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As
a fan of the game I have always found it intriguing how different Nations view
the same Tournament or event through a different lens.
A
prime example is the romanticism the English hold with the 1990 World Cup in
Italy.
This
view has been exemplified in much of the English-based Football Literature of
this World Cup, as well as the many England Football (Soccer) podcasts since.
These
views are in clear contrast to much of the (non-English) critics, observers and
fans alike who, at the time, largely regarded this World Cup in negative terms.
The
common reasons voiced by the critics’ included: the general defensive nature of the matches including some
dreadful matches (Uruguay v. South Korea, Republic of Ireland v. Egypt,
Argentina v. Yugoslavia, to name a few), the number of penalty kick shoot-outs
(including both semifinals), the hard physical displays by some teams
(Bilardo’s Argentina) and all topped off with a Final match that was resolved
(appropriately by its critics) with a penalty kick.
It
is fair to counter that the Public and Press of Nations such as Brazil, Soviet
Union and Holland would view this World Cup in negative terms due to their own
disappointing performances, while the Italian hosts will always remember the
heartbreak of losing in a semifinal on home soil (not to mention France who did
not even qualify). As for Argentina, they often point (rightly or wrongly) to
the injustice suffered at the hands of an alleged biased Referee in the Final.
However,
none of the above are the first things that come to mind for the average
English fan.
The
English remember it as the summer of ‘Gazza’ (Paul Gascoigne). They remember it
as the introduction of David Platt and Des Walker on the global stage. They remember
the heroic displays as the English had to fight through one overtime over
another in the knock-out stages. They remember Platt’s overhead kick in the
last minute vs. Belgium. They remember Gary Lineker’s resurgence as England’s
goalscorer when it mattered. They see it as an honorable conclusion for the
much-maligned England Manager and Gentleman of the Game Bobby Robson, as well
as a fitting end for older heroes such as Shilton, Butcher and Bryan Robson.
 |
Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 41, June 1992
(England
squad 1990 World Cup)
|
The
stark contrasts listed require further analysis as to why the English have an
indelible memory of this Tournament.
The
first player that comes to mind who symbolized this team’s journey is
Gascoigne. He was already tabloid fodder in England, but largely unknown to the
rest of the World. Tottenham Hotspur’s Gascoigne would bring much needed energy
and youthful exuberance to the side. His humor and upbeat personality seemed to
infect the squad as well as the public. Unbelievable to think, that his mere
presence at the World Cup was not a guarantee until late on. He had famously
earned his ticket for the World Cup after his virtuoso performance in the
friendly vs. Czechoslovakia (4-2 win on April 25th) after he had a
hand in three of the goals and scored the fourth himself.
There
are moments that encapsulate the event for the English and Paul Gascoigne’s
tears was the most memorable one. Upon being booked in the semifinal match vs.
West Germany, he knew instantly that he would be suspended should England reach
the Final. His tears brought out the human element in the game that still lives
in any England’s fan’s memories.
 |
Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 24, January 1991
(Paul
Gascoigne)
|
Along
with Gascoigne another young player would make the most of his opportunity.
Aston Villa’s David Platt would step in with great effect after an injury to
Captain Bryan Robson early in the Tournament.
In
addition to Gascoigne’s tears, Platt’s overhead kick goal vs. Belgium was
another unforgettable moment that is referenced to this day.
Nottingham
Forest defender Des Walker was also another relative unknown to the World
stage, who also made everyone notice with his displays in defense.
After
the World Cup, all three would be on top of the wanted list of most top clubs
(especially in Italy).
The
English fans of today also look back with pride in the fight-back element in
England’s performances. Their matches in the knockout rounds all went into
overtime and England had to grind their way to victories. Platt’s
aforementioned goal vs. Belgium was followed by a memorable come from behind
win over underdogs Cameroon. Some pundits listed that encounter as the match of
the Tournament. In another memorable moment in that match, England defender
Mark Wright played the match with his head bandaged up reminiscent of Terry
Butcher’s performance vs. Sweden in a World Cup qualifier just in the previous
September.
In
the semifinals, objectively the West Germans were a better side but once more
England gave a fair account of themselves and clawed their way back to force a
tie with a wonderful strike from Gary Lineker.
The
drama of the loss in a penalty kick shoot-out (in addition to Gazza’s tears)
only made the English fan to back this team even more.
It
must be remembered that this had been England’s best performance in a World Cup
since the victory in 1966.
Another
reason that this World Cup is set apart in the English memories is that this
performance by an English side appeared to signal a sense of renewal for the
fortunes of the National Team on the World stage as well as English Football in
general after previous disappointments.
To
put in context the state of England’s Football prior to this World Cup, we must
go back to the 80s and the negativity surrounding the game on and off the
pitch.
The
tragedies of Heysel and Bradford and finally Hillsborough (just a year before
the World Cup) had seriously tarnished the image of the English game.
The
English clubs were still banned from European Competitions and the only
connection with foreign football, were the handful of players who were plying
their trade in foreign leagues (as well as those who had resorted to join
Rangers Glasgow just to be able to face European competition).
The
matters on the field were no better. The 1988 Euros had been a complete fiasco
with England losing all its matches.
This
English side’s displays and the support shown on the terraces brought much
goodwill and made much headway to dispel the image of the English Hooligan.
The
sense of optimism was furthered as the European ban on English clubs was to end
in that Fall (except for Liverpool) and they could now compete in the European
club competitions.
Coincidentally,
this World Cup took place just two years before the launch of the English
Premier League. The proximity of these events also gives a sense of rebirth and
Nostalgia to the fans.
While
many in the World lamented at the lack of quality and entertainment, those in
the British Isles saw a new star(s) being born, old heroes ending their run on
a high and an honorable defeat against a worthy opponent.
They
could hold their head high and dream of future glories.
Most
fans’ favorite World Cup usually tends to be the first one they followed. This
World Cup captured the hearts of many English fans that were adolescent and/or
in their early teens at the time. These same fans are now in their 30s and 40s
and can only look back with Nostalgia to this World Cup.
Some
have even joined the ranks of Journalism and punditry class and their memories
are reflected in print and in today’s podcasts.
Many
in the press were predicting a “Brave New Dawn” for the National Team after
this World Cup. Gascoigne and Platt were to be leading the charge towards this
bright future. Graham Taylor was appointed to lead this mission, but that is
another story……
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