The players from Liverpool Legends celebrating their victory after defeating Manchester United Legends 4-2 to win the 'Battle of the Reds' title at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on April 27, 2024. - SHAARI CHE MAT/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: When it comes to football, fans in South East-Asia just cannot get enough of it. And just when you think the EPL and other top leagues are coming to an end, get ready for the biggie of the season - the Euro 2024.
A total of 24 teams will vie for the title this season in the tournament which will be played in Germany from June 14 June to 14. Its the football showpiece of Europe and expect all the thrills and spills you can expect from a top class tournament.
The usual suspects of France, Belgium, Spain, England, Croatia and the Netherlands are once again the frontrunners for the title but former superstars of the game believe the tournament will be filled with drama and some unsuspecting results along the way.
The assessment came from the players who were in action at the Battle of the Reds exhibition match between Manchester United legends and Liverpool legends at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Saturday (April 27) night.
Steve McManaman, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid star - who made big impressions at the 1996 Euros played in England, said this year's tournament will be a very interesting one with England having a great chance to win the tournament.
For the record, in Euro 2020, England lost to Italy on penalties after 1-1 during normal regulation time.
"You know, it would be great for England to win the tournament in Germany. Winning it in Germany itself should give the players a big motivation. Germany won it in 1996, we should return the favour," said McManaman.
"But on the squad, England have a great squad this year, one of the best. (Harry) Kane is having a great run with Bayern. And Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, they are just fantastic this year and I hope they keep it going in the Euros.
"France with so many brilliant players in their side will be the No.1 pick for most pundits, but you never know, Germany at home, England with the young power, of course Spain with their skills, you never know ... anything can happen."
Manchester United's team leader Teddy Sheringham, one of the leading strikers in England for many years, said he would love to see England land a biggie after its 1966 world Cup win.
"But far from easy. England forever, but when you have teams like France, Netherlands and Spain in the mix - you can never tell, can you. One thing for sure, this tournament is going to be very special and expect plenty of twists and turns - that's heaven for the fans really," said Sheringham.
Liverpool legends captain Luis Garcia is confident his country will once again be European champions.
"Our team now is filled with talented young players. They have been doing so well and I hope they keep it going in Germany. I always root for my countrymen and I hope they get it right in Germany.
"But you know, I think England and France have excellent teams and can win the tournament. And host Germany they are always dangerous in any tournament they play in. But it will be very exciting and interesting time in Germany come June 17," said Garcia.
Dwight Yorke, one of Red Devils' best ever hitman, agreed that it will be a fantastic tournament and has decided to put his money on Belgium.
"This Belgium side has always been up there over the last several years. I think fans should watch out for them too. They are no pushovers and they have my vote," said Yorke.
Former England No.1 David James, who is a big favourite with the fans in Malaysia, said England will go all the way.
"As long they give the best and play to expectations, I know England can go all the way. But France are no pushovers. They have been amazing since the 2018 World Cup and I give the top seeding. But England will be close," said James.
Mikael Silvestre, a former France and Man United star, said France will go all the way to the title.
"We have won it in 1984 and 2000. It's time for our third title. But I do believe, England, Spain, Belgium and even Netherlands will have a good go at the title too," said Silvestre, who has a World Cup silver medal with his country at the 2006 edition.
Liverpool's John Arne Riise said he is hoping for a tournament filled with exciting moments and plenty of unforgettable goals.
"Well you know it is just too bad Norway is not playing in this edition. But I hope I get to see many exciting matches and magic goals. I expect France, England, Spain and Germany to do the early talking," he said.
Another ex-Liverpool star Patrik Berger will be rooting for his home nation Czech Republic in the tournament. The striker played for his country in 1996 Euro final against Germany. He famously scored in the final from the penalty spot to give the Czech Republic a 1–0 lead against Germany. However, the Czech Republic ultimately lost on the golden goal rule in extra time.
The legends have spoken, as the for the soccer fans in this region, get set for a thrilling ride at the Euro 2024.
As for the Battle of the Reds match at Bukit Jalil, executive project director of event, Azman Fami, said the match was an unforgettable experience for all football fans in the country.
"It was just one great and fun event which every one enjoyed. I thank all for their support in this match," said Azman.
Former French international Djibril Cisse stole the limelight with a hattrick that propelled the Liverpool Reds to a 4-2 victory over Manchester Reds in the Battle of the Reds exhibition match at National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here tonight.
Playing in front of over 25,000 local fans of both clubs, Cisse showed that he still had the footballing skills that made him a mainstay in the French team during his prime, scoring the opening goal for the Liverpool Reds in the 16th minute.
The Manchester Reds were quick to equalise with former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov heading in a cross from Danny Webber just a minute later, and the MU Reds went a step further, with Webber finding the back of the net in the 39th minute, to put the match 2-1 in their favour.
Cisse, an alumni of the triumphant 2004/2005 UEFA Champions League Liverpool team seemed undeterred and went on to convert two penalties, in the 44th and 51st minute, to complete his hattrick put his team in an enviable 3-1 lead.
Manchester Reds, coached by Yorke, had a golden opportunity to score, but Yorke himself bungled the penalty, which hit the post, in the 75th minute and Liverpool Reds left nothing else to chance with a swift counterattack that climaxed with Florent Sinama beating keeper Paul Rachubka in the 76th minute to secure a emphatic 4-2 victory.
All throughout the match, local Manchester United and Liverpool fans expressed their delight in being able to watch the players, many of them football legends in their own rights, display some of the footballing skills and magic that so enthralled the entire footballing world during their prime.
The Manchester Reds line up included such luminaries such as Wes Brown, who wore the captain’s armband for the match, David May, Clayton Blackmore, Eric Djemba Djemba, Mikael Silvestre, Quinton Fortune and Lee Martin.
Luis Garcia was the Liverpool Reds team captain, and led some of Anfield’s finest tonight, including Emile Heskey, Glen Johnson, John Arne Riise, Steve McManaman, Jermaine Pennant, Phil Babb, Patrik Berger and Vladimir Smicer.
The Battle of the Reds is supported by the Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the Youth and Sports Ministry, Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia and the Football Association of Malaysia.
A Note: (Kudos to the organisers of the tournament, well done to the event officials for a successful outing and special thanks to the PR team for the good help to all throughout the stint ... Cheers everyone.)
