Two goals, two trophies - Sergio Ramos again the man for the big occasion for Real Madrid COMMENT: The Spain international was on hand to open the scoring for as his side cruised past San Lorenzo and proved again that his appetite for trophies has not diminshed Dec 20, 2014 22:24:00By Peter Staunton in Marrakech Sergio Ramos did not need to be here. He was plainly labouring under the strain of a hamstring injury suffered in the semi-final against Cruz Azul. He failed to appear for training two days in a row in Marrakech, instead staying at Real Madrids luxury hotel to recover. Even in the aftermath, here at the Stade de Marrakech, he had his shorts rolled up and an ice-pack placed on the affected area. He was never fully fit in the run-up to this match and yet not only did he play, he led. Two goals, two trophies. Ramos earned the won the Golden Ball - the award for best player - beating Cristiano Ronaldo into second place. Ramos was the man who opened the scoring in the Club World Cup final against San Lorenzo, powering a characteristic header past the helpless Sebastian Torrico. He indulged in an eye-catching celebration, too, mimicking as he did the trademark spin and jump of a regular goalscorer curiously absent from the scoresheet in both of Reals games - Ronaldo. Its true, I took a risk with my injury playing today, he admitted after. But I wanted to play this match. This Club World Cup was hard to win for Real Madrid and we are so happy now. Im so proud to help with those goals, but this is a success for the whole squad. There was never much question of Madrid conceding. Although San Lorenzo peppered Iker Casillas with some late shots, this was as comfortable a 2-0 win as you could imagine. Ramos was there when needed though; a block here, an interception there, a trademark audible whistle to keep his team-mates in line. He was substituted for Raphael Varane near the end and earned the adulation of the adoring Moroccan public. They rose in unison and chanted his name. That was the least he deserved. Look at Sergio Ramoss honours list. On it you will see the World Cup, two European Championships, La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. He has swept the board for club and country, all by the age of 28. And still the competitive spirit burns brightly. He made repeated reference in the press conference before the game that this was the one major trophy he had never won. Some might see the Club World Cup as a friendly get-together. Not so Ramos. He saw it as a chance for more gold. The dont come moreMadridismothan him.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 05:46:34 +0000
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