Today’s showcase: even Barak can score goals, Schick wonderful

In the Italian league, another Czech player scored three goals in the match, after Tomáš Skuhravý also Antonín Barák Jr. Patrik Schick did not receive the award for the best goal of 2021. Real Madrid legend striker Francisco Gento has died. Defending African gold medalist Algeria is on the verge of elimination.

Goalkeeper Antonín Barák

Antonín Barák Jr. had a rare scoring stunt in the Italian Serie A, netting three goals for the home side at Sassuolo in the Hellas Verona jersey. Only the bomber Tomáš Skuhravý has managed to do that so far, when he scored a hat-trick for Genoa against Napoli.

There is a lot of talk in Italy about the Czech international’s transfer to AC Milan. Coach Igor Tudor says he could play anywhere.

But not in the Czech league. He may have played in the top competition for his native Příbram and Slavia, but since his father, the well-known talent tutor Antonín Barák Sr. stood up against the dirty tricks (the revelations of the criminal conspiracy run by Roman Berber are far from over), his offspring is also in disfavor.

The advice is simple: shoot far away from the mafiosi who continue to operate in Czech football.

Beauty is more important than importance

Czech fans had (false) hopes that their countryman would enter the annals of history. Striker Patrik Schick’s goal at last year’s Euro against Scotland – a lob from the middle of the pitch – was among the nominees for the Ferenc Puskás Prize, awarded by FIFA. Unfortunately, he didn’t win.

Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur’s strike in the London derby against Arsenal was preferred. He crossed his legs and fired. Certainly a magnificent stunt, but the Czech national player had his at the highest level, at the European Championship. Beauty once again overshadowed importance.

Or do the English think more of their Premier League, having failed to win gold at the Euros despite all the behind-the-scenes pressure?

Paco Gento, friend of Josef Masopust, has died

Sad news from Madrid. The legendary White Ballet striker Francisco Gento, the only holder of six Champions League trophies (1956-1960 and 1966), has died at the age of 88.

When the first Czech Ballon d’Or winner Josef Masopust celebrated his 80th birthday in 2011, he was congratulated along with another Real Madrid legend, the famous Alfredo Di Stéfano. Now all three are in football heaven and are certainly doing what they did so well and delighted millions of fans:: kicking a ball.

Algeria on the verge of collapse

It is not easy for defending trophy holder Algeria at this year’s African Nations Cup in Cameroon. They are on the brink of elimination after a 0-1 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in their last group match.

Merit and previous achievements don’t count anywhere, in football everyone has to prove their mastery time and time again. Even in Africa.