In this week’s review section we look back at some of the big stories from the world of football to help learners of English improve their vocabulary. This week we congratulate Leo Messi, wonder what happened to Arsenal and are disappointed at Man City fans. You can find explanations of key vocabulary in bold below.
Subscribe: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Good
Atletico Madrid striker Falcao may have hit 5 goals in a single game and Real Madrid had a come-from-behind victory but the big talking points in Spain, actually the world, was Leo Messi’s record-breaking tally of 86 goals in a calendar year. The previous record had stood for over 40 years by German striker Gerd Müller but Messi overtook ‘Der Bomber’ when he notched two goals in a 2-1 victory away at Betis. Already the Catalan club’s top scorer of all time, Messi has three more games to further increase his already impressive total. Yet again amazing Leo.
Bad
Not a good week for Arsenal as they were dumped out of the League Cup this week by Division Two side Bradford. The Gunners had seen this competition as a chance to break their silverware drought but were beaten on penalties after the sides had finished 1-1 after extra time. A bad night for Wenger’s men.
Ugly
Manchester City fans were in the spotlight this week as United payer Rio Ferdinand was hit by a coin thrown by a City supporter and then a pitch invader tried to confront the United player but was held back by City keeper Hart. An unsavoury end to a pulsating game.
Vocabulary
points tally: points total
he notched two goals: He scored two goals
record had stood for: Had been in existence for …
to break their silverware drought: To end their wait for a trophy
in the spotlight: Everyone was focusing on them
a pitch invader: Someone came on to the pitch; a fan ran onto the pitch
pulsating: Exciting
