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July 9, 1982: the Blues reach for the stars before seeing their dream die in the night of Seville

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Our anniversary event “80 years of Le Parisien, 80 front pages”

The very first issue of Le Parisien was published on August 22, 1944, in the midst of the liberation of Paris. To celebrate this anniversary, we have selected 80 historical or emblematic front pages of their time. Sports, news, space exploration, presidential elections, celebrity deaths… They tell the story of eight decades of current events. We have chosen to tell you the behind-the-scenes stories. A series to discover until the end of the year.

Seville. 1982. A place and a date known to all. The statement of a city and a year exhumes one of the greatest traumas in French football. A true Greek tragedy played out on a world television. A match crowned with a dramatic power rarely equaled. Comparable in its intensity, its twists and turns and its emotional charge to the final of the last World Cup, which ended, once again, with a terrible defeat for France on penalties. “Heads held high”, is displayed on the front page of Le Parisien on the morning of July 9, 1982. “Enough to cry with rage”, we find on the inside page of our newspaper.

In the Andalusian capital, forty-two years ago, the heat was reasonable. A light breeze ran along the backs of the necks. Michel Hidalgo’s Les Bleus embodied a certain idea of ​​romanticism, in their collective expression, confronted with the realpolitik of the impassive Mannschaft. At the start of the tournament, no one imagined them inviting themselves into the last four, twenty years after their elders from Sweden. Unlike their rivals, they had a clean record and played without pressure like innocent, mischievous and talented children in a playground.

But it is never far from the Capitol to the Tarpeian Rock. Michel Platini and his brothers learned this cruelly at their expense on July 8 (3-3, 4 penalty shootouts to 5). For decades, this evening in Seville would haunt the sleepless nights of certain actors, but not only them. No screenwriter, even the most creative, would, it is true, have been able to construct such a plot, because an essential ingredient in its common thread would always have been lacking: immediacy.

The instantaneity of a story being written before astonished eyes. A story turned upside down by a multitude of imponderables, unpredictable events leading to the assumption that the reality of the moment is valid for the time that remains. This is the reason why an encounter is unlike any other. It lives, then dies with its share, more or less subjective, of posterity.

Schumacher’s “attack” on Battiston

Only sport in its entirety, and football in particular, provides such reversals that are conducive to creating memories for a lifetime. What remains are the images. The thrills. The irrationality. “The most beautiful book I could read, the most beautiful play I could attend, the most beautiful film I could see, is that match,” Platini confided in 2012 in an interview with France Football. “It’s a moment that makes you say, after the fact: Damn, I’m glad I was there! Even if you lost.”

Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium (Seville), July 8, 1982. Michel Platini (right) against the Germans Bernd Förster (left) and Wolfgang Dremmler. EFE

Given the very late time of the end of the match and the constraints inherent in the completion of any daily newspaper, Michel Drucker’s column in Le Parisien, “A dream, real”, is interrupted even at the end of regulation time. The synopsis is, then, known to everyone. It is transmitted orally from generation to generation. Platini serves Six, who passes to Alain Giresse. From 18 m, the latter strikes at goal, the ball ricochets off the left post and goes in. Fists clenched, ecstatic, the Bordeaux midfielder shouts his happiness to the world.

It’s the 10th minute of extra time. Les Bleus, watched by Lino Ventura and Julien Clerc, who are present at the stadium, are leading 3-1 and no one expects to see the Germans of goalkeeper Harald Schumacher, who committed an unspeakable “attack” on Patrick Battiston in the second half, wipe the slate clean. The gates of paradise, initially ajar, are then brutally slammed shut by a breathless and epic penalty shootout. The Sanchez Pizjuan pitch then resembles a field of desolation. Sadness pours out. Tears well up in the eyes of the protagonists.

VideoFrance – RFA in the semi-final of the 1982 World Cup

“We were broken, devastated, inconsolable.”

Voted the most combative player of the World Cup, Alain Giresse has forgotten nothing. “It’s like an ember,” he says, “you just have to blow on it to rekindle it. It remains a nightmare, a dream that we would have guillotined. We were put on the scaffold without having the weapons to defend ourselves. I still feel today like I’m in a vicious circle, a kind of labyrinth from which I can’t find a way out. You can lose a match, but here, we were unfairly deprived of qualification by an accumulation of opposing elements. The referee skewed everything with his decisions and not just on Patrick Battiston’s aggression. The second German goal was tainted by a previous foul… Our only small error was not to show management at 3-1. But after…” READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher, who injured Battiston, on Didier Six during the World Cup semi-final in Seville. PictureAlliance/Icon Sport

The return to the locker room of haggard players. The tears. The sobs. Alain Giresse recounts. “We were broken, destroyed, inconsolable, prostrate on the benches. Elsewhere, disconnected from everything. The tension was so strong that we opened the floodgates. Everything was evacuated. Everything had to come out.” Beyond the elimination, the course of the match also reawakens, outside, old wounds. Resentments. Both intimate and shared.

All the repressed and dormant resentment comes to the surface. And of course, the popular vindictiveness points to one man, Harald Schumacher. If this semi-final gave rise to an anthology battle, the West German goalkeeper is, himself, doomed to the pillory. In addition to his exit, which leaves Patrick Battiston inert and with a slack jaw, his attitude horrifies the French.

Michel Platini accompanies Patrick Battiston, injured after a violent exit by German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher, in Seville, during the World Cup. AFP

In his movement, we can already detect the intention to hurt, but in the slow motion of the television that we watch ten, a hundred times, his gesture reaches all its indignity. On the sidelines, chewing gum, he carelessly bounces the ball in his hand, not concerned in the least, he does not make the slightest gesture, shows no empathy, for the defender evacuated on a stretcher with Michel Platini holding his hand.

“God’s judgement,” says German President

This incomprehensible behavior, added to his impunity with Mr. Charles Corver, resurrects the Germanophobic undertones of a section of the French population. A strong feeling of injustice spreads through all levels of society. An avowed football fan, and passionate witness of this match, the actor Francis Huster will even write an open letter to Michel Platini after the match, emphasizing the chivalrous character of the Blues, 4th in the end after their almost anecdotal defeat against Poland (3-2).

“Good Lord, Michel, don’t you realize, or what? What Cyrano, Molière, Jean Moulin and unknowns died for: panache. Against the blind brute, against the stupidity of force, against the mass of flawless muscles, you have sprung forth, with poetry, your imagination, your intelligence, your inspiration, and you know what, Michel, your humility.”

François Mitterrand, the head of state for fourteen months, followed the match attentively in a typical Hungarian restaurant. Quite a symbol for the oldest. Hadn’t the fabulous Hungarian team led by its galloping major Ferenc Puskas, against all expectations, scattered its ambitions in the 1954 World Cup final against this same FRG?

The German Chancellor himself, Helmut Schmidt, sent a telegram of sympathy to the President of the Republic, worded as follows: “The judgment of God, which according to classical mythology comes into play in every fight between two peoples, has willed that this chance should fall to the German camp in this match. We are wholeheartedly with the French who deserved to move forward just as much as we do.” All the words in the world, however comforting, will not replace the intoxication of a first final. A drop of water in an ocean of sadness, in short. A simple poultice on a wooden leg.

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SPORTS

How Sponsorships and Betting Platforms Are Boosting the NFL

Published

2 weeks ago

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September 3, 2024

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The National Football League (NFL) has long been a powerhouse in the world of sports, captivating millions of fans every season with thrilling games, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. However, the league’s growth and continued dominance aren’t solely due to the action on the field. In recent years, the influence of sponsorships and betting platforms has become a significant driver behind the NFL’s soaring popularity. This article delves into how these partnerships are not just complementing the league’s appeal but are actively boosting its reach and revenue.

The Power of Sponsorships: More Than Just Branding

Sponsorships have always played a crucial role in the NFL’s financial ecosystem. Major corporations vie for the opportunity to have their brand associated with the league, and these partnerships extend far beyond simple logo placements. The NFL’s sponsorships are deep-rooted, multifaceted collaborations that enhance fan engagement and create a seamless connection between the sport and the brands involved.

Sponsorship deals in the NFL offer brands access to a vast and diverse audience. The league’s games are watched by millions of viewers across the country and internationally, making it a prime platform for advertisers. Companies like Pepsi, Nike, and Verizon have leveraged their NFL sponsorships to not only increase brand visibility but also to engage with fans in more meaningful ways. These companies create campaigns, promotions, and experiences that resonate with NFL fans, making the league an integral part of their brand identity.

Additionally, these sponsorships inject substantial revenue into the league. The funds generated from sponsorship deals are funneled back into the NFL, supporting various initiatives such as player development, community programs, and stadium enhancements. This, in turn, improves the overall quality of the game, making the NFL experience richer for fans.

Moreover, the alignment of brands with the NFL fosters a sense of loyalty among fans. When a beloved brand supports their favorite team or the league, fans often feel a deeper connection to both the brand and the sport. This emotional bond translates into increased brand loyalty and, ultimately, higher sales for the sponsoring companies.

The Rise of Betting Platforms: A Game-Changer for Fan Engagement

The legalization of sports betting in many states across the U.S. has ushered in a new era for the NFL. Betting platforms like FanDuel sportsbook have rapidly integrated themselves into the NFL ecosystem, offering fans new and exciting ways to engage with the sport. This transformation has profoundly impacted both fan engagement and the league’s revenue streams.

Betting platforms have revolutionized how fans interact with the NFL. Previously, fans primarily engaged with the sport by watching games, attending events, or participating in fantasy football leagues. While these activities still hold immense value, betting has introduced a more dynamic and immersive way to experience the NFL. Fans can now place wagers on various aspects of the game, from predicting the outcome of a match to speculating on player performances.

This new level of engagement has made the viewing experience more interactive and exciting. Fans who place bets are likely to watch games more attentively, as they have a personal stake in the outcome. This heightened interest not only increases viewership but also encourages fans to watch games they might otherwise have skipped, broadening the league’s audience.

From a financial perspective, the integration of betting platforms has opened up new revenue streams for the NFL. The league has struck lucrative deals with major betting companies, allowing these platforms to operate within the NFL’s framework. In return, the NFL receives a share of the profits generated from bets placed on its games. This influx of revenue further bolsters the league’s financial stability and supports its growth initiatives. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Moreover, NFL betting platforms have created opportunities for the NFL to tap into new markets. As more states legalize sports betting, the league’s potential audience expands. Betting platforms attract not only traditional sports fans but also individuals who may not have previously been interested in the NFL. This diversification of the fan base is crucial for the league’s long-term growth, as it ensures that the NFL remains relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.

The Synergy Between Sponsorships and Betting Platforms

The convergence of sponsorships and betting platforms has created a synergistic effect that amplifies the benefits of both. Sponsorship deals with betting companies have become increasingly common, further intertwining the NFL’s financial ecosystem with the world of sports betting. These partnerships create a powerful feedback loop, where increased fan engagement through betting leads to higher brand visibility and, consequently, more lucrative sponsorship deals.

Betting companies, like DraftKings and FanDuel, have capitalized on their NFL partnerships by offering exclusive promotions and odds to fans. These promotions are often tied to the league’s major events, such as the Super Bowl, and are heavily advertised through the NFL’s channels. This not only drives betting activity but also enhances the overall fan experience by providing more ways to engage with the sport.

Sponsorships also benefit from the presence of betting platforms. The heightened engagement from betting creates more opportunities for brands to connect with fans. For example, a fan who places a bet on a game is more likely to pay attention to the advertisements and promotions displayed during that game. This increased attention translates into higher returns on investment for sponsors, making the NFL an even more attractive platform for advertising.

Furthermore, the integration of betting platforms into the NFL has led to the development of new forms of content. Betting-related content, such as odds analysis, betting tips, and expert predictions, has become a staple of NFL coverage. This content is often sponsored by brands, creating additional revenue streams for both the league and the betting platforms. It also provides fans with valuable information, further enhancing their engagement with the sport.

Conclusion

The NFL’s ascent as a global sports powerhouse is not just a result of the on-field action but is also deeply tied to the strategic partnerships it has forged with sponsors and betting platforms. These relationships have not only provided the league with significant financial support but have also revolutionized how fans engage with the sport.

As the NFL continues to embrace these partnerships, it is poised to reach even greater heights, solidifying its status as the preeminent force in the world of sports. The future of the NFL is bright, and sponsorships and betting platforms will undoubtedly be at the forefront of its continued success.

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
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SPORTS

How Sponsorships and Betting Platforms Are Boosting the NFL

Published

3 weeks ago

on

August 31, 2024

By

The National Football League (NFL) has long been a powerhouse in the world of sports, captivating millions of fans every season with thrilling games, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. However, the league’s growth and continued dominance aren’t solely due to the action on the field. In recent years, the influence of sponsorships and betting platforms has become a significant driver behind the NFL’s soaring popularity. This article delves into how these partnerships are not just complementing the league’s appeal but are actively boosting its reach and revenue.

The Power of Sponsorships: More Than Just Branding

Sponsorships have always played a crucial role in the NFL’s financial ecosystem. Major corporations vie for the opportunity to have their brand associated with the league, and these partnerships extend far beyond simple logo placements. The NFL’s sponsorships are deep-rooted, multifaceted collaborations that enhance fan engagement and create a seamless connection between the sport and the brands involved.

Sponsorship deals in the NFL offer brands access to a vast and diverse audience. The league’s games are watched by millions of viewers across the country and internationally, making it a prime platform for advertisers. Companies like Pepsi, Nike, and Verizon have leveraged their NFL sponsorships to not only increase brand visibility but also to engage with fans in more meaningful ways. These companies create campaigns, promotions, and experiences that resonate with NFL fans, making the league an integral part of their brand identity.

Additionally, these sponsorships inject substantial revenue into the league. The funds generated from sponsorship deals are funneled back into the NFL, supporting various initiatives such as player development, community programs, and stadium enhancements. This, in turn, improves the overall quality of the game, making the NFL experience richer for fans.

Moreover, the alignment of brands with the NFL fosters a sense of loyalty among fans. When a beloved brand supports their favorite team or the league, fans often feel a deeper connection to both the brand and the sport. This emotional bond translates into increased brand loyalty and, ultimately, higher sales for the sponsoring companies.

The Rise of Betting Platforms: A Game-Changer for Fan Engagement

The legalization of sports betting in many states across the U.S. has ushered in a new era for the NFL. Betting platforms like FanDuel sportsbook have rapidly integrated themselves into the NFL ecosystem, offering fans new and exciting ways to engage with the sport. This transformation has profoundly impacted both fan engagement and the league’s revenue streams.

Betting platforms have revolutionized how fans interact with the NFL. Previously, fans primarily engaged with the sport by watching games, attending events, or participating in fantasy football leagues. While these activities still hold immense value, betting has introduced a more dynamic and immersive way to experience the NFL. Fans can now place wagers on various aspects of the game, from predicting the outcome of a match to speculating on player performances.

This new level of engagement has made the viewing experience more interactive and exciting. Fans who place bets are likely to watch games more attentively, as they have a personal stake in the outcome. This heightened interest not only increases viewership but also encourages fans to watch games they might otherwise have skipped, broadening the league’s audience.

From a financial perspective, the integration of betting platforms has opened up new revenue streams for the NFL. The league has struck lucrative deals with major betting companies, allowing these platforms to operate within the NFL’s framework. In return, the NFL receives a share of the profits generated from bets placed on its games. This influx of revenue further bolsters the league’s financial stability and supports its growth initiatives. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Moreover, NFL betting platforms have created opportunities for the NFL to tap into new markets. As more states legalize sports betting, the league’s potential audience expands. Betting platforms attract not only traditional sports fans but also individuals who may not have previously been interested in the NFL. This diversification of the fan base is crucial for the league’s long-term growth, as it ensures that the NFL remains relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.

The Synergy Between Sponsorships and Betting Platforms

The convergence of sponsorships and betting platforms has created a synergistic effect that amplifies the benefits of both. Sponsorship deals with betting companies have become increasingly common, further intertwining the NFL’s financial ecosystem with the world of sports betting. These partnerships create a powerful feedback loop, where increased fan engagement through betting leads to higher brand visibility and, consequently, more lucrative sponsorship deals.

Betting companies, like DraftKings and FanDuel, have capitalized on their NFL partnerships by offering exclusive promotions and odds to fans. These promotions are often tied to the league’s major events, such as the Super Bowl, and are heavily advertised through the NFL’s channels. This not only drives betting activity but also enhances the overall fan experience by providing more ways to engage with the sport.

Sponsorships also benefit from the presence of betting platforms. The heightened engagement from betting creates more opportunities for brands to connect with fans. For example, a fan who places a bet on a game is more likely to pay attention to the advertisements and promotions displayed during that game. This increased attention translates into higher returns on investment for sponsors, making the NFL an even more attractive platform for advertising.

Furthermore, the integration of betting platforms into the NFL has led to the development of new forms of content. Betting-related content, such as odds analysis, betting tips, and expert predictions, has become a staple of NFL coverage. This content is often sponsored by brands, creating additional revenue streams for both the league and the betting platforms. It also provides fans with valuable information, further enhancing their engagement with the sport.

Conclusion

The NFL’s ascent as a global sports powerhouse is not just a result of the on-field action but is also deeply tied to the strategic partnerships it has forged with sponsors and betting platforms. These relationships have not only provided the league with significant financial support but have also revolutionized how fans engage with the sport.

As the NFL continues to embrace these partnerships, it is poised to reach even greater heights, solidifying its status as the preeminent force in the world of sports. The future of the NFL is bright, and sponsorships and betting platforms will undoubtedly be at the forefront of its continued success.

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
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SPORTS

Is Rafa Nadal the best tennis player in history after adding a new Australian Open 2022?

Published

3 weeks ago

on

August 27, 2024

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Rafa Nadal made history at the Australian Open after beating Medvedev in a 2022 Australian Open final to remember. The Balearic tennis player, who came to the tournament with many doubts after his physical problems in his left foot, showed -once again- the courage he treasures and was able to turn the match around against a Daniil Medvedev who went up two sets …and that seemed to fly straight to his first Australian Open. Nothing is further from reality. And it is that Rafael Nadal did not lose focus and helped by greater efficiency in the first service and a much deeper and more accurate ‘drive’ managed to turn the score around and beat the Russian in an epic final of more than five hours. Nadal was crowned the new king of the Australian Open. Nadal repeated the success of 2009. Nadal confirmed himself as a great legend.

Nadal, king of the Australian Open 2022

After the resounding absence of Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal began his career against the American Marcos Giron, whom he easily beat in three sets, as well as his next rival, the German Hanfmann. His first major clash at the 2022 Australian Open was the one in which he faced the Russian Khachanov in round of 16, against whom he lost his first set of the tournament to finally win 6-3, 6-2, 3-6 and 6-1 . In the quarterfinals, Rafa Nadal also suffered to defeat Frenchman Mannarino, especially after a first set that ended in a tie break of up to 28 minutes. And in rooms Denis Shapovalov. Eye. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

From weighing retirement to rising as the best

The aggressive game of the Canadian, one of the tennis players called to dominate world tennis in the coming years, put the Balearic against the ropes and was able to overcome a deficit of two sets down. However, Nadal recovered and reached the semifinals, where he also dismantled the ‘bombardier’ ​​Mario Berrettini (another who is very strong on the circuit).

Nadal is left alone in the Olympus of tennis

The Australian Open final against Daniiel Medvedev was another story. Major words, maximum demand and extreme suffering. This time the Russian put aside his most controversial side (against Tsitsipas Medvedev he called the referee stupid) and based on ‘aces’ and crossed backhands he put Rafa Nadal, one of the most talented tennis players of the Open era, on the ropes. .if not the largest in history. Of course, the Balearic pulled pride and got an epic comeback.

Nadal, better than Federer and Djokovic?

Nadal’s triumph at the 2022 Australian Open has allowed him to add his 21st Grand Slam title, thus undoing the equality that prevailed between Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and the Balearic himself at the world tennis scepter. As if that were not enough, Rafa Nadal has another 36 Masters 1000 titles, in addition to 5 Davis Cups and 2 Olympic gold medals (one single and one in doubles). Taking these numbers into account, do you think Rafael Nadal is the best tennis player in history?

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
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