Was it fuck.
Degree of difficulty is the same hence you get Lyons, Romas, Ajaxes and Leipzigs in semis these days after mounting a good run of results vs stronger opponents, just ultimately not as wide a field when you have to at some point beat Pep or a team with Mbappe or Lewa on it. 2004 was more of them being part of a bonkers season where every old boy side tumbled out against a smaller opponent (United to Porto, Milan to Super Depor, Arsenal to Ranieri Chelski) so was easier to look to the side and ask oneself “well if they can, why not us”. Teams could do it then just not as often in CR Messi era, just look at Bordeaux and Villarreal still knocking about.
He’s done fine internationally, a Euro final, a Nations League and a WC win while not playing amazing, but solid. Could argue he’s always got handbrake on like Ancelotti but he’s a DM who spent a lot of time in Italy so no surprise.
Tbh genuinely couldn’t tell how old you are. Just went by general estimate of a typical Hasan Piker fanbase member lol