Almanac Soccer: Another World Cup Final at an Ungodly Hour

 

My first World Cup was 1974 when I was 9.

 

I didn’t really understand soccer, especially offside, but I was excited that the Socceroos were in and got up at 4am to watch them.

 

I was confused about East and West Germany (and we lost to both of them).

 

I made the big mistake of getting up for the 3rd v 4th playoff between Brazil and Poland and the following night, despite strict instructions to wake me up for the final, when Mum came to wake me, I turned over and went back to sleep!

 

I can hardly describe my devastation to wake up and find it was all over, that my chosen team the Netherlands had lost, and 4 years until the next one seemed an eternity away. (little did I know it would be 32 years before Australia made the finals again!

 

Those 4 years eventually passed and the 1978 finals were in Argentina, again at a difficult time.

 

I don’t remember much about the leadup, but I do remember watching the final before heading to school. Once again, the Netherlands were in the Final against the host and again they lost – 3-1.

 

I had the opportunity to go skiing for the first time, but was devastated that this clashed with the 1982 Final in Spain between Italy and Germany. I had been barracking for France who lost to Germany in the semi and there was no Cinderella in the final, but I was happy that Italy won 3-1.

 

I don’t have strong memories of 1986 in Mexico. I should have more recollection of a thriller won 3-2 by Argentina over Germany after blowing a 2-0 lead with a winner in 84th minute.

 

It seems confused in my memory with Italia 90 with the same protagonists

 

 

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