Sportskeeda End of the Year awards: Top 10 Matches from 2011

It’s often said that football is more than just a sport. But frankly, it’s the breathtaking moments beneath the game that leave an unreplicable legacy for the fans to cherish. It’s the last-gasp equalizers, 40-meter volleys and edgy ‘Spiderman’ saves that keep us going as far as following football fanatically is concerned. And as we edge closer to 2011, Sportskeeda presents the third edition of our ‘End of the Year’ awards and this time, it’s the Top 10 Matches of 2011.

P/S: We selected a wide variety of matches to provide a more global look to the sport that has been bridging cultures and connections for ages.

1. Japan 3-2 Qatar (Asian Cup Quarterfinal)

It was a match in which Shinji Kagawa showed his impeccable supremacy. Two goals from the Borussia Dortmund man helped Japan to dispatch Qatar for a spot in the semis but listen here, the victory did not come easy. Being a goal and a man down with a half-hour to go was never an ideal situation for the Japanese. But their resilience proved immaculate as they pegged back one in the 70th minute through Kagawa before he helped set up Masahiko Inoha, who scored a last-gasp winner to give Japan a grandstand finish. This match had almost every element needed to be hailed as a thrilling match and the result set Japan on the right path as they went on to lift the Asian Cup in style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zCCR26X_A_4

2. Newcastle United 4-4 Arsenal (Barclays Premier league)

It was controversial, yet a stunning comeback from Newcastle United, who were 4-0 down at half time. Alan Pardew’s men were absolutely shambolic in the first half, but they came back firing on all cylinders after the break. Diaby was sensationally sent off, much to the dismay of Arsenal faithfuls who felt it was a rash decision. Barton scored two penalties, which sandwiched Leon Best’s strike. But it was Cheikh Tiote’s fantastic winner that had the Magpies gasping for breath in celebrating such a tremendous comeback. For the neutrals, it was one of the best matches of the year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Yeiq0r9D3po

3. Flamengo 5-4 Santos (Brazilian Championship)

It was more of a offensive battle between Neymar and Ronaldinho but at the end of the match, the latter has the last laugh by scoring a hat-rick to inspire Flamengo to an magnificent 5-4 win over rivals Santos. Neymar was already a big name at that time and heading into the match, there was talk of him making Ronaldinho look less prominent. And it did start that way as he inspired Santos to a 3-0 lead in the first half with a wonder goal. However, Flamengo came back to smash in three goals. Neymar again gave Santos the lead back in the second half before Ronaldinho proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with by completing a hat-rick as Flamengo won 5-4. One of the best games by more than a mile!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=u0tMxpIDliU

4. Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (Spanish Super Copa)

It was branded as one of the most enthralling Clasicos of the year. Yes, we did have a lot of these Clasico matches but this one was probably the pick of the lot for neutrals. From pace to precision, all these elements were present. Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi had overcome Cristiano Ronaldo‘s goal to have the Catalans leading at the interval. Karim Benzema equalised in the closing stages, but Messi added a second, his side’s third, to secure yet another trophy for the Pep Guardiola era. Marcelo’s late sending off did leave a bitter taste for Madrid though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=XZKWBUnbJag

5. Manchester City 6-1 Manchester United (Barclays Premier League)

“I’m shattered, I can’t believe it,” a shocked Ferguson said after seeing his side’s 37-match unbeaten run at home come to a crashing halt with this 6-1 defeat against its neighbours. But it was total domination for City. To win at Old Trafford was a big achievement in itself, but to score six and make United look like minnows was more than just a bonus for Roberto Mancini’s men. They were confident about a possible title charge this season, and this was probably the victory that announced the arrival of a new dawn for long-suffering City fans. Ninety minutes of tantalizing football from Manchester City, discounting the Jonny Evans red card.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcWe2fUoqfo&feature=player_detailpage

6. Malaysia U-23 1-1 Indonesia U-23 (SEA Games; Malaysia won 4-3 on penalties)

100,000 fans packed into the Gelora Bung Karno stadium. The political feud between the two countries was transfered to the football game to the extent that the Malaysian players had to be transported to the stadium in military tanks – in fear of attacks from Garuda fanatics. But the Malayan Tigers showed great maturity and resilience throughout the match, especially after going down early in the match, and they responded with a well-taken header by Asraruddin Putra as the score remained 1-1 until the end of extra time. The battle was being ferociously fought by both teams throughout and unfortunately, had to be decided on penalties. Malaysia kept their cool and triumphed in style as the Indonesians were left to rue all their missed chances.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=mQVMPl2tQ-A

7. Mexico 4-2 USA (Gold Cup final)

For those aware of the incredible rivalry between these two nations, I’m pretty sure you would have not missed it. And for those who missed it, spare some time to watch the highlights. It was a brilliant showcase of football. The Mexicans were led by the industrious Giovanni Dos Santos and Javier Hernandez, while the USA were banking on Landon Donovan to inspire them on the pitch. Indeed he did inspire them as USA took a quickfire two goal lead courtesy of Michael Bradley and Donovan. However, the Mexicans bounced back in style, scoring through Pablo Barrera (two), Andres Guardado and Giovanni Dos Santos to give Mexico their second consecutive Gold Cup, and also extended their recent dominance over the Americans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=BxUqMd4i0e4

8. Bayern Munich 2-3 Inter Milan (UEFA Champions League)

Inter were in a precarious position prior to the game after their shocking 1-0 defeat in the first leg at San Siro. However, Leonardo’s men turned on the style as they overcame Bayern Munich 3-2 at the Allianz Arena and progressed to the quarterfinals on away goals. It took less than four minutes for Inter to get their away goal through E’to. Bayern drew level with a little help from Julio Cesar, who spilled Arjen Robben’s long-range blast before Mario Gomez netted from a clever overhead kick. The pace of the game shifted tremendously in the second half as Inter grew in stature. Sneijder fired in a gorgeous daisycutter on 63 minutes. Goran Pandev settled the tie on 88 minutes with a brilliant finish from the edge of the penalty area.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=POtdrsGE560

9. India 4-0 Afghanistan (SAFF Championship)

This game was worth crediting for the Indian supremacy that shone right after an Afghan player got sent off. It was 0-0 until the 68th minute when an Afghan player was sent for an early bath and from then on, it was total domination by Savio Medeira’s men. Sunil Chettri scored his seventh goal of the tournament through a penalty before further goals from Clifford Miranda, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Sushilkumar Singh settled the tie for the Indians. If the drama on the pitch was not enough, imagine the drama between the fans. Prior to the game, the ticket booth was broken because of their slow service and during the game, a fight erupted between the Indian and Afghan fans. While it wasn’t an exemplary act, the passion from both fans and players stood out on the night as Indian football celebrated a much-needed triumph.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=qsktabJdq1E

10. Schalke 5-0 Werder Bremen

It was total demolition for Werder Bremen as Raul Gonzales bagged a hat-rick to prove that he is still a top man. Schalke were rampant on the night as impressive performances from Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Raul led them to a 5-0 victory against Bremen. Raul scored three as Schalke beat Bremen 4-0 in November last year and he showed once again how much he likes playing against Thomas Schaaf’s men. The former Madrid man put the Royal Blues on their way to victory with two goals in the space of four minutes in the first half and he completed his second hat-trick in as many games against Bremen after an hour. Kyriakos Papadopoulos added a fourth in the 67th minute before Klaas Jan Huntelaar rounded off the scoring three minutes later. Definitely one of the most sensational performances of the year by Schalke 04.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8qf04vuZKDA

Honourable Mentions

Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Bayern MunichArsenal 5-3 ChelseaManchester United 8-2 ArsenalBlackburn 4-3 ArsenalBarcelona 4-0 SantosSchalke 5-2 Inter Milan

The matches were arranged in no specific order, so do let us know of your opinion below!