One of soccer’s most memorable celebrations was brought to the Maracanã Stadium on Sunday by an NFL kicker. Tyler Loop, a kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, successfully kicked a 56-yard field goal as time ran out, securing a 34-31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, and celebrated with Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature “Siu” move, which the crowd enthusiastically echoed back to him.
The “Siu” is a well-known celebration in which Ronaldo leaps, spins, and lands with his arms at his sides while shouting “Siuuu,” an elongated version of the Spanish word for “yes.” Loop mentioned that teammate Ryan Eckley had initially suggested a soccer-style knee slide for the celebration, but he opted for the “Siu” instead. With just three minutes left in the game, another teammate, Nick Moore, encouraged him by saying, “We’re gonna do something epic to win this game.”
Loop expressed his pride in his team’s efforts, stating, “Our number was called, and Nick (Moore) and Ryan and the guys up front did their jobs, allowing me to do mine.” Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey had previously tied the game with a 23-yard field goal with just seven seconds remaining. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson then completed a crucial 27-yard pass to Zay Flowers and called a timeout with one second left, setting the stage for Loop’s decisive kick.
This matchup marked the NFL’s third game in Brazil and its first ever in Rio de Janeiro, drawing a crowd of 72,792 spectators. It was also the first American football game played at the iconic Maracanã Stadium. Loop’s kick was particularly significant following his missed 44-yard field goal in last season’s finale that cost the Ravens a playoff spot in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He noted that the team’s resilience has grown this season.
“We discussed the importance of unity,” Loop said. “There was adversity, but we came back strong, and it was fantastic.” He emphasized that the camaraderie with teammates is what he values most about football. “The fellowship and togetherness you build with your teammates is the most special aspect of this sport,” Loop remarked. “It’s amazing to see how we’ve triumphed over the challenges since last season.”
Fan Take: This intersection of NFL and soccer culture highlights how global and interconnected sports have become. For soccer fans, it signifies an opportunity for greater recognition of their beloved sport in new markets, potentially increasing soccer’s influence and popularity in the United States.
Source: www.foxsports.com
