Every four years, the Worlds biggest sporting event descends on us all for a month or so and a feast of football is to be had.
Even here in the closeted existence that is modern day America, football is getting huge exposure. Record numbers of children are playing. Youth football or soccer as it is called over here is huge and the major powers of sports are nervously looking over their shoulders. If they aren’t - they should be! Football/Soccer is here to stay!
This year sees the US show total coverage of the finals on mainstream TV, a whole generation is about to be immersed into a terrific tradition just as I was as a kid growing up in the south-east of Ireland.
Memories are flooding back so I’ll begin…
1970, Mexico
The first game I remember was the 1970 final between Brazil & Italy, two superpowers of the game…I remember Carlos Alberto’s goal more than anything. A move of sublime brilliance, the instigator of the piece was a man called Pelé, his rolled pass seemed to freeze – frame as it moved, such was it’s controlled pace as Alberto swooped upon it to blast the ball home and vanquish the Italians 4-1.
1974, Germany
I remember ’74 for the Scottish presence, their exuberant fans, rejoicing that they were there and the English weren’t. Gerd Muller was a phenomenon, one of my favourite players ever, his nickname - “Der Bomber”. The elegance & leadership of “Der Kaiser” – Franz Beckenbauer as Germany shoved the arrogance of Holland back in their faces in the World cup final.
The Dutch played their beautiful “Total” football but their attitude cost them the Championship, pissing about in the first half, trying to humiliate the home nation by showboating. Allowing the Germans to regroup & restock when they should have been killed off. The second half, it was the Germans who showed how to play Total football.
1978, Argentina
Scotland’s arrogant belief of winning the tournament & getting their arses soundly whacked. The emergence of Asian football in ("dinnae worry about them!") Iran’s shock draw with the Scots. Teofilio Cubillas' master class for Peru against them (yes, the bloody scots!). Archie Gemmil’s wonder-goal for Scotland against Holland still couldn't stop Ally Mcleod & his tartan army being sent home with their tail between their legs.
Argentina was depressing for me to be honest. Brazil being cheated out of progress by a terrible refereeing decision. Argentina’s dodgy win over Peru to progress. The gamesmanship by the Argies over a much humbler, wiser & better Dutch team in the final.
1982, Spain.
For me, this was a wonderful tournament. Terrific games, drama, thrills, spills & so m
uch more.We saw African football emerge as Algeria & the Cameroon appear. Roger Milla became the first African superstar. A terrific Algerian team denied progress by the fix of Austria & Germany’s 90 minute love in. Such camaraderie had not been seen by both sides since the 1938 Anschluss.
Who can ever forget the Kuwaiti Sheikh coming onto the pitch and forcing the ref to overturn a French goal causing such a furor that the ref was afterwards banished home by FIFA, losing his credentials forever. The French eventually won 4-1. That group also featured the fastest goal in a finals, Bryan Robson in 27 secs for England in ther 3-1 win over France.
The greatest team never to win a world cup, Brazil in ’82. My God, they were something special…Eder, Junior, Falcao, Zico, Socrates. I still cannot believe they did not win it but they didn’t, being beaten by the catenaccio of Italy in one of the greatest games of all times in the second round. Paolo Rossi being the villain/hero of the piece from whatever perspective you may choose to take. The other team in that group (known as the group of death) - Argentina, introduced a player by the name of Diego Maradonna. He was sent off in their defeat by Brazil. Four years later though, the world would truly know him!
Northern Ireland appeared in these finals, my first glimpse of an Irish team at a final, albeit not my home country of the Republic. Still I was rooting for the northerners as they were sensational. Beating the hosts Spain with ten men and winning their group outright. Heroes all, Managed by Billy Bingham, the team included Pat Jennings, Gerry Armstrong, Martin O’Neill, Mal Donachy, Sammy McIlroy, Billy Hamilton and a young fellah by the name of Norman Whiteside, who at 17 became the youngest ever player to play in a Finals, taking that record off a certain man’s shoulders called Pelé.
For me the dream final would have been Brazil v France, it never happened as Italy beat the Brazilians and Germany overcame France in an epic game much remembered for the German keepers (Schumacher) near decapitation of Patrick Battiston who was carried off the field unconscious with a broken jaw. Schumacher did not even get a card let alone did France gain a free kick, an incredible decision.. The game though was a classic, France going 3-1 up in injury time only for the dogged Germans to claw it back. The game being decided on penalties. Germany winning 5-4.
Italy won the final 3-1, Altobelli’s after goal celebrations being a terrific moment for any football fan. I remember the Germans looking knackered after such a hard fought semi final. Italy deserved their victory though, a classy side who vanquished an incredible Brazilian side fairly & squarely and ultimately could lay claim to be known as champions of the World.
I’ll write more anon but it’s late and the bed is calling!
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