6 emotional post-match moments in football

A sport that mirrors life is bound to generate emotions that are life-like. Football has a unique way of bringing out the best and worst in managers, players and fans. The sport generates emotions that are spontaneous, and the way players react in different situation help us form a human image of them that we can connect with. No doubt there are literally hundreds of heart-warming and touching moments in football, but here in this list we try to shed light on some of the most emotional post-match moments from the recent past.

#1 Didier Drogba\'s legendary rant

In the wake of Chelsea’s semi-final defeat to Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League, Didier Drogba lost his cool and lashed out at referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, following the latter’s handling of the game.

Although Barcelona had a player sent off during the game, Chelsea were denied a number of seemingly legitimate penalty decisions throughout the course of the night, something that Drogba and his peers could not comprehend.

Even though Drogba had been substituted, he ran on to the field to confront Ovrebo at full-time, and proceeded to swear at the referee, in full view of the tv cameras – an action for which he would be reprimanded later on.

#2 Contrasting emotions in Manchester

The 2011-12 EPL season will in all likelihood go down as one of the greatest finales to a season of football. Both Manchester sides were in contention and needed to win and hope for the other to lose for the title to be secured.

As it stood, it was the blue side that emerged triumphant, with Sergio Aguero’s last-minute winner clinching the title for Manchester City. Cue pandemonium on the pitch and indeed in the stands.

Meanwhile, at the Stadium of Light, the red side of Manchester were heartbroken and desolate upon hearing the news of City’s last-minute triumph. The contrast of emotions could not have been clearer.

#3 The miracle at Camp Nou, 1999

Manchester United’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich in the final of 1999 will go down in history as one of the most emotional, gut-wrenching visuals in football.

On one side were the Red Devils, celebrating a miraculous and seemingly impossible comeback in injury-time. On the other were the Bayern Munich players, in utter shock and disbelief at the way events unfolded.

Sometimes, football, like life, just isn’t fair. But at least we got to see Peter Schmeichel do a cartwheel.

#4 Oliver Kahn and Santiago Canizares

The 2001 Champions League final was contested between eventual winners Bayern Munich and Spanish side Valencia. After a cagey match which ended even-stevens, Bayern Munich claimed the victory via a penalty shoot-out.

While his team-mates celebrated the win with much fanfare, Kahn had the presence of mind to go over to his counterpart, Canizares - the Valencia keeper. The Spaniard was weeping inconsolably following the defeat, but the big German proved to all and sundry that he had an even bigger heart as he consoled the distraught Spaniard.

The German received a fair play award for his exemplary actions. If this doesn’t warm your heart, then nothing will.

#5 Steven Gerrard\'s huddle speech

Following Liverpool’s epic win over Manchester City in the 2013-14 EPL season, Steven Gerrard played the captain’s role to perfection as he delivered a rallying cry to his team-mates in the post-match huddle.

The timing of the emotional outburst was critical as victory in that match had put the Reds on track for their first title win in the EPL era. Although Liverpool would later go on to slip up (no pun intended), there is no denying the emotions involved in the moment.

#6 Jimmy Glass saves the day

We have all, at some point, wanted to be the hero that saved the day. While ours is a mere fantasy, Jimmy Glass’ turned into a magnificent reality.

The year was 1999, and Carlisle United needed a win in their last match against Plymouth to avoid relegation from the Footbal League. With the score tied at 1-1 and the clock running down, Jimmy Glass, who was a goalkeeper on loan from Swindon, went up for a corner and did what every goalkeeper has always dreamt of – scoring a goal.

The importance of the goal could be seen in the manic celebrations that followed soon after. Fans rushed the field and pretty soon the football pitch was swarmed with thousands of delirious fans, players and staff members.

Remember the name – Jimmy Glass. The hero who saved the day for Carlisle.