12/23/24
June 28, 2002
Which Are The Most Unforgettable World Cup Moments Since 1966?: The Guardian's David Lacey has covered every World Cup since 1966. This one, the tenth, will be his last. His (somewhat contentious and anglo-centric)choice of highlights, as well as his elder-statesman thoughts on the present final, are still a delight to read.
posted by Miguel Cardoso to soccer at 07:02 AM - 10 comments
For me it has to be Eusébio, despite trying so hard and after the 5-3 win against North Korea, from being 0-3 goals down, weeping after England barely but fairly beat Portugal in the 1966 semi-finals.[I hope it's OK to post a picture, as it seems relevant.] 
posted by Miguel Cardoso at 09:03 AM on June 28, 2002
1990 Semi-Final in Italy. Pearce steps up... 
posted by Ben at 09:59 AM on June 28, 2002
I love how they mention nothing about Lato of Poland scoring 7 goals for the Golden Boot... What an asshair!
posted by StarFucker at 10:29 AM on June 28, 2002
Perhaps a Polish newspaper correspondent would mention Lato. Also, scoring 7 goals is hardly a "moment". How about Muller scoring 10 goals for the Golden Boot in 1974, did that get a mention? Anywhooo, my most memorable World Cup moment is unfortunately a bad one. Cheating bastard Maradona's Hand of God. Some things will never be forgotten or forgiven.
posted by squealy at 11:37 AM on June 28, 2002
Favourite moment '90: Seeing Argentina lose. I supported Germany and relished their win but seeing these bastards lose was even sweeter. It hadn't anything to do with Argentina as a nation (I like the country a lot) but seeing that team foul and penaltyareapack its way to the final was bloodcurdling. Favourite moment '94: Seeing the US put up a fight against Brazil and nearly fighting them to a draw. I predicted then that the US would win the title in 2014 (not that I'd lay a bet on it... well not a lot of money). Friends and "pundits" laughed... who's laughing now. (hmm... aren't I a negative, cynical bastard. My favourite moments so far are gloaty-type ones... well, on to a more positive one) Favourite moment(s) '98: Seeing the French defenders getting tired of Stephan "couldn't hit a barndoor if he were standing two inches from it" Guyvarc'h (who, to be fair, was excellent in many other departments, just not in the one he was supposed to) and simply going forward to score themselves. Blanc in the Paraguay match and Thuram (twice!) in the Croatia match. They were kind of the mirror-image of the Brazilian '70 side which had the goalkeeper "couldn't put his hands on a barndoor if he were standing two inches from it" Felix. Favourite moment(s) '02: Seeing the S-Korean side taking everything southern Europe could throw at them and emerging victorious at the other end (not to mention seeing Portugal and Italy crash out ignomiously ;>). And seeing Sweden turn into a (nearly) lethal attacking side in extra-time against Senegal.
posted by Kattullus at 11:41 AM on June 28, 2002
My most unforgettable moment is still that damn hand of God goal. Maradona was king until he did that. And then proudly played the smartass about it. Looks like bad karma (and niggling injuries and an ensuing addiction to painkillers and "finer" stuff) have followed him (and Argentina) ever since. Crap monkey. Other unforgettable moment: Jurgen Klinsmann (hope I got the name right) jumping into and totally breaking the jaw of a French (?) keeper in the 82 or 86 Cup. And getting nothing but a look from the referee after the keeper had been shuttled off to the hospital. Another reason not to love the Germans. 2002 unforgettable moments: England's 1-0 win over Argentina, USA's two goals and win over Mexico, Owen's goal against Brazil (for one glittering moment, anything was possible...).
posted by worldcup2002 at 12:16 PM on June 28, 2002
Indelible memory, Baggio missing the penalty kick to lose the world cup in '94. I felt horrible for the guy. And of course the hand of god goal.
posted by trox at 02:51 PM on June 28, 2002
Miguel, as the sainted Lacy says, he is necessarily detached from events that don't include England. If you had read the bugger every day for the last 30 years you would hesitate before accusing him of anglo centricity though. He is nothing if not objective re England as the substance of his article suggests. I take issue with him on the Gemmill goal, good as it was. First it had no impression on the tournament overall. Second Gemmil was a sulky useless bald bastard when he played for us, and caused a car crash which left us short of Colin Todd for a bit. Third I had to endure my old man randomly yelling "ARCHIE ARCHIE GEMMILL" at inappropriate moments in his hilarious but unfortunate later years. I can't understand why England fans hate Maradona and the hand of God. It was a truly great moment and carries much more historical resonance than the so called wonder goal that followed. That was just the cherry on the top. I felt sorry about Baggio at the time with him being a Buddhist and all, (even though I'm not). But I read recently that he has completely disassociated himself from this worl cup by bogging off on a shooting trip to South America. Pardon? The divine pony tail? My ass, as I believe we say around here. Big up to Eusebio, not for his world cup exploits but for his conduct in the European cup final in 68. atrue gentleman. Liams Socrates post tells us all we need to know about antipathy towards Brazil this time round.
posted by Fat Buddha at 03:32 PM on June 28, 2002
Memorable means belonging to memory: my dad has the luxury of Eusebio in memory, a player who he always rated more highly than Pele. But, me, and the times when I can remember myself remembering to remember. Argentina-Cameroon 90, not for the goal, but for the astonishing foul on Canniggia. Brazil-Italy 1982. Owen against Argentina, 98, watching in Pepino's pizzeria, Athens GA. Voeller and Rijkard's spitting match. Others, many others, beyond the obvious.
posted by etagloh at 08:05 PM on June 29, 2002
Socrates in 1982 - imperious stroll, backheels, standing penalty kicks, medical degree and three packs a day. Because style is more important than victory.