Myth for number 13 as an unlucky number is still relevant in the modern world nowadays. Try to see the plane seats, none of which are number 13, as well as the number of hotel floors, and there are no hotel rooms ending in 13.
In the world of football, number 13 is usually used for backup defenders or goalkeepers, but can also be a core player considering the use of numbers has now been common. Call it Nesta, Maicon, Ballack, and the duo Mueller (Gerd and Thomas) once wearing the number.
In football, the number 13 does not only become an unlucky number, it is even considered a lucky number. Just say the name Alessandro Nesta faithfully used the number costume and successfully brought AC MIlan Serie A champions 2003-2004 and 2010-2011, as well as the Champions League 2002-2003 and 2006-2007. Duo Mueller also brought Germany the World Cup champions in 1974 and 2014.
In the 2018-2019 edition of the Champions League final, the number 13 worn by Allison goalkeeper Becker was the key to Liverpool’s victory last night. It is true that Salah and Origi scored Liverpool’s winning goals, but the real hero was Allison, who several times thwarted near-goal goals from Son, Moura and Eriksen, with a total of 8 rescue shots. Allison’s presence, along with van Dijk, made Harry Kane et al. being frustrated.
On the contrary, Hugo Lloris was almost unemployed because Liverpool rarely pressed, only Robertson’s shot was managed by Lloris and Milner who were thin on the side of the goal, besides two goals that were created by Salah and Origi who threatened his goal. Liverpool were really depressed last night with only 35% possession of the ball, compared to 65% owned by Spurs, but effective and efficient movement patterns.
Last night’s match was similar to the 2010 finals where Inter Milan were pressured by Bayern Munich precisely winning 2-0 through a deadly counter-attack by Mourinho. Looks like Klopp is using Mourinho’s stance, playing pragmatically by occasionally pressing the opponent’s goal, but keeps the defense really well. Virgil van Dijk not allowing Son, Kane, or Moura to move freely despite mastering the field.
Allison became the most expensive purchase this season for 55.5 million pounds and at the same time was the answer to the weakness of defense, especially the goalkeeper sector which was previously fronted by Mignolet and later replaced by Karius. Both often appear inconsistent, where in one match they are heroes but in other matches they are losers.
Karius’s blunder was what thwarted Liverpool reaching the Champions League title last season so that Klopp had to find a new goalkeeper who was very tough.
Worth the price due to Allison’s previous achievements being the Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year while defending AS Roma, with 17 clean sheets in Serie A and 5 in the Champions League.
The high cost of the purchase is paid in full with at least Liverpool having conceded this season, only 22 goals, the lowest in Liverpool’s history since the Premier League caste changed its name to the 1992-1993 Premier League season. Becker’s presence made Karius forced to be loaned to Besiktas and Mignolet was unemployed, only twice playing in the League Cup and FA Cup.
In conclusion, there are no bad luck or luck in the world of football. Everything is still a mystery before the game starts, even though it is against a strong team. Evidently, Barcelona when it was superior at home in fact was actually devastated when they visited Anfield. Congratulations to Liverpool who won the sixth Champions League title, close to AC Milan’s record, and distance themselves from the pursuit of MU who just won it twice. So do you believe in the number 13 myth?
ASL