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With two minutes remaining of the
2012 UEFA Champions League final,
Chelsea were starring defeat squarely in the face.
1-0 down to Bayern Munchen,
they had a late chance to force extra-time,
winning a corner to be taken by Juan Mata.
Didier Drogba would complete a memorable night
by scoring the winning penalty as Chelsea
became kings of Europe, but it was that header that,
for many, will be the abiding memory of the Munich final.
It's true that during that final we had no corner-kicks,
we suffered a lot against a very strong Bayern team.
The only corner-kick in the game was well taken
by Juan Mata, and I managed get free from my marker,
Boateng, and I took advantage and positioned my body
taking into account where the goal was,
and put it on target and made the right move
to give the ball some speed.
One of the best at attacking heading in the
European club game, Drogba reveals practice
was key to mastering his technique.
I know that my heading game is one of my strengths.
It is something that I worked on a lot when I was young.
I had a coach who made me work a lot on my heading,
and he allowed me to get the timing right.
Timing is the most important thing when heading a ball.
Many players are good with their heads,
but timing is crucial,
the fact of anticipating and always striking.
I think that with a lot of hard work you master some moves.
So maybe yes, timing is something you possess or you don’t,
but to know how to use and master this timing
and put the ball on target you need to master
your heading game.
Despite being in the twilight of his career,
Drogba is a player who is still striving to
better his ability on the pitch.
I am player who is not satisfied with what
he’s already accomplished.
I do not sit on my laurels.
I have a lot to work on still.
I never stop working and I hope I can keep on
improving on many levels,
such as my heading game for example.