Memorable Football Moments of 2009: Pavel Nedvěd’s Retirement, Barnsley’s Survival, Artur Boruc’s Blooper, Lyon 5-5 OM, Copa del Rey

By: Daryl | December 29th, 2009

85546030

2009 is nearly done, so we’re looking back over our shoulders to bid the year a fond farewell before we say hallo to 2010. Recently I asked the many and talented bloggers of The Offside and World Cup Blog to share their favourite footballing moment from the last twelve months, and we’re sharing those memories five at a time on The Offside front page.

Read on for reflections on Pavel Nedvěd’s retirement, Barnsley’s dramatic last day survival, a low low point for the Polish national team, the ten goal match of the century in Ligue 1, and Athletic Bilbao’s run in the Copa del Rey.

Alessio, Juventus Offside
2009 was a tumultous season for Juventus, we returned to the Champion’s League and defeated Real Madrid twice, before losing in the knockout stages to Chelsea. The championship and the CL had many memorable moments, but the one that I will never forget was Pavel Nedvěd’s retirement. For a non-Italian who joined the team fairly late in his career, he is one of the most loved recent players of the Bianconeri, he was the second (after Del Piero) to publicly announce his loyalty during Calciopoli, he said he would follow the team whether it was in Serie A or Serie C.

His farewell was about a week after Maldini’s controversial retirement game. We played at home against the team that brought him to Italy, Lazio, and just like his great season, he had a great game, coming close to scoring twice and providing a splendid assist for Iaquinta’s goal. After a standing ovation substitution, Nedved came out on the pitch with his family, and then took a well deserved lap of honor around the Olimpico.

Oli, Barnsley Offside

It’s the last game of the season, and 1,700 Barnsley fans make the 500 mile round trip to Plymouth, in a bid to get a better result than Norwich, and acheive survival. The party atmosphere is soon dampened by an early Plymouth goal, but our team needs no effort to get their crowd going, as news filters through that Charlton are mauling Norwich. We knew we would be safe long before Adam Hammill equalises and Jamil Campbell-Ryce gives us the lead. Today, we are steaming up the league under a new manager, but that day made this all possible.

Tomasz Kropa, Poland World Cup Blog
The most memorable moment for me is Michal Zewlakow’s own goal and Artur Boruc’s blooper in the away game against Northern Ireland.

I think it best sums up the awful year that the Polish national team has had. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so embarrassed as when Boruc missed that kick. 2010 must be better.

Thomas, PSG and Ligue 1 Offside
My best football related memory of 2009 was without a doubt the “match of the century” between Lyon and Marseille on November 8th. I was running a liveblog on the Ligue 1 page, and all the regular readers and bloggers from the Lyon and OM blogs were there, along with plenty of others. It was a combination of the ten highlight reel goals, their placement during the match, and the amazing atmosphere in the liveblog that made this match one of the most memorable experiences of the year, even as a neutral.

Paul, Athletic Bilbao
The 2009 Copa del Rey final. Even though Athletic lost, it proved that they’re still competitive. Plus, it allowed Athletic to qualify for the Europa League. Photo below:

barcelona