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Memories of Argentina
Memories Of Argentina Vs. The Netherlands 78
An article about the first World Cup final I ever saw played live, between Argentina and the Netherlands. This in fact being the first time I witnessed the excitement of a final encounter in any sport.
The year was 1978, in the month of June in the summer though in Argentina where the world cup was taking place the season was winter. This making it necessary for the players to wear long sleeve shirts, in what up till now has been the last time the world cup was staged in a country that was not in the middle of summer, though next year's competition will be held in South Africa, where June is also a winter month.
It was the Sunday of the final which I will never forget, as I would be watching the most important of games for the first time. Argentina and the Netherlands had made it to the finals, both with great teams which despite neither being undefeated, were standing one step from becoming world champions for the first time in their footballing history.
Argentina was the team those who came to my house to watch the game supported, given most of them were Argentine or South American. How they would be cheering for Argentina was clear, given this had become a matter of national pride. Argentina and their fans needed a victory and how much it meant to them even I at that early of 11 could see.
As for Argentina they had qualified to the final over Brazil; not by having beaten them in a game but simply having a goal difference of 8-0 which topped Brazil's 6-2. Argentina however to qualify had to defeat Peru by 4 goals in their last game before the final. This being something they would do by 6-0 in a game which till this day is suspected of having been fixed by bribery. This the case though concrete proof has never been established to support this claim.
The Netherlands much to my sadness made it to the final for the second time in a row by beating Italy 2-1 in a game they could have even afforded the luxury of drawing in order to get to the final. Them being a team that again like they had four years prior had great players; such as Neeskins, Resenbrink, Krol, Repp and most of those who had played in the 1974 World Cup. Johan Cruyff being the notable absentee yet in spite of this the Dutch team had managed to reach the final and again they were pitted against the host team.
Argentina when it came to its players was also packed with stars who had definitely made a name for themselves during the 78 World Cup. Kempes, Pasarella, Ardilles, Fillol and Bertoni were those Argentina would be depending upon that day to deliver them the title of World Champion they so desperately wanted.
As for myself I can not say that the game meant anything to me personally, other than wanting to watch what I hoped would be an interesting spectacle. Argentina was the country of many of my family members but this was never a nation for which I held any particular love for. This given that I grew up in the States, with a mostly Italian background. It was in a way wonderful to be watching a game, not worrying about who won or lost, as I could just lay back and observe, instead of constantly hoping for one specific team to win.
This due to me not caring in the least which team became champion but that it be a final worthy of a place in history. The game was to be played in "Stadio Monumental" in Buenos Aires, this being the home of one of Argentina's most popular teams; River Plate.
As for the final itself, it was the last time the participants would not come out on to the field of play side by side. This being a slight factor, since the Argentine team would come out of their locker-room five minutes after the Netherlands, making them wait while the crowd became apparently even more hostile toward them. Argentina doing thus in what some considered a deliberate delay tactic, perhaps in an attempt to cool of the Dutch and prevent them from getting off to a good start like they did in the 74 final, where they scored a goal only two minutes in to the game.
As for the starting time, it would be delayed even more when Argentina complained in the opinion of many, mine included unfairly about a bandage on the arm of Holland's Renier Van Der Kerkhof, which in fact had already been approved of by FIFA, apart from having been used in previous matches without any problems. It was during these moments of tension that Italian referee Sergio Gonella (last name meaning skirt in Italian) demonstrated his weak character by allowing these blatant delay tactics to continue till the point of the Dutch team threatening to walk out on the game. A solution however was found to this dilemma and it being to add an extra layer of protection to the bandage already being worn by one of the Van Der Kerkhof twins. All of which making for a very late start which seemed to be precisely what Argentina had wanted and got.
The game eventually got under way on this Sunday, with both teams pushing forward and having their share of scoring chances. The crowd as one could expect was behind Argentina all the way as were those who had come to watch the game in my parent's house. How they cheered when they got close to scoring (specially when a Pasarella shot missed by very little early in the first half) or suffered when the Netherlands threatened (specially when a header by Repp missed the mark by small fractions) Fillol's goal. It being something which showed me for the first time what a final really meant to those whose country played in it.
The 38 minute mark came when screams of "goal" here heard not only through out my parent's living room but The Monumental. Joy seemed to be everywhere when Kempes, after being set up by Ardiles and Bertoni managed to beat Dutch goalkeeper, Youngblood to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. Argentina was in the lead and such the first half would end.
During the break those in my house who unlike me were not impartial, seemed to be about to enter heaven. Their team was winning and to them nothing else mattered. Argentina and their national football team, at least on that day was everything and there would be a feast and wild celebration not if but when Argentina won or such had they planed it. An uncle of mine even declaring Argentina had already won, as if the second half was but a formality.
The second half got under way with a lot of rough play from both sides but Argentina benefited the most from it. This given the still unchanged factor that they were winning. The Netherlands eventually realized that theirs would be wise to concentrate on attack as all knew they were capable of and forget returning fouls. Krol stepped up for the Netherlands and along with Haan and Neeskins took control of the game, as Argentina was bottled up in their own half of the field.
Pressure was mounting as chances were getting clearer for the Dutch however Argentina still kept their 1-0 lead. Time was running out for the Dutch and at one point it even seemed to me Argentina's slim 1-0 lead might hold out till the end when Nanninga not only equalized with a header but became the first substitute to ever score a goal in a final. All in an action that occurred at the 82nd minute mark of the game. The game was tied at 1 a piece, which sent my mother's family in to near panic, as victory was no longer a sure thing. All of which made worse by the fact that the Dutch were controlling the game and looking to if anything go up in the score board.
Regarding the Dutch goal, it come of a cross by Van Der Kerkhof; who found Nanninga unmarked and streaking in to the penalty box, though seeing the reply I did notice one thing. It being that Fillol had gone too far to the side of the goal from where the centering pass came, so much that he was out of position and as a consequence of this could not get back in time to cover Nanninga's header, which in my opinion he would have saved had he been waiting for the cross on the inside of the goal post.
The score was level and just as overtime seemed about to come, a long pass came to Resenbrink with a minute left which he bounced of the Argentine post. How close the Dutch came to pulling of this upset was something I nor any who saw the match will ever forget. It was at that moment that those around me who so loudly had supported Argentina through out the game seemed to almost have ceased breathing. They had been pulled so closed to disaster that it was as if their lives would have ended had Resenbrink's shot gone in and scored what would have been the winning goal. This the case since a minute was left in the game. The game much to the relief of all those around me as well as in Monumental Stadium however would end 1-1.
Overtime would be needed and what a thrill it had been up till that point even if it had not been a brilliantly played game from a technical point. This due to neither side showing football which could be regarded as particularly great but in their actions one could not deny there was great determination on both sides to win.
It was my feelings that told me during the intermission before the overtime was due to start that Argentina would win, not that I wished them to do so but sensed that if The Netherlands after all that effort had not been able to win, their chances in overtime were less given the amount of energy they had displayed. Specially in the last 15 minutes of the game. I in all must confess was hoping to see the game be decided by penalties; as it would have been the first time in World Cup history that any kind of game would have been decided via this method. It in fact had been before the 78 World Cup that FIFA had established that if a game were to end in a draw after 120 minutes the two teams would have to go in to a penalty shoot out to determine the winner; instead of a reply, like it had been done up and till then.
Tensions were high everywhere as the first period of overtime started and just as I had thought the Dutch were incredibly tired after regulation time, not that the Argentines were not as well but they had not been forced to go forward in the way the Netherlands had in the last 20 minutes of the game. Argentina attacked yet if truth be told it was due to having more physical strength than their opponents rather than finesse or better quality of play. In fact I could say then that looking at the Dutch on the field and their weak attempts at attack made me see that this was one for Argentina to score and win and if they did not do it, the Dutch were going to have to hope for a good outcome in the penalty shot out. This because the Netherlands definitely did not look like a team that could score a goal in any other way.
Argentina as was visible from the action on the field got their first goal and it came just as the first half of overtime was about to end, at the 114 minute mark when once again Kempes went through the Dutch defense, to give Argentina a 2-1 lead. Kempes's was a spectacular goals in many ways but if one looks at the Dutch defense it was clear they were not in any shape to even get in his way, as he charged toward Youngblood's goal, who like in the first goal also came off his line only to be beaten for the second time that day. Argentina was in the lead and how those around me and in the Stadium rejoiced as their team had taken the lead just as the half ended.
The second period began right away without delay and as it did I could sense how those around me were practically already celebrating and in my mind did they ever have reason to. The Dutch team looked like a team that was almost dead on their feet, perhaps also from a psychological point of view as well; as if that ball hitting the bar had broken their fighting spirit.
In the second period which like the first one would last 15 minutes the Dutch went forward but more from having no choice but to do so instead of any real desires or will to win. It perhaps was a gallant effort on the part of the Dutch to some how try to bounce back but it proved to be of no use, as Argentina would score again at the 115 minute via Bertoni. The 3rd Argentine goal however saw Kempes handle the ball before passing it over to Bertoni who simply tucked it away past Dutch goalkeeper, Youngblood. It being a play which the Dutch would protest to the referee about. This of course being to no able as the goal stood; giving Argentina a 3-1 advantage with five minutes left in the game.
The last five minutes ended with The Netherlands attempting to attack without any real danger, as time ran out on their hopes, leaving Argentina as world champion for the first time in their footballing history. Argentina had won and the first ever world cup which I had seen live had come to an end, sending all around me as well as the Monumental in to a celebration that would last through out the night.
In a footnote, I would add that this game left a lot of bitterness between the Dutch and Argentine players, which would be made clear in the way the Dutch team did not even participate in the post game ceremony to receive their runner's-up medals.
Memories Of Argentina Vs. Brazil 82
An article about how I saw Argentina loose the title of World Champion to a high flying Brazilian team on a most inspired day.
It was the World Cup "Spain 82" and did Brazil ever have a great team, some arguing that it was on a par with any other they had ever fielded if not better though for my part I would find it hard to compare two teams that played so many years apart yet this without a doubt was one of the most outstanding teams in Brazilian history. A team to rank with the won which had managed to win the world cup in both 58 and 62 as well as the one which won in 70 and were they ever playing like a team that almost had to be crowned world champion. Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Eder, Cerezo, Junior etc. yet it was not just a matter of having many stars but of playing magnificently. This being precisely what Brazil was doing, having won their first three encounters in Spain 82, starting with a 2-1 victory against a very solid Soviet team then 4-1 against Scotland and a 4-0 rout over already eliminated New Zealand. They were definitely not only a team capable of greatness but had arrived in the world cup at a time that caught them at their very best and did it ever show on the field of play.
Argentina on the other hand was in fact a team which in practice had already lost their title. This being the case despite them having only lost to Italy by 2-1 yet in a group were being first was everything, with 2nd and 3rd meaning nothing; it was clear that their chances for advance were extremely limited. This due to the fact that they would have to not only beat Brazil (for any other result meant automatic elimination) but hope Brazil would go on to beat Italy by a score that would eliminate both of them; leaving Argentina in first place. It was not that something of the sort was mathematically impossible but not very probable that such a scenario could come about, specially since Argentina in reality needed to beat Brazil by 2 goals, so they could have a 3-2 goal difference. Naturally if Argentina managed this it would not suffice; for in order to qualify to the semifinal they would then be in need of a Brazil win over Italy by 2-0. This leaving Argentina, Brazil and Italy with 2 points each while Argentina would qualify due to a better goal difference of 3-2 to Brazil's 2-2 or Italy's 2-3.
As one could see it was possible for this to occur yet odds were definitely against it. I must say for my part that I was hopeful for an Argentine victory or at least a draw; which would put Italy in a situation where a draw against Brazil was all they would need. Maradona would have to be at his best which is what those who came to my house to watch the game and I were hoping for. This the case though deep down, apart from their cheering they knew it was all over as this last game was more for the sake of pride, which would not allow them to yield their arch South American rivals; Brazil a victory of any kind, let alone an easy one.
I however still believed that Argentina could at least get a result which would make it possible for Italy to qualify on the strength of a draw against Brazil, as even a 1-0 win by Brazil would have made this possible.
The game started with my relatives cheering for Argentina and for the first time; me doing likewise but for Italy's sake. Argentina started as they had done in their previous match with Maradona playing very well but all alone in a team that included not only those who were past their prime but with little in the way of motivation.
Brazil contrary to Italy and Belgium did not concentrate of stopping Maradona but on attacking; apparently knowing he would not get much support from his teammates. This being exactly what occurred as Brazil and above all Zico controlled the game. Maradona however did manage to get in the Brazilian penalty box, which forced Junior to pull him down from behind in what perhaps should have been a penalty; though the referee did not call it. This much to the protests of those around me; who like me felt Maradona had earned a spot kick.
Despair however started when Brazil scored at the 11 minute mark through Zico. In what really was a spectacular goal, first Eder took a free kick and as was his habit blasted the ball like he did on his goal against the Soviet Union only this time Fillol managed to get a hand on the ball. This just enough to make it go off the cross bar and hit a few centimeters in front of the goal line. In this play it being Zico along with Serginho who entered like a flash just before Fillol could get to the ball, with Zico being the one to tap in Brazil's first goal; giving them a 1-0 lead.
Many around me blamed Fillol for this goal given his slightly late reaction after the ball bounced off the crossbar but if one looks at the replay carefully (perhaps on youtube), one will see Fillol did a great job just coming so close. First he despite loosing eye contact with the ball when it went past him and off the crossbar managed to find it fast. This made more difficult given the way he dove to get it, falling down from a flight of a meter on to the ground to get up suddenly but unfortunately not quickly enough for Argentina.
The game however continued 1-0 with Maradona's frustration growing as the minutes went by for it was clear that a draw would automatically eliminate Argentina. I however welcomed the score though those around me were anything but happy with it.
During the first half break we knew that Argentina still had a chance of winning but in a sense it meant little to them if they could not win by two goals given what I have already explained. The title was slipping through their hands and those around me were ever aware of it as the second half got under way. The second half starting with Argentina neither defending nor attacking; this due to Bertoni and Kempes no longer having the efficiency they had in 78. Kempes being considerably slower without being much of a ball controller while Bertoni's diagonal runs in to the box had become all to familiar and even easy for most defenses to read.
Defense wise their defenders Pasarella, Galvan and Tarantini went forward all the time, leaving holes for Brazilian forwards in the back. All of which proving Menotti was not seeing his players and what they were but had been four years prior. Brazil's control would increase and it was 66" in to the game that Zico filtered in to Argentina's penalty box where he crossed the ball to Serginho, who had an easy header which he converted just before Fillol managed to cover. Fillol I had observed tended to go too far from the outside post on centers; putting himself out of place when the ball was crossed. This happening in the 78 final when Nanninga scored also due to his being out of place.
Brazil was up 2-0 which for all intensive purposes ended it for Argentina who would need to score 4 goals to have any chance of qualifying. For my own it was worry that Italy would have to win against Brazil yet for those around me; disappointment was everywhere specially because of the already lost "Malvinas" or "Falkland Islands" as the British called them.
A third goal was due to follow and did when Junior, 75 minutes in to the game broke through Argentina's defense and scored to make it 3-0. Those around me at that moment knowing the numbers wanted to turn off the set; given it being all too obvious that Argentina was out.
It was at this stage of the game that Maradona in a loss of temper over a fellow player being fouled struck back, only to get a Argentina's second red card in as many games. Gallego also being expelled against Italy. Many at the time saw Maradona's actions as a disgrace yet it was to a large extent but a product of being fouled repeatedly through out the tournament, in ways that now a days would lead to the player committing the foul to be sent off.
An Argentine goal however would come with one minute left in the game when Diaz got one back for Argentina but it was a perfect example of "too little, too late". Argentina was out and how those around me cried, as the title had left them. As for myself, I can say I became anxious to see Italy take on this Brazilian team; sensing we could win if we held tight marking, specially in the midfield but was for another day.
Memories Of Argentina Vs. Germany 1990
An article about a very boring final watched over a most interesting lunch at the house of the Italian director of culture in Warsaw.
It was the final of the 1990 world cup and like all others it came on a Sunday. This being a day on which my friends and I would be watching the game at Catalini's apartment. Catalini, the director of the "Italian Institute of Culture" in Warsaw had invited us not only to watch the game but for lunch as well. First as is always done in this sort of circumstances would be lunch followed by the game and as I expected; a meal of the truest Italian nature. After all with Catalini being as overweight as he was, there must have been a great cook in him somewhere.
I remember on that day Danilo, one of my best friends stopping by my apartment, after which we set off to the place where all of us who so cruelly lost to Argentina would be watching that very team playing against Germany in the final we felt Italy should have been playing.
It was on our way however that I hit upon the idea of getting something for Catalini; a bottle of wine was out of the question given good wines were hard if impossible to find in the Poland at that time, so we went in to one of the few open places on a Sunday and bought a kilo of chocolate-vanilla ice cream. In all this it was my friend Danilo who was worried about being late to Catalini's; him insisting that it was of more importance for us to be there on time to see Catalini cook, so he could boast about his culinary abilities than for us to bring something. I however replied that it was what etiquette demanded of us yet in a strange way when we arrived at Catalini's door step we were still arguing which one of us should hand Catalini our offering, which in truth Danilo paid for more than I did. This being my reason for wanting him to do the honors while he claimed it should be me; given the whole thing had been my idea. I however till this day believe it was shyness that was the real cause of Danilo's refusal.
It must have resembled a comedy scene, us passing that ice cream back in forth when Catalini opened the door to catch me holding it; almost too embarrassed to hand it to him as he said "bon giorno". I will always remember that moment in which I handed him that ice cream; after replying in kind to his greeting and though I almost never feel coy, that was one time that for some reason I did. Catalini seemed surprised as he took our offering and looked at me standing outside his door and said "thank you but you really didn't have to". Danilo at that moment gave a way relief that it had not been him who had had to go through that moment. "I feel better not showing up empty handed" was my reply as he let me in.
Once inside we went about having a lunch which in all truth I remember nothing about other than it being of quality and the talk about the match to come. It was after the ice cream I bought which turned out to be the only desert on the menu that the game started. In fact it did surprise me that this man whose weight probably was mine by more than double did not get some other kind of desert, which made me glad I did.
As for the main even, it was set in the back ground; given how boring this final was. Argentina and Germany, both at least trying to attack yet it was this that caused play to become a deadlock in midfield. As for opportunities they were limited to Argentina almost scoring an own goal and Burruchaga being pulled down by Matthaus; in what could have been a penalty.
Maradona was being used to mark Matthaus, making the game sloppy with bad passes and both teams trying mostly to block the others attempts at going forward. Germany perhaps making more effort to attack, while Maradona despite being overly marked did have a moment or two.
The second half was more of the same though it did have its points of interest. It being at the 84 minute mark that Voller fell in the box and a penalty was given; which was converted by Brehme. His shot barely beating Goycochea and ending up in the back of the net for what would turn out to be the game winner. Later it was said that Matthaus should have taken it but heisted given his lack of confidence in the new shoes he was wearing. It was also in the second half that Argentina had two players sent off. This the first time a player let alone two had been shown the red card in a final.
If there is a moment that is often remembered in this most forgetful final apart from the controversial penalty; it is that yellow card Maradona got for protesting Dezotti's sending off. The game would end 1-0; making it the most boring final played till this day.
Regarding factors which set this match apart from other finals, this was the first time the winning team only scored one goal while it was the first the loosing team got shut out. This final also was the first time a European team had beaten one from South America.
The game did not hold much interest for us since Italy was not playing apart from it not being much of a spectacle but it was worth watching simply because it was a final. As for me personally this final held no emotional interest not even given my relationship with Argentina, which nobody around me was even aware of. As for my Italian friends, they too seemed disappointed by the match but we did have a nice time during what was in fact a pleasant evening despite a miserable game.
About the Author
My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. I also am the author of the book entitled "New York's Opera Society" which is now available on Amazon.
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