While the 2021 Copa America was also supposed to be held last year with Argentina and Colombia co-hosting. However, also due to the coronavirus pandemic, the implementation time was postponed by a year. Not only that, the location of the tournament was also moved to Brazil.
The atmosphere of the pandemic still surrounds these two tournaments. On the Blue Continent, stadiums are allowed to receive spectators but cannot be at full capacity. For example, in Azerbaijan and Russia, stadiums can only be filled to a maximum of 50% of capacity. This is done to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, which was initially endemic in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
Read: Life Number One, Football Can Wait! GWS, Eriksen...
However, an interesting sight was presented in Hungary's match against Portugal at the Puskas Arena, Budapest. The audience who attended reached about 61,000 people, the stadium capacity which can accommodate 67,114 people was almost filled.
The Hungarian government allows those who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus to watch in stadiums. Hungary is indeed advancing when it comes to vaccination.
Quoting Our World in Data records, as of June 9, 2021, the total population of Hungary who has received full vaccinations has reached 43.57% of the total population. In Europe, Hungary only lost to Israel (59.45%) and England (44.15%).
"The government is aware that the Euros in Hungary may not be available for many years to come. So this is an opportunity for citizens to show an expression of support. The Hungarian government and Mr. Prime Minister love football. People who have been vaccinated have the opportunity to participate in this event, On Sunday (11/7/2021) morning WIB, Argentina won the 2021 Copa America after beating Brazil 1-0 at the Maracana, Rio de Janeiro. This is Argentina's first title since 1993. Less than 24 hours later, it was Italy's turn to triumph at Euro 2020 after beating England on penalties in the final which was held at Wembley, London. Argentine media, Diario Ole then pitched their idea to hold a match between the Albiceleste and Italy.
This is similar to the Intercontinental Cup party at the club level which has now turned into the Club World Cup. So far, there has been no similar model party at the international football level.
Since Argentina and Italy are closely linked by football legend Diego Maradona, Diario Ole suggested this match be held at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, either in Buenos Aires or Naples.
Not only that, but the Argentina versus Italy party was also given a prestigious title, namely the Supercopa Maradona. Two related football bodies, namely Conmebol and UEFA, were reportedly enthusiastic about the idea of holding an Argentina versus Italy party.
However, this idea from Diario Ole seems to be very difficult to realize given the tight schedule of international football that has been arranged.Great happiness is being felt by the Argentine National Team (Timnas) squad, including the goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez. Successfully winning the 2021 Copa America title, Emiliano Martinez immediately talked about his dream and his big sacrifice to be able to win this success.
As is known, Argentina did manage to win the 2021 Copa America title after defeating Brazil in the final match. The match, which took place at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday (11/7/2021) morning WIB, ended with La Albiceleste – the nickname of the Argentine national team – with a narrow 1-0 victory. Emiliano was able to show a very slick performance in guarding Argentina's goal throughout the match. Thanks to his great contribution, Lionel Messi and his friends usually lift the championship trophy.
Achieving this success, Emiliano must have felt very happy. For him, this is a big dream that has been planted long ago. This title is also one of the highest achievements in his career.
"There are no words to describe this moment. This is a dream I have. I went to Arsenal when I was 17 years old to seek a better life for my family," said Emiliano, as quoted from the official Twitter account of the Argentine national team, Sunday (11/7/2021).
"After a lot of effort, it was an unexpected win," he continued.
Before embracing the title, Emiliano Martinez realized that many people did not believe in his performance. Because, for the 28-year-old goalkeeper, the 2021 Copa America is his first major championship as Argentina's main goalkeeper.
However, the Aston Villa goalkeeper managed to prove to the public that he deserves to be the main goalkeeper in Argentina. To achieve the current success, Emiliano Martinez had a long way to go. Several obstacles came, including his family. Emiliano said that when he was called up to play in the 2021 Copa America, he had received a ban from his wife.
This happened because he had not yet met his daughter. The reason is that the Argentine national team players must undergo a strict quarantine and are not allowed to meet anyone during the 2021 Copa America.
During this situation, Emiliano also chose to continue to defend his beloved country's national team. Because for him, this is a dream since childhood. Therefore, he feels very happy that his sacrifice has now paid off by winning the championship trophy. “I said it a few months ago, we want to give the title to the best in the world. I told my wife that this was my dream and she forbade me. I still haven't been able to meet my daughter," he continued.
Considering the huge struggle he had to face to win the 2021 Copa America, Emiliano also wanted to celebrate this historic moment with his family. Not only for his family, this success is also believed by Emiliano to be good news for Argentineans who are suffering during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I want to enjoy it with my family, hug my daughter. I've been through a lot like people didn't believe in me. But this is history. We did it. This pandemic has made all Argentines suffer, this is for them," said the goalkeeper. was 28 years old.
