Paolo Rossi was the reason I fell in love with the World Cup. Italy 3 Brazil 2, July 5, 1982, is quite simply the greatest game of all time.
This summer will be the seventh World Cup I have gone to and covered but that game – even though I was just watching at home – is the best. And yes I know all about Rossi, the controversy and people saying he should not have been playing because his ban was reduced to two years after being caught up in a betting scandal.
Back in those days, football was brilliant, simple and I loved watching it with my Dad.
It felt like the whole world wanted Brazil to win the World Cup. They had the best team, the best players and were just amazing to watch. Eder, Falcao, Zico and Socrates. They were the best team never to win the World Cup.
View 3 ImagesItaly’s manager Enzo Bearzot embraces his players after beating Brazil 3-2 during the 1982 World Cup
Except for reasons I still cannot quite remember – just to be different probably – we wanted Italy to win. Dino Zoff, Claudio Gentile, Marco Tardelli and Rossi. What a team. I could quite literally watch that game – and I do have a recording – every day for the rest of my life and still not get bored. It was brilliant.
Every time Italy scored, Brazil came back. Then Rossi scored again to make it 3-2 and complete his hat trick. Then, bizarrely, me and my Dad hid behind the sofa. We could not bare to watch. Why? I just don’t know. It’s just what we did because we could not stand the tension. I can still remember the sun streaming in through the window, the old green sofa and we were crouching down behind it.
Italy got through and went on to win the 1982 World Cup. They beat Germany. Another team we loved. Pierre Littbarski. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (he wasn’t really fit).
Cue the greatest goal celebration of all time. Marco Tardelli reeling away, ecstasy etched across his face as he clenched his fists. It is beautiful. It is what football means.
Football was all me and my Dad ever talked about. Nothing else really. And that game. We’ll always have that game.
We went to football together. We watched it on TV. I definitely got my nervous disposition from him. Even to this day (wearing my fan hat rather than the professional one) I still turn off the TV and radio rather than put myself through torture. It’s stupid really.
View 3 ImagesItaly’s Paolo Rossi shoots at Brazilian goalkeeper Waldir Peres (Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)
The 2002 World Cup was my favourite in terms of covering. Going to Japan and South Korea was just a dream. 2010 was my least favourite because the atmospheres weren’t very good.
Without a doubt, the 2018 was most fun to cover because I couldn’t believe England got to the semi final. I’m completely unapologetic in being an England fan in the press box. I’m desperate for them to win. I would never shout or jump up. But I’m going crazy inside.
The 2022 World Cup was so different and I roomed with great colleagues Andy Dunn, David McDonnell and James Nursey which is something I will never forget.
I’m so excited for this summer. But nothing will ever top that crazy summer’s day in 1982. It was why I developed this love affair with the World Cup.
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