Age is just a number: Veterans shining at Euro 2016
For some Euro giants like Spain, Italy and Portugal old heads have steered the ship so far in the tournament as well as for some newcomers like Hungary and Sweden below we look at some golden oldies in their final global sojourn.
1. Gabor Kiraly- Hungary (Goalkeeper)
He is the oldest player to ever play at a European Championship finals and he is still raising eye brows with his unique style of grey tracksuit trousers. He has shone so far in a dream start for Hungary which sees them topping Group F in a first major final in 30 years. He has only conceded one goal so far and that too was a penalty.
“I never said I had old players, I have good players. I still think he’s one of the best players in the world,” said Hungary coach Bernd Storck on his first choice stopper.
2. Gareth McAuley- Northern Ireland (Center Back)
The experienced West Brom defender has brought his wealth of Premier League experience to a young Irish team and has helped guide them so far. He had fans cheering his name when he headed home his nations first every goal at a European Championship. He led them to a 2-0 win against Ukraine in the match which was just as historic. At 36 years and 194 days he is the second oldest scorer at a final and the oldest from open play.
3. Gianluigi Buffon- Italy (Goalkeeper)
He may be 38 years old and playing his 9th major international finals but the 7-time Serie A winner and former World Cup winner is still one of the best keepers in the world as he proved with consistent performances for the 'Old Lady' this season. He still has not conceded in 2 group games and with Italy finishing Group Winners it is definitely possible that he adds another trophy to his impressive repertoire.
4. Andres Iniesta- Spain (Center Midfielder)
A relative youngster as compared to some of the others, Iniesta is a veteran of Spain's 3 consecutive major tournament wins from 2008 to 2012. The Barcelona midfield maestro has been in supreme form winning man-of-the-match in both of Spain's wins so far. His reading of the game, delicate ball control and eye for a pass make him stand out from the pack.
5. Ricardo Carvalho- Portugal (Center Back)
Even though Portugal's attack has not lived up to expectation, Carvalho, the oldest outfield player at 38 has marshalled a veteran crew of center backs impressively so far. After he and his crew shut out Austria he refused to rule out prolonging his career.
“I have had a great time representing my country, but I don’t know (about retirement). I am 38, but I feel great, I don’t feel tired.”
That is it my Top 5 golden oldies at Euro 2016 who are proving that indeed age is just a number. Comment your views and Like, Subscribe if you enjoyed the content. :)
-Zorawar
