“I’m six feet off the ground and it’s like Ronaldo!” : Jude Bellingham on his bicycle kick against Slovakia
Jude Bellingham scored a brilliant bicycle kick against Slovakia deep into stoppage time, as England were bound to make a shocking exit from the 2024 Euros. The Real Madrid midfielder’s equalizer helped the Three Lions push the match into extra time, where Harry Kane’s goal ensured their passage into the quartefinals.
Jude Bellingham spoke about his incredible goal which kept England in the competition. He stated that he felt like Cristiano Ronaldo, as he was reminded of the goal the Portuguese scored in the Champions League against Juventus in 2018.
Speaking to the FA after England’s win over Slovakia, Jude Bellingham stated that it was a instinctive finish, and one of the most memorable moments of his career till date. Moreover, he mentioned that one of his hands still touched the ground, hence it was not the most acrobatic finish.
“It was really instinct more than anything. It kind of fell in the perfect spot and it was a little bit behind me. When I was in the air I thought, ‘I’m six feet off the ground and it’s like Ronaldo!’ But I’ve watched it back and I still had one hand on the ground, so it wasn’t the most acrobatic,” said Bellingham.
“One of the most important moments of my career” : Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham has already scored two goals for England so far at the Euros. The England midfielder scored the only goal in the victory against Serbia in the first group stage fixture, followed by an equalizer against Slovakia.
“But it was a nice contact. Definitely one of the most important and memorable moments of my career so far,” said Bellingham.
The 21-year-old acknowledged the fact that winning a game in this manner was certainly not ideal. However, he applauds the team as they kept applying the pressure on Slovakia right until the last kick of the game. “Not the most enjoyable way to win a game. Obviously you always want to feel like you are in control and comfortable,” said Bellingham.
“But you have to find ways to win, even if it means overhead kicks in 90+5. But the difference in emotion is so huge. It’s one minute (from) being dead and buried. I saw the Slovakian bench and they were all ready to run on. In one moment everything changes. But we never stopped believing we would get one more chance and luckily we got it in,” he added.
Things will only get tougher from now on, as we move into the quarterfinals. England will face Switzerland for a place in the last four on Saturday. Switzerland are unbeaten in the tournament so far, having upstaged the reigning champions Italy in the last 16 clash. They almost defeated hosts Germany in their last group stage encounter, before conceding a late equalizer.
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