Football is still the most popular sport worldwide and has billions of fans around the world. When we look at the action on offer in top leagues like the Bundesliga, competitions like the Europa League and at international level, it quickly becomes clear why.
Football is also popular among many people because it is a great sport to bet on. This allows fans to add more excitement to the games they watch and find a new way to get closer to their favorite game. This is particularly true right now in the US, where the growth of football as a sport is accompanied by legislation allowing sports betting in many states. If you plan to bet on football, remember to first search online for the best online sports betting sites in the USA to sign up to.
The other big advantage of this sport for fans is that there are always new games to watch and new headlines to read. The 21st century has been a golden age so far and has some amazing games to offer. But which were the most exciting?
1. Liverpool x AC Milan – 2005 Champions League final
If you are looking for cutting-edge 21st century games, you cannot miss this game. In the 2005 Champions League final, Liverpool of the English Premier League faced AC Milan of Serie A.
At the start of the game, a Milan team with stars such as Cafu, Maldini, Kaká, Pirlo and Crespo was considered the big favorite. With a goal in the first minute, Milan dominated the first half and took a seemingly indisputable 3-0 lead. Many people thought the game was over when the teams were eliminated in the second half – but that wasn't true.
In an impressive six-minute spell, Liverpool scored twice and then a Xabi Alonso penalty leveled the scores. By this time the Merseyside side were in the lead but were unable to find a winner and the game ended in a penalty shootout. With Liverpool leading in the penalty shootout, Shevchenko had his penalty saved by Dudek. This gave victory to the English team and crowned a great recovery.
2. Barcelona x PSG – Round of 2016 of the 17/XNUMX UEFA Champions League
This game is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable comebacks in football and also one of the most exciting. PSG won the first leg with an impressive 4-0 scoreline. However, in the second leg, Barcelona managed to overcome a four-goal deficit and win the game 6-1. It was an exciting game featuring the impressive Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar, while the winning goal was scored by Sergi Roberto.
3. Manchester City x QPR – Premier League, May 13, 2012
This football game will forever remain in the memory of all football fans. There was a lot at stake for Man City and Queens Park Rangers ahead of the game. Man City needed a win to win their first Premier League title, while QPR wanted to win to avoid relegation.
QPR were 2-1 up before half-time and it looked like they had ended City's title hopes.
However, Edin Dzeko equalized for Man City when he headed home in the 92nd minute. And the big moment came when Sergio Aguero scored in the dying moments to give Man City their first Premier League title.
4. Barcelona x Real Madrid – La Liga season 2010/11
Barça stood out in the 2010/11 La Liga season and at the height of the Pep Guardiola era. At the time, Guardiola was busy leading the Catalan club to several trophies under his reign, while José Mourinho was in the spotlight at Los Blanco. Although Mourinho had a good start to life in Madrid, it all ended in this game. However, few would have expected a 5-0 result for Barcelona and 0-0 for Real Madrid!
Barça were simply unplayable and beat Real all the time. They combined precise passing with offensive power and tore the Madrid team apart. In midfield, Iniesta, Xavi and Busquets were impeccable for Barcelona and Messi was also in great form in attack. David Villa also played very well and scored two goals that night.
5. Zambia x Ivory Coast – AFCON Final 2012
The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations final was a true underdog story. This probably makes it one of the most exciting football games of the XNUMXst century. Zambia had enjoyed a tournament that surpassed all odds, but many did not believe they would beat Ivory Coast. After all, his opponents were global stars like Didier Drogba and Gervinho.
With great inner strength and team spirit, Zambia managed to emerge victorious after a thrilling penalty shootout. Drogba had already missed a penalty in a thrilling game in regulation time, handing his team the trophy.
An excellent defensive performance from Zambia kept Ivory Coast at bay in extra time and led to a series of penalties. Surprisingly, the first 14 penalties were all awarded, but Gervinho ended up losing to Ivory Coast. This allowed Stoppila Sunzu to score for Zambia and secure victory. While Nigeria versus South Africa was an important game at AFCON 2019, it simply doesn't compare to this one in terms of drama.
Exciting football games for the 21stst century
Football is very popular among fans because it is an exciting sport that offers lots of adrenaline-pumping action. This is especially true in the 21st century, where the talent and skill demonstrated in games is immense. However, some games are remembered longer than others because of the drama they offer. The games above are excellent examples of this and show why so many people play this sport.
