Celtic’s win against Rangers to keep the Scottish Cup in the Parkhead trophy room sparked scenes of celebration in Glasgow’s east end yesterday.
The Hampden victory puts Brendan Rodgers’ medal count to nine as the Celtic boss and I am sure that he will be looking to increase that when the new season kicks in.
And as Rodgers takes the acclaim of the Celtic fans, the world media have offered their verdict on the Parkhead boss’ fourth win out of five over the Ibrox club.
Media laud Celtic’s ‘blow’ on Rangers
As it was Adam Idah‘s goal that won the cup, what better place to start than in the Republic of Ireland international strikers’ homeland?
RTE in Ireland: “The final stages were racked with tension and then Celtic success.
“When Wright lost possession in midfield, Celtic drove forward with Paulo Bernardo trying his luck from distance and when Butland failed to hold, Idah was quickly in to despatch the ball into the net and deliver a knockout blow to the Govan men, with eight added minutes still not allowing them to recover.”
With Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi all starting for Celtic at Hampden, Japan is next where the media hailed Celtic’s ‘patience’:
Sports Navi in Japan raved about Paulo Bernardo: “In a match where the patience of a single goal was tested, it was only in a split second that the equilibrium was lost.
“In the 89th minute, substitute Bernardo evaded an opponent’s tackle and carried the ball forward and fired a shot from the vital area. It was deflected by the opposing goalkeeper, but Ida pushed the loose ball in and Celtic scored the long-awaited opener.”
Despite not featuring in the final, Luis Palma‘s homeland media saluted Celtic for overcoming Philippe Clement’s side to lift the cup.
DeportesTVC in Honduras called the win over Rangers ‘dramatic’: “With a goal in the last minute of regular time, Celtic beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park in Glasgow to sign a well-rounded season in which they achieved the double.
“Brendan Rodgers’ men overcame Rangers with a dramatic goal from Adam Idah in the 89th minute. With 42 wins, Celtic are the top winners of the Scottish Cup.”
Portugal is our next stop as Paulo Bernardo‘s hand in the goal made the news in the Portuguese media:
O Jogo [via the Daily Record]: “Celtic beat rival Rangers 1-0 this Saturday and won the Scottish Cup, after becoming Scottish champions. The goal came in the 90th minute, through Adam Idah, and the Portuguese Paulo Bernardo – who entered in the 78th minute – actively participated in the effort.
“The midfielder loaned from Benfica to Celtic carried the ball for several meters, shot hard for an incomplete save by the Rangers goalkeeper, and on the rebound the striker opened the scoring. For Rangers, who won the Scottish League Cup this season, Fábio Silva started and left in the 74th minute.”
So it seems that as well as dominating Scottish football and headlines in Scotland, Celtic’s win has reverberated around the world as Brendan Rodgers ends his first season back at the club on a high note.
The Celtic manager will now be looking forward to preparing for next season. Champions League football is guaranteed and the Parkhead boss will be looking to spend the millions that come with it to strengthen his assault on Europe’s top competition.