Domestic Cup Drama & World Cup Excitement
Since the end of the season back in May, we’ve had our fair share of finals and transfer drama and now, we’re even entering the Women’s World Cup. From the FA Cup final and the men’s and women’s Champions League final to the start of the transfer window and the beginning of the Women’s World Cup — the season might’ve ended but we haven’t been left short of any excitement! Here’s your latest round-up.
The Month of Finals
Last time, we touched upon the EFL finals and the drama that unfolded at Wembley. Since then, we’ve had the FA Cup final, the women’s Champions League final and the men’s Champions League final.
FA Cup Final
Early in June, Manchester City lifted the FA Cup after an entertaining Manchester Derby at Wembley. Ilkay Gundogan made history after scoring the quickest goal in the history of FA Cup finals, giving Manchester City the lead after just 13 seconds — and what a goal it was!
Bruno Fernandes pulled one back for the Red Devils after they were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute for a Jack Grealish handball. United was back on level terms and was trying their best to halt City’s chance at completing the treble which was last won by United back in 1998-99.
Shortly after half-time, Gundogan struck again from outside of the box taking his tally to two and ultimately putting City back ahead. After a tough battle for the rest of the game, there were plenty of chances where both teams could have scored - United hit the bar in the 92nd minute but City managed to hang on and win the FA Cup for the 7th time, completing the league and FA Cup double for a second time after the 2018-19 season. After celebrating the double, their focus was on winning the Champions League and completing the treble.
We have plenty of vintage English football shirts in stock to get you prepared for next season’s joys & drama!
Women’s Champions League Final
Before that though, we witnessed an entertaining Women’s Champions League final between Barcelona and Wolfsburg. Ewa Pajor scored a very early goal, putting Wolfsburg ahead after just 3 minutes, a lead nobody expected! The lead was then doubled just 35 minutes later after striker Alexandra Popp headed home. Barcelona went into half-time completely stunned, giving the Germans a perfect position to take home the trophy.
Shortly after the second half got underway, Barca midfielder Guijarro capitalised on a Wolfsburg defensive error in the 48th minute and instantly got the Spanish back into the game. It then only took 2 minutes for them to make the game level after Guijarro got her second of the game!
After a dominant display from Barcelona, they went ahead for the first time in the game after the ball pinballed around the Wolfsburg box until it was eventually sent into the back of the net by Roflo.
Barcelona walked away with the trophy after a fairly dominant display which saw them have almost 70% possession and 25 shots. They made it incredibly difficult for themselves and were able to turn the game on its head and build from last season's final defeat.
Men’s Champions League Final
All eyes were now on the men’s Champions League Final where Manchester City were hoping to lift the trophy for the first time in their history and be the first Premier League club to complete the treble since Manchester United.
After a fairly slow start to a Champions League final. City suffered a big hit after Kevin De-Bruyne was forced off 10 minutes before the break. The first half had few chances and was ultimately a strong defensive half from both sides.
The second half was slightly more exciting. After a defensive mistake in the 59th minute from Akanji, Inter almost took the lead. In the 68th minute, Akanji made up for his mistake and played an inch-perfect ball to Silva who cut it back to Rodri to break the deadlock.
It was chance after chance for both teams after the first goal but, after a couple of world-class saves from Ederson and a strong defensive line from City, the final whistle was blown. Manchester City not only won the Champions League for the first time, they had won the treble.
With next season's Champions League now to look forward to, we have a huge range of vintage European football shirts available to buy now!
Women’s World Cup 2023
Being held in Australia and New Zealand, the 2023 Women’s World Cup kicks off on the 20th of July with New Zealand taking on Norway and Australia playing the Republic of Ireland on home turf.
England will be hoping to build on their European triumph and better the Men’s team once again. Meanwhile, competition favourites, the USA, will be hoping to win their 5th world title. Germany, Spain, France and co-hosts Australia are all tipped to have a chance of winning the biggest trophy in Women’s football.
If you’re still yet to get your shirt in time for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, we have an excellent range of vintage Women’s football shirts available!