages, football looks to get more exciting in the days to come. Some clubs are making some meaningful adjustments in their squad using the winter transfer window and we are sure to watch some more drama on the last few days of January. At Goalden Times, we introduce some exciting new features, while continuing with the ones you have liked. Keep helping us spread the love for the game.
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About Goalden Times Editorial Team
Goalden Times Crew | Reach out to as at editor@goaldentimes.org or tweet as @GoaldenTimes.
