The Daily Discussion - The Best Individual Performance Ever?

By Simon Warner

 

The sad news of Ronaldo’s retirement this week has seen football fans and journalists alike lamenting the loss of one of the talents of his generation. It certainly made me reflect on his remarkable career and one of my favourite footballing memories: Manchester United vs. Real Madrid at Old Trafford in April 2003 and one of the most spectacular hat-tricks ever witnessed on the grand stage. It was certainly one of the best individual performances in my lifetime.

Ronaldo’s triple destroyed United’s faint hopes of a Champions League final appearance on home soil that year. The 6-5 aggregate score etched into history books may portray this as an epic battle between two footballing juggernauts, but in truth the tie was always out of United’s reach.

Raúl, the architect of the 3-1 first leg victory at the Bernabéu, missed out on the reverse leg through injury but Real Madrid were more than covered. Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Makelele (and McManaman) all lined up in black that night but it was Ronaldo who had everyone purring. Breathtaking interplay allowed the Brazilian to despatch the first two goals with ruthless precision before completing his hat-trick with a sublime 25 yard strike beyond Fabien Barthez, effectively putting the game beyond United.

Despite the Brazilian's dazzling display I want to mention one of the best individual performances I have ever witnessed first hand: the night Fernando Morientes single handedly destroyed a Chelsea team seemingly destined for their first Champions League final.

Monaco were 2-0 down and heading out on away goals when Morientes decided to light up Stamford Bridge in spectacular fashion. The Spaniard had already begun to sparkle in the opening 45 minutes, but it was in the second half that Messrs Melchiot, Terry, Gallas and Bridge were literally puppets on the Spaniard’s string. After Hugo Ibarra pulled one back for the principality, the dominance and incision of Morientes indicated that a goal was inevitable and the Real Madrid loanee duly delivered mid-way through the 2^nd half. Following a smart 1-2 with Bernadi he simply waltzed though the defence before coolly slotting home with supreme confidence. He was never going to miss.

Morientes wheels away with delight at the Bridge. He was never going to miss.

Maybe there was an element of surprise combined with the importance of the occasion that elevated this display above so many football showcases but the Spanish number 9 was simply unplayable that night. 

Other contenders? Well there is a handful that will invoke special memories. The Stock’s excellent coverage on Rivaldo’s overhead kick that was part of a superb hat-trick at Camp Nou deserves a mention. The fact that I remember the precise pub seat from which I watched this incredible feat suggests it was indeed special.

But my thoughts always return to that night in Manchester and that masterful display by Ronaldo. Maybe it is because his display on the field was matched with an equally memorable reaction when Vicente Del Bosque decided to replaced the Brazilian with 20 minutes remaining. The standing ovation from everyone within Old Trafford was a truly wonderful footballing moment and indicative of the momentous performance just witnessed.

It was the best individual performance I have ever seen from a player that will be sorely missed. Ronaldo, I salute you sir – thanks for the memory.