08 September 2015
Legendary figures of Juventus and Boca Juniors offered plenty of evening entertainment during the second edition of the UNESCO Cup on Tuesday.
With all proceeds financing social support for former child soldiers affected by conflicts in Mali and the Central African Republic, both sides embraced the spirit of the occasion, leaving supporters with happy memories of having seen their idols roll back the years on the hallowed Juventus Stadium turf.
In the end it was Boca Juniors who emerged victorious, winning 4-2 on penalties after the sides were level at the final whistle with one goal apiece.
With Los Xeneizes’ all-time highest goal scorer leading the line, Martin Palermo reminded all of his attacking threat in only the eighth minute, sending in a stinging effort with his left foot towards the top corner.
Stefano Tacconi, however, was alert to the action and demonstrated tremendous agility to get his gloves to the ball, tipping it around the post for a corner.
The visitors continued to look the more dangerous of the sides in the opening stages, as Claudio Caniggia raced onto a through ball on his favoured left flank before cutting in on his right, but he bent his shot just a whisker wide of the far post.
Boca would eventually make their early dominance count when Andrés Guglielminpietro rifled into the roof the net after the ball sat up perfectly for the former Milan and Inter midfielder following a corner.
During the latter stages of the first half, the hosts pressed with greater vigour for a goal of their own, which so nearly arrived through David Trezeguet, but the Frenchman skewed his header just wide of the mark.
Mauro Camoranesi, as lively as ever on Juve’s right berth, also tried his luck with a driven effort from a tight angle, but Roberto Abbondanzieri was equal to the strike, ensuring that the Argentinian outfit entered the break with a slender 1-0 lead.
The home side burst out of the traps for the second period with pace and purpose and they would find the equaliser in the 47th minute courtesy of a goal from the Juventus Legends president himself.
Camoranesi got the move going by releasing Pavel Nedved on the right side of the box and the Czech’s cross found Trezeguet alone in the middle to stab home, sending the Bianconeri’s adoring faithful into raptures.
Two minutes later, Toto Schillaci nearly put Gianluca Pessotto’s men in front, but saw his strike blocked by an imposing Abbondanzieri.
At the heart of all Juventus’ forward moves was the ever-industrious Nedved, who showed immense energy levels throughout.
Second-half substitute Nicola Amoruso almost grabbed a late winner for the Bianconeri, rifling one in on goal, only for Abbondanzieri to save the day again for his men, forcing a penalty shootout to the excitement of the spectators.
Amoruso and Angelo Alessio both held their nerves from 11 metres, but with the Argentines faultless from the spot, it would be Los Xeneizes to prevail from an encounter enjoyed by everyone present.
After the match, UNESCO’s Eric Falt spoke of the important role football has to play in spreading inclusive social values, before handing the trophy to Boca captain Palermo.
The sportsmanship and respect on display from both sides perfectly embodied the moral principles that lie at the heart of UNESCO’s mantra.
And these very same principles will continue to be endorsed as the United Nations agency and Juventus persist with their joint efforts in breaking down social barriers in sport.
