The Hope of Tunis sank against Flamengo (0-2) at the World Cups … but in the collective sinking, a player delivered an XXL performance. Story of the lonely talent of Youcef Belaïli.
There are defeats that look like personal victories. This Monday, when entering the Esperance of Tunis in the Club World Cup,
The Tunisian club has logically suffered the law of the Brazilian giant Flamengo (2-0 defeat). A one -way meeting, dominated with the head and shoulders by the teammates of Arrascaeta, with almost 80% of the ball possession. An expected collective sinking. However, in the midst of this undivided domination, a spark sparkled, a man refused to sink, delivering an individual performance of a very high volley. This lonely warrior was youcef Belaïli,
Author of a one-man show as brilliant as frustrating.
While his team was asphyxiated, the 33 -year -old Algerian international has almost brought the full weight of the Tunisian attack on his shoulders. The figures, reported by several statistical sources after the match, are eloquent: he was the player of the Hope who fired the most (4 times, whose only shot on his team), who has most dribbled (4 successful dribbles), which won the most duels (12) and which has undergone the most faults (5). Acting as a “false leader” to try to create the danger, he was the author of the only two true flashes of his team: a rolled shot which borders on the post (63rd) and especially a powerful strike which forced the goalkeeper of Flamengo, Augustin Rossi, at the decisive stop of the match (66th).
Seduction operates: Brazil under the spell of “Algerian quaresma”
This performance did not go unnoticed, especially in Brazil.
If the Algerian press has praised “A Ferrari in front of a haunted house” To describe the gap between him and his teammates, it was mainly the Brazilian supporters who were seduced by his unique style of play. On social networks, glowing comments have flourished. “” Your real place is the Brazilian championship! “,” He really reminds me of Quaresma … Please, have him sign!“, Could we read, some even inviting him to join Flamengo, Cruzeiro or Fluminense. Popular recognition which speaks volumes about the visual impact of its performance.
Despite this individual recital, Youcef Belaïli could not prevent the defeat of his family.
His “one-man show” was “upset” by the obvious limits of the Tunisian collective in the face of such opposition. Each personal feat, each successful dribbling, each dangerous strike seemed to be a sword in the water, for lack of support. His frustration visible after his missed opportunity in the 66th minute perfectly symbolized this helplessness: talent, alone, cannot always do miracles.
A collective defeat, but a personal victory for Belaïli
The Hope of Tunis therefore leaves the competition with a low head, but Youcef Belaïli, it comes out of it. Despite his age, he proved that there was a world class player, a real “X factor” capable of shining on any scene. His performance XXL, although not rewarded with the result, reminded everyone of which exceptional player he was. Last night, in Philadelphia, the public attended a collective defeat, but also and above all a huge personal victory for the talented Algerian.
