Did the Viaplay Cup final live up to its billing? There's an argument that these games never do such is the hype beforehand.
For Celtic, it's one for the ages because they triumphed at Hampden. Those moments are the national stadium are always ones to treasure. For Rangers, they'll try and forget but it's not easy when you're on the wrong end of a result against your city rivals. For neutrals, that won't be as difficult. Entertainment was at a premium and there wasn't even the fall back of a bit of VAR or refereeing controversy to stoke the fires.
Kyogo loves this occasion though. After a double against Hibs to turn the game around last year, the Japanese forward was at it again, this time firing Ange Postecoglou's team into a two-goal lead before Alfredo Morelos pulled one back in an attempt to make things interesting for the final 20 minutes or so.
Whether he managed it or not is up for debate, but Record Sport has had a look at how media from around the globe rated our first cup final of the season.
Keep Up (Australia)
“Kyogo Furuhashi fired Celtic to Scottish League Cup final glory as the Japanese striker's double delivered a 2-1 win against Rangers at Hampden Park.Ange Postecoglou's Hoops completed a successful trophy defence and remain firmly in the hunt for a domestic treble.
“Top of the league by nine points from nearest challengers Rangers, this result for Celtic denied their Old Firm rivals a chance to turn the tables and scoop silverware. Rangers were seeking their first trophy in this competition since 2010-11, but on a pitch that looked better suited to battle than football, it was the men in green and white hoops that had the better attacking ammunition."
No nonsense form the Aussies, but the SFA have a problem when an "improved" pitch still gets slaughtered.
Trivela (Brazil)
The outlet took the L'Equipe approach to harsh marking and claimed Sunday's clash lacked some electricity. That verdict seemed off considering the nerve-shredding conclusion within the national stadium.
“The Scottish League Cup was decided this Sunday (26), once again between arch rivals Celtic and Rangers. With a great performance by Kyogo Furuhashi, the Bhoys won by 2-1, in a very busy game in Glasgow, at Hampden Park.
“Despite the many thrilling moments, the two teams lacked some calm to keep the passes right. The evident nervousness that surrounds the classic took some of the shine from what would have been a naturally electrifying final.”
Guardian (London)
And it received some mixed reviews south of the border as well. Instantly forgettable? Not for those of a green and white persuasion.
“It was appropriate that the two pieces of genuine quality in an instantly forgettable final were sufficient to win the League Cup for Celtic. Rangers had a pulse after Alfredo Morelos reduced a deficit which had sat at 2-0 but Kyogo Furuhashi’s earlier interventions proved key.
"Ange Postecoglou’s team have successfully defended their trophy and punctured the sense of optimism apparent at Ibrox since Michael Beale’s arrival. The more cohesive football here was played by those in hoops.”
A bit rich considering the English version fizzled out like the Hampen pyro.
Sport Italia (Italy)
"Morelos' goal proved useless, which had brought the Gers back into the game less than half an hour from the end .
"Furthermore, the Celts , first in the league, with this triumph keep alive the dream of completing the national treble , with the victory of the Premiership and the Scottish Cup."
Factually accurate, but pulling no punches when describing a cup final consolation.
AS (Colombia)
“When everything seemed to lean in Celtic's favour, Morelos appeared to score the discount goal that gave life to his team. The Colombian's score came at minute 63 after a free kick from the left side that Tavernier took. The striker received at the far post, controlled with his left and defined with his right to make it 1-2.
“Although Morelos was one of the references in the Rangers attack, Beale decided to replace him at minute 75 of the game, something that caused some annoyance in the attacker who left the field angry at the coach's decision. In the end, there was no time for more and Celtic was left with the victory thus achieving its 21st title in the League Cup.”
"Somewhat of an annoyance" is beautifully underplaying it, and AS even seemed annoyed that the one Colombian was hooked at Hampden.
Goal (Japan)
"Celtic led by two goals and they are not an opponent to be easily beaten. Morelos pushed in a loose ball from a free kick from the left side, and Rangers returned.
"Rangers, who regained their breath with this one goal, approached the Celtic goal as if they were folding. Celtic entered a period of restlessness, but they endured it with a solid defence"
Some of the more pedantic Celtic fans out there would have a field day with Rangers "regaining their breath" but ;et's not go there.
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