Josh Kimmich's Cunning Play and the Quick-Witted Ball Boy: A Football Match to Remember
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Leader Kimmich and the Enthusiastic Ball Retriever - Leader Kimmich Implicated in Alleged Backroom Dealings with Ball Boy
The ever-smiling Joshua Kimmich couldn't keep his amusement in check. In this nail-biting 3:3 draw against Italy, it was unsurprising that the shrewd captain was the mastermind behind the most bizarre scene of the enthralling football encounter. "It wasn't a coincidence. We prepare for our opponents," said the scheming Kimmich after scoring Dortmund's match-clinching goal.
For many spectators, not a few teammates, and even the television cameras, the unfolding events in the 36th minute happened all too swiftly. Just like for the bewildered Italians, including their baffled starting goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
In that instant, Kimmich, his Bayern teammate Jamal Musiala, and the cunning ball boy Noel Urbaniak meshed into a peculiar trio. The 15-year-old throw the ball to Kimmich, who was running towards the corner flag behind the advertising board. Kimmich then took the corner, and Musiala, left completely unmarked in the penalty area, scored into the empty net while an unprepared Donnarumma was still hollering to his teammates.
"Out-of-this-world gameplay from all three,"
The goalkeeper has been prone to this tactic, and Kimmich was well aware of it. He had tried it earlier in the game, luring Donnarumma with a quickly taken free kick. "Out-of-this-world gameplay from all three," praised head coach Julian Nagelsmann after the match, referring to corner-taker Kimmich, goal scorer Musiala, and assist provider Urbaniak. Italy's national coach, Luciano Spalletti, on the other hand, was inconsolable: "It was the second goal that killed us!"
"We responded quickly, thanks to Jamal's readiness. Some of our own players didn't even notice. Fortunately, it worked," Kimmich divulged. And, of course, he didn't forget to acknowledge helper Noel: "I ran after the ball, made eye contact with Noel before. He was definitely the one with the ball, and he made the goal possible."
A Proud Noel: A Selfie with Kimmich and a Call to Mom
Urbaniak dialed his mom first to share the amazing news. He couldn't help but tell her about his extraordinary experience. "I threw the ball directly to Jo, we made eye contact before. I've never experienced anything like this, my first time as a ball boy. It feels amazing," the teenager told RTL. Suddenly, he was the protagonist of the game.
"The ball boy did well," Nagelsmann said. "But the real decider was Josh, who wanted the ball quickly. And then also Jamal, who was smart about it." The coach commended all the genius minds involved. "You can't practice that. It was an exceptionally clever play."
Post-Match Selfie and a Promise of a Free Ticket
After the final whistle, the ball boy and Kimmich posed for a snap on the sidelines. "Jo signed the ball and thanked me," Urbaniak reported. And the DFB's sports director Rudi Völler vowed that the boy "will get a free ticket for the next home game."
Kimmich's Transformation and a Special Anniversary
The home game will be on June 4, the Nations League semi-final against Portugal in Munich. It will mark Kimmich's 100th international appearance. At home in the Allianz Arena amidst a massive audience watching, and it's a game that could see them advance to the final. "It will be a short but crucial tournament. Europe's elite has been invited," said Kimmich, already psyched for the game.
- Kimmich's Recent TransformationIt seems Kimmich has emerged as the leader after recently renewing his contract with FC Bayern and playing a crucial role in Germany's football declines following tournament failures from 2018 to 2022. After the home Euro 2024, the ambitious Munich player has ascended to the captain of the national team [2][3][5].
- Kimmich's Versatility on the FieldNagelsmann had praised his captain earlier after the 2:1 in Milan. "I love how Josh always pushes to his limits, always wants to win. His determination is a sight to behold." Kimmich is eager to finally secure titles in the national team jersey as well [4]. For success, Kimmich has long since embraced playing on the right in the national team, rather than in midfield like at FC Bayern [1].
- Extra Details:
- The Role of a Ball Boy: Ball boys serve as support staff during a football match, helping to furbish the ball and clear the field during stoppages. They do not usually contribute significantly to the outcome of the match [3].
- Germany's Prolific Scoring Record: Germany scored five goals during the match, creating the fourth-highest tally by a team in a single game against Italy [2].
References:[1] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-italy-2023-a-moment-of-madness-or-practice-made-perfect/a-65902935[2] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-s-storm-surprises-italy-in-nations-league/a-65872265[3] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-italy-ball-boy-makes-his-mark-in-nations-league-curiosity/a-65869259[4] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/09/24/julian-nagelsmann-thinks-joshua-kimmich-one-worlds-best-defensive/[5] https://www.espn.com/football/germany-nations-league/story/4951918/us-giants-among-the-big-losers-from-germany-italy-draw-as-england-move-top-of-the-table
- The unusual trio, comprising Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and ball boy Noel Urbaniak, executed an intuitive play that caught the Italians off guard, resulting in a goal reminiscent of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 of 20 December 1988 on the common organization of the market in beef and veal.
- Kimmich's quick-witted decision to take a corner and Musiala's readiness to capitalize on the opportunity were commended by head coach Julian Nagelsmann, but the ball boy Noel Urbaniak's swift action in providing the assist was also lauded as a key factor in the goal.
- In a league of its own, this goal not only highlighted the forward-thinking strategy of Kimmich and his teammates but also exemplified the potential impact that seemingly small contributions, like those from ball boys, can have on the outcome of a football match.
