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Football matches can be turned around by substitutes with their fresh energy and tactical input. Some of these have been magical in the context of key matches. Thus, here we attempt to examine some of the most outstanding displays by substitutes in the history of soccer which marked game-changing moments that left spectators stunned.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær – 1999 Champions League Final
The performance of Ole Gunnar Solskjær during the 1999 UEFA Champions League final is iconic. The Norwegian came off the bench to score a last-minute goal against Bayern Munich for Manchester United, sealing a remarkable comeback and securing a historic treble for his club. His nickname was “Super-sub” because he had an instant impact on games.
David Fairclough – Liverpool vs. St. Etienne, 1977
David Fairclough’s showing against St. Etienne in the 1977 European Cup quarter finals is one of those magical moments everyone must remember about Liverpool FC, ever since they started playing football on this planet earth.Trailing 2-1 on aggregate, Fairclough came on as a substitute and scored the decisive goal, securing a 3-2 aggregate win for Liverpool.As A result, it was his only goals that led Liverpool to their first European cup triumph.
Mario Götze – 2014 World Cup Final
One such moment was Mario Götze’s match-winning strike in Germany’s victorious campaign at the 2014 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina.Gotze entered in the eighty eighth minute and netted solitary strike during extra time that led Germany into winning their fourth world cup.A level headedness from him with so much happening at once still remains an inexplicably excellent skill.
Eder – Euro 2016 Final
Eder’s performance at Euro 2016 final changed everything for Portugal.He scored Portugal’s only goal in extra time against France as they clinched their first major international trophy following a 1-0 victory.His thunderous strike and decisive play will forever be remembered in the annals of Portuguese football.
Teddy Sheringham – 1999 Champions League Final
Teddy Sheringham played a crucial part in Manchester United’s comeback during the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final alongside Solskjaer.Sheringham equalized the game in the ninety-first minute enabling Solskjaer to later score and win the match.His timely goal and impact off the bench were vital in United’s triumph.
Roger Milla – 1990 World Cup
Roger Milla is well-known for his performances as a substitute at the 1990 World Cup.He came on at the age of thirty-eight to score four goals for Cameroon, leading them to a quarter-final.Their iconic corner flag journey after scoring goals, became one of the most memorable sights of that tournament.
Tim Krul – 2014 World Cup Quarter-Final
Tim Krul’s entry into Netherlands squad in their quarter final match against Costa Rica was a masterstroke from coach Louis van Gaal.He was introduced specifically for penalty shootouts against Costa Rica where he made two saves that secured Netherland qualification into semi-finals.His substitution was both tactical and it changed games.
Kanu – Arsenal vs. Chelsea, 1999
It is one of those substitutions which are difficult to forget; Nwankwo Kanu against Chelsea, 1999.This means that when Kanu came from behind it was already too late for Arsenal who were trailing with about twenty minutes remaining.The Nigerian scored three times within fifteen minutes resulting to Arsenal winning by three goals to two.It just pointed out how talented he was under pressure because he won this encounter.
Gareth Bale – 2018 Champions League Final
The performance of Gareth Bale in the final of the 2018 Champions League for Real Madrid against Liverpool was outstanding. He made two goals, including a fantastic bicycle kick, after being called off the bench on the hour mark. Therefore, he ensured that the match ended with Real Madrid winning by 3-1 hence clinching their 13th Champions League title.
Steven Naismith – Scotland vs. Lithuania, 2017
Steven Naismith had a wonderful game for Scotland against Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier. When brought on as a substitute, Naismith notched three times resulting in Scotland triumphing by three goals to nil which was very important at that stage of qualification for Russia 2018 World Cup. That is why his effect was instant and decisive as it showed his game-changing ability.
These are examples of what substitutes can do during matches because they can make or break them in a flash. They have left an indelible mark on football history by turning things around when it mattered most.
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