Picture Credit: Twitter
The ongoing EURO 2020 has produced some spectacular moments this year. From long-range screamers to grueling penalty shootouts to injury-time winners, the fans have seen it all. However, the much-anticipated quarter-final match between Italy and Belgium produced a very bizarre moment that left everyone in splits.
Is Barella the best doctor ever?
It had already been half an hour of end-to-end stuff in the quarter-final clash at Allianz Arena. With the score-line reading 0-0, both the sides were looking for an opportunity to break the deadlock. Citing an opportunity, Italy's striker Ciro Immobile was involved in a clash of foot with Belgium's captain Jan Vertonghen. Although the centre-back had won the ball cleanly, Immobile fell on the ground and looked in a lot of pain.
However, things changed quite dramatically in a matter of few seconds. While Immobile was down, Nicolo Barella dribbled past the defenders and scored a brilliant goal. As soon as Italy's striker realized that a goal has been scored, he magically got healed and got up as he ran to celebrate with his team members.
Watch the hilarious video here:
As it turned out, Immobile was acting to buy a penalty (a technique which is used by many footballers). While a yellow card is usually issued to players who are caught diving, this incident will certainly make FIFA and UEFA to think if more strict actions need to be taken against the players who act to fool the referees. All of this is for the rule-makers to think! As it stands, Italy are through to the semis with an emphatic 2-1 win and are set to face Spain next in the tournament.