On Monday, Robin van Persie will be in Switzerland hoping to collect the FIFA Puskas Award for the world’s greatest goal of 2014. His header over Spanish keeper Iker Casillas inspired the Dutch – who were losing 1-0 – to roar back and demolish the defending champions 5-1. But That goal it turns out might never have been scored Van Persie recalled: “My left groin went stiff one week before we had to play the world champions.” To avoid panic, the pair decided to keep things quiet. If news got out that the country’s skipper and all-time record goalscorer was injured, it would have had a devastating effect on morale. As Van Persie admitted: There was too much at stake.’’ In the final hours before the opener, the United striker was declared fit enough to play. “There was so much tension in the squad,” he continued. “Their nerves had taken over. On the day of our first match against Spain, the team was about to collapse because of mental pressure.’’ Van Gaal’s master stroke – hours before the Spain game – was to invite all the wives and kids to the team hotel. The ploy did the trick. It relaxed all the players. As Van Persie remembered: I did something which I had never done before. I kept looking at the ball while I was flying, until I landed with a massive bang with my face forward on the ground.’’ “That goal was not just a dream come true, it also changed the entire World Cup for us and the way the boss made his entrance at Man United.”
Posted on: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 08:43:10 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015