By now, you might have seen many articles, news reports, expert commentaries, and player statements about the World Cup in South Africa. You may be in one or more World Cup pools, have wagers going with your buddies, and may even have rearranged your vacation plans or routine to not miss that all important game.
The plans are in place to generate some very special memories of the biggest sporting event in the world.
The first World Cup I experienced was Spain 1982. As a young kid who played soccer with my dad and godfather, Mr. Don McIsaac, as coaches, I basically followed them in all things soccer.
I noticed my dad was glued to our small black and white television set with great interest whereas he’d never pay so much attention when other soccer games were on.
But this was the World Cup. It turns casual soccer fans into hardcore soccer fans.
With the interest and excitement I saw in my dad, and even my mom to some extent, I knew the World Cup was something special.
I got into it cheering wildly for Brazil with their fantastic players like Zico, Socrates, Eder, and Falcao. This was a team of soccer geniuses.
But I was so disappointed when Brazil lost in the second round to Italy 3–2 as Paolo Rossi scored a hat trick. This was one of the finest soccer matches I saw (to this day) and I really felt the world lost something with Brazil eliminated. How could they lose to Italy when Italy had shown absolutely nothing in the opening stages?
I learned that soccer isn’t always about playing beautifully. A team sometimes needs to be pragmatic in its approach and Italy was a prime example of this. They barely made it to the knockout stage after three draws in their opening round, but when it counted, they delivered the goods.
But Rossi was just getting started. He scored two more in the semifinal win against Poland.
Talk about a guy turning his career around in a big way. Paolo Rossi had nothing but bad karma going into the World Cup but he emerged a hero.
The second semifinal between France and West Germany was, quite simply, unforgettable. It was the first time I witnessed the drama of a penalty shootout. This came after 30 minutes of extra time in which four goals were scored as West Germany dug themselves out of a crater.
France took a 3–1 lead in extra time, which should have sealed the deal. But I’ll never forget the German resolve of never giving up. To this day, soccer pundits talk about never counting out the Germans.
I also witnessed the ugly side of soccer, as important decisions are left to human error. West German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher charged out of his net after a ball but instead knocked out France’s Patrick Battiston. Somehow Schumacher was allowed to continue playing when he should have been red-carded.
With the interest and excitement I saw in my dad, and even my mom to some extent, I knew the World Cup was something special.
I got into it cheering wildly for Brazil with their fantastic players like Zico, Socrates, Eder, and Falcao. This was a team of soccer geniuses.
But I was so disappointed when Brazil lost in the second round to Italy 3–2 as Paolo Rossi scored a hat trick. This was one of the finest soccer matches I saw (to this day) and I really felt the world lost something with Brazil eliminated. How could they lose to Italy when Italy had shown absolutely nothing in the opening stages?
I learned that soccer isn’t always about playing beautifully. A team sometimes needs to be pragmatic in its approach and Italy was a prime example of this. They barely made it to the knockout stage after three draws in their opening round, but when it counted, they delivered the goods.
But Rossi was just getting started. He scored two more in the semifinal win against Poland.
Talk about a guy turning his career around in a big way. Paolo Rossi had nothing but bad karma going into the World Cup but he emerged a hero.
The second semifinal between France and West Germany was, quite simply, unforgettable. It was the first time I witnessed the drama of a penalty shootout. This came after 30 minutes of extra time in which four goals were scored as West Germany dug themselves out of a crater.
France took a 3–1 lead in extra time, which should have sealed the deal. But I’ll never forget the German resolve of never giving up. To this day, soccer pundits talk about never counting out the Germans.
I also witnessed the ugly side of soccer, as important decisions are left to human error. West German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher charged out of his net after a ball but instead knocked out France’s Patrick Battiston. Somehow Schumacher was allowed to continue playing when he should have been red-carded.
In the penalty shootout, I just had this feeling when Maxime Bossis, with his socks down around his ankles, meekly walked up to take the penalty, he’d miss.
And sure enough he did, and West Germany got into the final.
I believe Schumacher, looking like a caged lion on his goal line had sufficiently intimidated the France squad. It was disappointing to see France go out with the creativity they had in midfield (Michel Platini, Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana) especially when Schumacher shouldn’t have even been on the field.
I somehow, as a young kid, saw the final between Italy and West Germany as a battle between the good guys (Italy) and the bad guys (West Germany).
As you know, the “good guys” triumphed and I was happy to a certain extent. I still felt the way the Brazilians played was the most entertaining to watch. But I admired the fighting spirit of the Germans and the defensive strength of the Italians. The French brought their flair and talent.
I got an introduction to all the highs and lows of the month-long World Cup tournament. In terms of upsets, it’s hard to forget that West Germany, despite reaching the final, actually lost their opener to Algeria.
It’s interesting to think about the parallels with the 2010 version of the World Cup. Spain lost it’s opener to Switzerland in a major upset. Italy has struggled in the round robin stage. Ironically, referees have sent off players when they should not have (Kaka, Valon Behrami).
But the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is still waiting for that riveting thriller of a match. Stay tuned!
And sure enough he did, and West Germany got into the final.
I believe Schumacher, looking like a caged lion on his goal line had sufficiently intimidated the France squad. It was disappointing to see France go out with the creativity they had in midfield (Michel Platini, Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana) especially when Schumacher shouldn’t have even been on the field.
I somehow, as a young kid, saw the final between Italy and West Germany as a battle between the good guys (Italy) and the bad guys (West Germany).
As you know, the “good guys” triumphed and I was happy to a certain extent. I still felt the way the Brazilians played was the most entertaining to watch. But I admired the fighting spirit of the Germans and the defensive strength of the Italians. The French brought their flair and talent.
I got an introduction to all the highs and lows of the month-long World Cup tournament. In terms of upsets, it’s hard to forget that West Germany, despite reaching the final, actually lost their opener to Algeria.
It’s interesting to think about the parallels with the 2010 version of the World Cup. Spain lost it’s opener to Switzerland in a major upset. Italy has struggled in the round robin stage. Ironically, referees have sent off players when they should not have (Kaka, Valon Behrami).
But the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is still waiting for that riveting thriller of a match. Stay tuned!
Follow Rahul on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/RV_ETSports
