Sweet Baby Jesus and the orphans. What a hit.
Marek Hamsik has always been on the edge of the world footballing elite. A supremely talented attacking midfielder, he is perennially linked to a move to one of the traditional big boys of European football.
Perhaps he doesn’t get the attention he deserves. A nine-year stay at Napoli has meant that his skills haven’t ever really drawn the spotlight away from those plying their trade in England, Spain, Germany or even at Serie A’s super clubs.
But he is truly loved in both Naples and his native Slovakia; they truly appreciate his rare talents and leadership qualities. At the Euros on Wednesday, the 28-year-old talisman reminded the world that he is more than merely a haircut and a detachable jaw.
Having set up his teammate VladimÃr Weiss for the opening goal against Group B rivals Russia, Weiss returned the favour by setting up the Divine Mohawk – although to describe it as an ‘assist’ would be generous, as Hamsik very much created it from nowt.
Witness the fitness of this gorgeous effort. To paraphrase the 70s Scottish rock band Pilot: ‘Oh, ho, ho, it’s Marek! You know, never believe it’s not so…’
