Managers/players as Journalists, Part Ten

Platt/Atkinson/Bremner/Sivori, Batteux, Rocheteau Columns

One column by England player David Platt

(Magazine / Language: Shoot, February 18, 1995 / English) 

Photo From: Shoot, February 18, 1995

(David Platt)

One column by English Manager Ron Atkinson

(Magazine / Language : Goal, Issue 32, May 1998 / English) 

One column by Leeds Captain Billy Bremner

(Magazine / Language : Shoot, May 31, 1975 / English) 

Former Argentina star Omar Sivori

(Magazine / Language : Guerin Sportivo, Issue 598 (Number 27), July 2-8, 1986/ Italian)

One column by former France Manager Albert Batteux

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 1887, June 8, 1982 / French) 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1887, June 8, 1982

(Albert Batteux)

One column by former French star Dominique Rocheteau

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, Issue 82, January 1987 / French) 

Photo From: Mondial, new series, Issue 82, January 1987

(Dominique Rocheteau)

A Column and one answering letters columns by Former English star Trevor Brooking

 (Magazine / Language : World Soccer, September 1990 / English) 

 (Magazine / Language : World Soccer, April 1993 / English) 

Photo From: World Soccer, September 1990

(Trevor Brooking)

in case you miussed the link at the top

Platt/Atkinson/Bremner/Sivori, Batteux, Rocheteau Columns

New Addition: The Soccernostalgia Interview-Part One

For this first written Interview on the blog, I have the pleasure to ask questions from Mr. Gary Jordan, the author of the book ‘Out of the Shadows: The Story of the 1982 England World Cup Team’

This work chronicles the England National Team under Ron Greenwood starting 1977 and culminating with the undefeated adventure of the 1982 World Cup.

On a personal level, this book brought back a lot of memories from that era and I also learned new information that I was unaware of.

If the names of Keegan, Brooking, Shilton, Hoddle and those Admiral jerseys strike a chord of nostalgia for you, this book is well worth a read.

Question 1:

Soccernostalgia: Hello Mr. Jordan, to start off congratulations on your well-researched and informative book.

What prompted you to write this book, Is it because perhaps you became a Football fan in this era and have a connection to it?

Response: Thank you for your kind words, and taking the time to read the book. The book mainly come about because the era had not been written about in great length, largely because it wasn’t a particularly succesful period for the national team. It was also the first World Cup that I rememebr watching on TV as a child.

Question 2:

Soccernostalgia: What are your earliest memories of Football and the English National Team itself?

Response: Earliest memory was the 1977 FA Cup final. Before I realised I had a local team on my doorstep (Wimbledon) I followed Manchester United. The final against Liverpool that year was the first time I realised the game was such a big event. As for England I was treated to a trip to Wembley to see us play Bulgaria in November 1979, Glenn Hoddles debut which he marked with a tremendous goal.

Question 3:

Soccernostalgia: Can you explain your general process in writing this book? The duration of research, number of interviews, etc.

Response: From initial pitch to the publisher it was roughly a two-year process. A lot of the book was from research – books, magazines, YouTube footage. Being reasonably new to writing my name isnt that established and I didn’t get that many interviews.

Question 4:

Soccernostalgia: Paul Mariner wrote the foreword for your book, what other prominent players of that era were interviewed for this work? Were they forthcoming in their recollections?

Response: As mentioned above, not many were forthcoming for interviews, was knocked back by some who had agents involved which was annoying. Live and learn I guess. Paul Mariner has been very kind and it was only fitting that he did the foreword for me as he scored the goal that took us to Spain.

Question 5:

Soccernostalgia: To go back to the beginning, Ron Greenwood took over in the summer of 1977 after the Don Revie scandal. At the time, England were virtually eliminated from the 1978 World Cup qualifiers (though they still maintained an outside chance).

There is always the ‘what-if’ Brian Clough had been appointed factor.

Was Ron Greenwood just a safe bet for the FA?

Response: Of course. Greenwood was well known in the FA to be a safe choice. His caliber of coaching couldn’t be knocked though, and even if he wasn’t as forthcoming as Revie or Clough when it came to a soundbite, he was very solid in his role.

Question 6:

Soccernostalgia: The Admiral jerseys are some of the indelible images that define that era. I was also surprised by reading your book that it was at the behest of Don Revie that these jerseys were chosen for England. What is the mystique surrounding this brand of jerseys?

Response: It was Revie that introduced stripes down the famous plain white shirt when first appointed. Some said they now looked like clown suits! Admiral were the top kit makers in the land at that time, if you weren't playing in an Admiral kit you soon would be. They were a juggernaught that sadly lost their way when other big manufacturers came on the scene and could be more competitive with what they could offer clubs, and fans.

Question 7:

Soccernostalgia: How did the cohabitation and the policy of alternating England’s number ones (Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence) come about? What do you generally think of this policy?

Response: It’s a queston that always comes up, and each individual will tell you their prefereed choice. If he could've played both he would have. Greenwood couldn’t decide between the two and this led to what I believe was the cause of our bad qualifying campaign. A sloid back line will need a solid goalie behind them. Without a true number one they will become uneasy. Another reason why the defence was so slid at the actual finals.

Question 8:

Soccernostalgia: After qualifying rather comfortably in the qualifiers of the 1980 Euros, England struggled for the 1982 World Cup qualifiers. What has been the accepted reason for this inconsistency?

Was the squad too dependent on Keegan and therefore struggled in his long absence for the early qualifiers?

Response: Keegan was one factor, other injuries too meant the team ws always being changed. The smaller nations back then were to be swept away, and im not suggesting England were complacent in their approach but these nations (Norway, Switzerland) had players that were competing in top European leagues. This experience was rubbing off on teammates and it was a matter of time before they shocked someone. Just so happened it was in England's group.

Question 9:

Soccernostalgia: Ron Greenwood’s ‘false resignation’ on the airplane in the summer of 1981 is part of England’s Football folklore. What prompted his decision, did he feel the team was at an impasse?

Response: He certainly felt he had carried the team as far as it could go at that point. He didn’t have to prove himself anymore, or put himself in the firing line of the notorious British press. His loyal players came to the fore and talked sense into him. It wasn’t the right time to go.

Question 10:

Soccernostalgia: The relative non-use of a genuine talent like Glenn Hoddle has always been part of the debates surrounding the English National Team. Why did Greenwood (and actually Bobby Robson as well) use him so sparingly? It is because Greenwood wanted his tried and tested players and did want to risk or was there more?

Response: Hoddle was the kind of talent that only comes around every so often. Clough stated he wouldve built his team around him. Perhaps this was Greenwoods way of not being influenced by anyone outside. A stubborn approach. He was faithful to his team and Hoddle was a luxury player at the time, that if played could've backfired.

Question 11:

Soccernostalgia: England’s defeat at Oslo in September 1981 and the Norwegian Television commentary is an often-referenced part of Football History.

I remember reading (in World Soccer) that the English Football League had proposed to cancel the preceding weekend League fixtures so that the National Team could prepare.

However, Ron Greenwood insisted the League matches to go ahead so that the players could get competitive match practice.

After the matches, Trevor Brooking, Dave Watson and Steve Coppell had to withdraw due to injuries (a running theme for England).

Would it be fair to say that this was Ron Greenwood era’s at its lowest?

Response: Oh yes, Norway was very, very low (only USA 1950 and Iceland 2016 can come close) I mentioned how some of their players were playing across Europe. It was only one or two. These were the cliched teachers, accountants and butchers, mere amateurs of the game. In hindsight would a clear weekend off before have stopped this defeat? No one will ever know.

Question 12:

Soccernostalgia: One of the new things I learned by reading your book was that England’s participation at the World Cup was compromised at the outbreak of the Falklands War. This possibility was something that I had not read (or just missed) on other publications of that era. Nor did I know about the team being ‘insured’ against any terrorist activity.

Was there public (political) pressure to renounce on participating or was the English FA itself willing?

Response: With the Falklands conflict being as brutal as it was, it was clear that it was a very delicate position the FA found themselves in. They were in constant contact with the government. In the end it was their decision and I believe it was the right one to go and play. It would be on everyone's minds as the team came under heavy security, but it was the right choice.

Question 13:

Soccernostalgia: Another aspect that your book references, is how Greenwood could rarely call up a settled squad as it seemed like there were always injuries. It was amazing to learn that after so many years in the National team set up; Trevor Francis managed to play three straight matches for England, only during the 1982 World Cup. Also, how Bryan Robson was the only player ever present during the qualifiers.

Was the shear long length of the English League programme and its unending matches and rescheduled fixtures a detriment to his preparations? Did Greenwood use that as an excuse or just accepted the reality of it?

Response: Everyone knows that the English season is long and draining on our players come tournament time. It's an issue still to this day. How do you correct it? I'm not sure as so many people are traditionalists in their view. I don’t think Greenwood used it as an excuse, he knew how to look after the players during training to stop any further burn out.

Question 14:

Soccernostalgia: One must remember that England struggled during the 1982 World Cup qualifiers, where they lost three matches. In fact, England had the worst record of any of the European qualifying teams. How did England go from that to essentially winning game after game in the friendlies going into the World Cup? Was it because the pressure was lifted and they could now perform or did Greenwood devise a successful strategy?

Response: Whenever you pull on an England jersey there's always a certain amount of pressure to perform, from friendlies to tournaments. The gap between qualifying and the finals was one where the players were playing for places. Knowing the carrot of a World Cup place is at stake will only raise your game, or at least it should. The training may have not have been as intense as during qualifying but I don't believe it altered a great deal.

Question 15:

Soccernostalgia: It is quite unbelievable when one thinks that Kevin Keegan and Trevor Brooking’ s entire World Cup experience amounted to roughly twenty-seven minutes.

Especially in case of Keegan, he must surely be one of the best players ever to virtually have not played in a World Cup.

This is complete conjecture but how differently would England have played with the two being fit for duty?

Response: Its mentioned by a couple of players in the book that they believe it would have been different. It's so hypothetical. Logic says we would have been better, but we will have to file this one under the "who knows" category.

Question 16:

Soccernostalgia: On a personal note, the 1982 World Cup is my first memory of Football and is the event that turned me into a fan (I was nine years old at the time).

I remember the events surrounding this World Cup as it opened up a new world for me. What are your personal memories from this WC? (I am assuming you experienced it as well; please correct me if I am wrong).

Response: Yes this was my first real tournament that I fully experienced. The filling out of wallcharts, plotting teams progress through the rounds. I was the excited 11-year-old that watched with enthusiasm. The crackly commentary, as if done through an old phone line. The bright colours of all the teams, knowing who the best teams and players were. And here they were in front of us playing out a month long soap opera. Easy to get hooked.

Question 17:

Soccernostalgia: You mention the fact that when Bobby Robson became England Manager, he met Kevin Keegan and in fact hinted that he would select him, yet without a word discarded him. Has there been further explanation from Bobby Robson and Keegan himself about this incident?

Response: I know the two made up years after, how much was said for the press as opposed to what they really believed who knows. Did Keegan have a sense of entitlement? I'm sure he learnt from that moment, and he wouldn’t treat anyone like that in the future when he was manager at club and international level.

Question 18:

Soccernostalgia: The crux of your book deals with the 1982 World Cup qualifiers and the World Cup, but it’s generally a book about the entire Ron Greenwood era.

Objectively how do you view his tenure? Which areas do you feel he excelled and what do you think he may have gotten wrong (in terms of tactics and personnel)?

Response: The truth to how I belive his time in charge went is in the book title. He did bring us Out Of The Shadows, and back into the world stage. Of course, he had flaws, too loyal, too set in his ways, but what manager doesn’t? Far from genius he was as honest and hardworking as they come. His character perhaps rubbed off onto the team and they didn’t have that ruthless streak when it was needed most.

Question 19:

Soccernostalgia: After so many decades after the fact, Ron Greenwood is generally regarded as a Gentleman and a well-respected Manager. How did the Press really treat him especially during the struggles of the World Cup qualification?

(I ask this because his successor Bobby Robson is nowadays eulogized in much the same way, but I remember how the Press were constantly clamoring him to be sacked)

Response: It was a case of after Revie nothing could be as bad. They gave Greenwood some slack as he took over a team that was severely lacking in confidence. They knew it was a work in progress. When the losses to the Swiss and Norway came he of course took some flak, but most were leneint in their headlines compared to how Robson and later Graham Taylor were treated.

Question 20:

Soccernostalgia: Did you learn of new events in researching for this book that surprised you?

Response: Not so much new events. I knew of most of them, but needed to get more insight (Revie sacking/Falklands/Keegan's trip to Germany)

Question 21:

Soccernostalgia: In researching for this book, did you come across any interesting anecdotes that you could share? (These could be stories that perhaps did not make the final cut)

Response: Most of the stories made the book, even in a scaled down version. I'm sure if I had full access to all the players I'd be able to shed more light on some of the dressing room talk, there's always a story to tell within those walls it's just how much the players want to reveal.

Question 22:

Soccernostalgia: What is next for you as far as future project?

Response: I am currently researching and writing a book about the Ipswich Town team in their heyday of the late 70's – early 80s. All being well that should be published next year.

Soccernostalgia: Once again, I would like to thank you for the interview and your sharing of your memories.

To get news from Mr. Jordan, you may follow him on

Twitter: @Gazjor1 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gary.jordan.965928

To order the book

Pitch Publishing (2018)

ISBN-10: 1785313169

ISBN-13: 978-1785313165

Language: English

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Out-Shadows-Story-England-World/dp/1785313169

Ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Out-of-the-Shadows-by-Gary-Jordan-New-Paperback-Book-/142538016595

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Out-of-the-Shadows-by-Gary-Jordan-Paperback-Book-/292398044488

The Best Players to never appear in a World Cup, Part Nine

1- Ian Rush

Like so many of his Welsh contemporaries (Mark Hughes, Dean Saunders, etc), Ian Rush was part of a Generation that did not qualify for the Finals of any Tournament.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, Issue 85, April 1987

(Ian Rush at Liverpool)

2- Danny Blind

Dutch defender Danny Blind of Ajax Amsterdam was included in two World Cup Finals squads (1990 and 1994), however, he was unlucky not to be a regular and did not get to play a single match at any World Cup.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Hors Serie 22, April 1996

(Danny Blind)

3- Mehmet Scholl

German and Bayern Munich midfielder lined up for Germany for many years but suffered consistently from injuries.

His best chances would have been the 1998 and 2002 World Cup, but he missed the boat on both.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 151, August 2001

(Mehmet Scholl at Bayern Munich)

4- Fabrizio Ravanelli

Italian striker Fabrizio Ravanelli’s best chance to make it to a World Cup would have been in 1998, but he was cut from the squad in the last minute and never got his chance.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 108, January 1998

(Fabrizio Ravanelli at Olympique Marseille, 1997/98)

5- Basile Boli

French defender Basile Boli was part of the post-Platini Generation of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

France missed qualification for the 1990 World Cup and in heart breaking fashion in 1994 (losing to Bulgaria 1-2 on November 17, 1993).

Boli missed chance(s) to make it at a World Cup.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 105, September 1984

(Basile Boli at Auxerre)

Honorable Mention:

Players who participated in a World Cup match but their presence was limited and negligible that would be considered tantamount to a non-presence.

Kevinn Keegan and Trevor Brooking

Kevin Keegan and Trevor Brooking were part of the 1970’s England Generation that missed out on the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.

They pair made the 1982 World Cup but were injured for most of it.

They were jointly sent on as substitutes in the 63^rd minute of England’s last match vs. Hosts Spain (July 5, 1982, World Cup, Spain 0-England 0)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 79, July 1982

(Kevin Keegan, July 5, 1982, World Cup, Spain 0-England 0)

Photo From: Mondial, New Series, Hors Serie 13, 1982

(Trevor Brooking)

Managers/players as Journalists, Part Four

Two Columns and two answering letters columns by Former English star Trevor Brooking

 (Magazine / Language : World Soccer, April 1990 / English) 

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, June 1990 / English)  

 (Magazine / Language : World Soccer, February 1993 / English) 

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, March 1993 / English) 

Photo From:  World Soccer, February 1990

(Trevor Brooking writing for World Soccer)

Trevor Brooking Column

One Column by USSR defender Vagiz Khidiatullin describing Dnepr squad

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 102, September 1988 / French)

Photo From:  Mondial, new series, issue 102, September 1988

(Vagiz Khidiatullin)

Vagiz Khidiatullin Column

Two Columns by West German midfielder Hansi Muller, one about Diego maradona and the other about Didier Six

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, December 1992 / English) 

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 18, September 1981 / French) 

Photo From:  World Soccer, December 1992

(Hansi Muller)

Hansi Muller Columns

One Column by French Manager Albert Batteux

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 1993, June 19, 1984 / French  / French)

Albert Batteux Column

One Column by Brazil midfielder Carlos Dunga

(Magazine / Language : Placar, Issue 1046, July 6, 1990 / Portuguese)


Dunga Column

Managers/players as Journalists, Part Three

One Column by former Arsenal Manager George Graham

(Magazine / Language : Goal, Issue 13, October 1996 / English) 

Photo From:  Goal, Issue 13, October 1996

(George Graham)

George Graham Column

Six Columns by France’s Michel Platini

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 51, March 1980 / French) 

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 52, April 1980 / French) 

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 53, May 1980 / French) 

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 78, September 1986 / French) 

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 79, October 1986 / French) 

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 80, November 1986 / French) 

Photo From:  Onze, Issue 53, May 1980

(Michel Platini)

Michel Platini Columns

One Column by Gunter Netzer

(Magazine / Language : Sport Bild, Issue 37, September 9, 1998 / German) 

Photo From:  Sport Bild, Issue 37, September 9, 1998

(Gunter Netzer)

Netzer Column

Two Columns and two answering letters columns by Former English star Trevor Brooking

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, April 1990 / English) 

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, June 1990 / English) 

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, February 1993 / English) 

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, March 1993 / English) 

Photo From:  World Soccer, June 1990

(Trevor Brooking)

Trevor Brooking Column

November 16, 1977-England 2-Italy 0

November 16, 1977

England 2-Italy 0

World Cup Qualifying-Group 2

Venue: London - The Empire Stadium Wembley

Attendance: 92,500

Referee: Karoly Palotai (Hungary)

Goalscorers: (England): Kevin Keegan 11', Trevor Brooking 80'

                    (Italy): None

Lineups:

England:

1-Raymond Neal Clemence (Liverpool Football Club)  [33 / 0]
2-Philip George Neal (Liverpool Football Club)  [9 / 0]
3-Trevor John Cherry (Leeds United Association Football Club)   [15 / 0]

4-Raymond Colin Wilkins (Chelsea Football Club-London) [10 / 0]
5-David Vernon Watson (Manchester City Football Club)  [28 / 0]

6-Emlyn Walter Hughes (Liverpool Football Club)  [50 / 1]
7-Kevin Joseph Keegan  (Hamburger Sport Verein e.V. /  West Germany)  [34 / 8] (16-Trevor John Francis (Birmingham City Football Club) [7 / 1] 85th) 
8-Stephen James Coppell (Manchester United Football Club)  [1 / 0]
9-Robert Dennis Latchford (Everton Football Club-Liverpool) [1 / 0] (15-James ‘Stuart’ Pearson (Manchester United Football Club) [13 / 4] 75th) 
10-Trevor David Brooking (West Ham United Football Club-London)  [19 / 1]
11-Peter Simon Barnes (Manchester City Football Club)   [1 / 0]

Coach: Ronald Greenwood

Booked: Kevin Keegan 41’

Other Subs:

Peter Leslie Shilton (Nottingham Forest Football Club) 

William ‘Billy’ Bonds (West Ham United Football Club-London) 

Brian Ernest Talbot (Ipswich Town Football Club)

Team Captain: Emlyn Walter Hughes

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks

Italy:

1-Dino Zoff  (Juventus Football Club-Torino)  [60 / 0]

2-Marco Tardelli (Juventus Football Club-Torino)   [14 / 0]

3-Claudio Gentile (Juventus Football Club-Torino) [11 / 1]

4-Romeo Benetti (Juventus Football Club-Torino) [36 / 1]

5-Roberto Mozzini (Torino Calcio 1906) [6 / 0]

6-Giacinto Facchetti (Internazionale Football Club- Milano) [94 / 3] (13-Antonello Cuccureddu (Juventus Football Club-Torino) [5 / 0] 85th)

7-Franco Causio (Juventus Football Club-Torino) [31 / 1]

8-Renato Zaccarelli (Torino Calcio 1906) [11 / 1]

9-Francesco Graziani (Torino Calcio 1906) [19 / 9] (15-Claudio Sala (Torino Calcio 1906) [12 / 9] 46th)

10-Giancarlo Antognoni (Associazione Calcio Fiorentina-Firenze) [24 / 5]

11-Roberto Bettega (Juventus Football Club-Torino) [13 / 13]

Coach: Enzo Bearzot

Booked: Romeo Benetti 31’, Gentile 42’

Other Subs:

Luciano Castellini (Torino Calcio 1906)

Fabio Capello (Associazione Calcio Milan)

Paolino Pulici (Torino Calcio 1906)

Team Captain: Giacinto Facchetti

Official Kit Supplier/Designer:

Uniform Colors: Blue Shirts, White Shorts , Blue Socks

Photo From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978

(Italy squad, Top, left to right: Romeo Benetti, Roberto Mozzini, Roberto Bettega, Francesco Graziani, Dino Zoff, Claudio Gentile, Bottom, left to right: Franco Causio, Giancarlo Antognoni,  Giacinto Facchetti, Renato Zaccarelli, Marco Tardelli , November 16, 1977, World Cup Qualifier, England 2-Italy 0)

Notes:

-Match number 514 for England and number 347 for Italy.

-This was the 13th meeting between the nations.

-The previous match between the nations, as well as the previous match on Italian soil and Italy’s previous victory, was the first leg of this World Cup Qualifier at Roma’s Stadio Olimpico on November 17, 1976 that Italy won 2 to 0. 

England players: Clemence, Hughes, Keegan, Cherry, Brooking, Shilton and Pearson and Italy players: Zoff, Cuccureddu, Tardelli, Benetti, Gentile, Facchetti, Causio, Capello, Graziani, Antognoni, Castellini, Mozzini, Zaccarelli and Bettega were present that day (on the field and/or the substitutes bench).

Keegan captained England and Facchetti Captained Italy for that match.

Antognoni and Bettega scored for Italy.

Enzo Bearzot managed Italy with Fulvio Bernardini acting as Technical Director.

-The previous match between the nations at the same venue, as Italy’s previous away victory, was a Friendly November 14, 1973 that Italy won 1 to 0. 

England players: Shilton and Hughes and Italy players: Zoff, Benetti, Facchetti, Causio, Capello, Castellini, and Pulici were present that day (on the field and/or the substitutes bench).

Facchetti Captained Italy for that match.

Fabio Capello scored his most famous for Italy.

-England’s previous win as well as the previous match at a neutral venue, was during USA Bicentenary Cup at New York City’s Yankees Stadium, on May 28, 1976 that England won 3 to 2.

England players: Neal, Wilkins, Brooking and Cherry and Italy players: Zoff, Benetti, Zaccarelli, Facchetti, Causio, Sala, Capello, Graziani, Antognoni, Pulici, Castellini and Bettega were present that day (on the field and/or the substitutes bench).

Graziani scored both of Italy’s goals.

Giacinto Facchetti captained Italy for that match.

Photo From: Mondial, old series, Issue 11, December1977

(Kevin Keegan and Giacinto Facchetti)

-The next match between the nations as well as the next match on Italian soil and next Italy victory, was a UEFA European Championship Finals match at Torino’s Stadio Comunale on June 15, 1980 that Italy won 1 to 0.

England players: Shilton, Neal, Watson, Wilkins, Keegan, Coppell, Clemence, Hughes and Brooking and Italy players: Zoff, Gentile, Benetti, Causio, Tardelli, Graziani, Antognoni, Bettega and Zaccarelli were present that day (on the field and/or the substitutes bench).

Marco Tardelli scored Italy’s winning goal.

Romeo Benetti and Marco Tardelli were booked in that match.

Both Managers were still in their respective posts.

Keegan captained England and Zoff captained Italy for that match.

-The next match between the nations in the same venue would be a Friendly on November 15, 1989, that ended in a scoreless tie.

England goalkeeper Peter Shilton would play that match.

Shilton would also be England’s goalkeeper when the two sides met on July 7, 1990 at Bari’s San Nicola Stadium for World Cup 1990’s Third Place match. This would be his last ever England appearance.

-The next World Cup Qualifier between the nations in the same venue would be on February 12, 1997, that Italy won 1 to 0.

-The next England victory would be during ‘Le Tournoi’ Tournament at Nantes, France that England would win 2 to 0.

-On May 19, 1977, Liverpool’s Emlyn Hughes was named as Footballer of the Year. He passed away on November 9, 2004, aged 57.

-Ron Greenwood had been appointed caretaker Manager of England just a few months earlier after Don Revie was dismissed for breach of contract.

The England National Team were on their tour of South America, where Don Revie was supposedly away supervising World Cup qualifying group opponents Finland. However it was discovered by Daily Mail that he was in fact negotiating with officials from the United Arab Emirates.

A ten-year ban on was imposed on Revie that was eventually overturned by the high court.

Photo From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978

(Dino Zoff making a save from Dave Watson)

-Enzo Bearzot had been appointed as Italy’s sole selector that Fall after managing with Technical Director Fulvio Bernardini for two years.

-The other two teams in this World Cup qualifying group were Finland and Luxembourg.

-England had to win this match therefore they dominated with Italy playing a defensive game.

Italy with a better goal difference, knew that even with a loss they just had to beat Luxembourg for their final qualifier on December 3^rd to qualify for the World Cup.

They won that match 3 to 0 and won the group on goal difference.

-England failed to qualify for a World Cup for the second successive time.

The next time they would fail to qualify for a World Cup would be for the 1994 World Cup.

-This turned out to be Giacinto Facchetti’s last match for Italy. Incidentally he was the only Internazionale Milano player left in Italy squad, which was a rarity.

He was substituted by Cuccurreddu due to a pulled muscle.

He passed away on September 4, 2006

-Kevin Keegan had just joined West Germany’s SV Hamburg that season and was having an initial difficult time.

-Liverpool’s Ray Clemence, Phil Neal, Emlyn Hughes won the Champions Cup in 1977 and at the end of that season, 1977/78.

They similarly had won the English League title for the 1976/77 season.

Kevin Keegan was also a member of the 1977 League and Champions Cup winning squad.

-Phil Neal captained Liverpool in the ill-fated Champions Cup Final on May 29, 1985 vs. Juventus (0-1 Juventus win).

Marco Tardelli played for Juventus that day.

-Juventus players: Dino Zoff, Marco Tardelli, Claudio Gentile, Romeo Benetti, Antonello Cuccureddu, Franco Causio, Roberto Bettega had won the 1977 UEFA Cup a few months earlier.

They had also won the Italy League title for 1977 and would go on to repeat as League Champions at the end of that season.

-Dino Zoff, Marco Tardelli, Claudio Gentile, Romeo Benetti, Roberto Mozzini, Antonello Cuccureddu, Franco Causio, Renato Zaccarelli, Francesco Graziani, Claudio Sala, Giancarlo Antognoni, Roberto Bettega and Paolino Pulici would make Italy’s Finals squad for the 1978 World Cup, where they would finish Fourth.

Zoff, Tardelli, Gentile, Causio, Graziani and Antognoni would win the 1982 World Cup along with Manager Enzo Bearzot.

Bettega would surely have been in that squad if not for injury.

-Both Managers were in their posts during the 1982 World Cup.

-Unused substitute goalkeeper Peter Leslie Shilton was the only member of that season’s League Champions Nottingham Forest to be included in this England squad.

 

-Raymond Colin Wilkins played in Italy for AC Milan, where Fabio Capello briefly coached him in 1987.

Trevor Francis also played in Italy for Sampdoria and Atalanta.

-Kevin Keegan has managed the England National team, as well as unused Italy substitute Fabio Capello.

Fabio Capello is the current coach of Russia.

Dino Zoff has managed Italy. Both managed their respective nations during the 2000 UEFA European Championships.

They both left their posts immediately or shortly thereafter.

Phil Neal has been the assistant Manager of England and Marco Tardelli has been the assistant Manager of Republic of Ireland.

-Ron Greenwood stayed as England Manager until 1982. This victory was instrumental in confirming him as England Manager.

-England’s Clemence, Neal, Wilkins, Keegan, Brooking, Francis, Coppell and Shilton were also in England’s 1982 World Cup squad.

-Ron Greenwood awarded first caps to Steve Coppell, Bob Latchford and Peter Barnes.

Peter Barnes and Steve Coppell started on the wings (left and right respectively).

The plan was to attack Italy from the flanks.

-In the 11^th minute, Trevor Brooking crossed from the right for Keegan to head home.

Photo From: England, The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne

(Kevin Keegan heading in England’s First goal with Zaccarelli unable to stop)

Photo From: World Soccer, December 1977

(Dino Zoff unable to stop Kevin Keegan’s opener)

-After 25 minutes, Bearzot took Zacarelli from man marking Keegan and assigned Tardelli to be Keegan’s marker.

Tardelli was initially to mark Barnes on the wing, but Gentile took that task.

Zaccarelli had effectively no input for rest of match.

-Romeo Benetti was booked in the 31^st minute after a foul on Peter Barnes.

-In the 37^th minute, Marco Tardelli elbowed Keegan though no cards were shown, as the referee missed it.

-In the 41^st minute, Keegan was booked for pushing Tardelli after an entanglement. It was most likely out of frustration due to elbowing incident from minutes before.

-Claudio Gentile was also booked, in the 42^nd minute, after a foul on Peter Barnes from behind.

-In the 80^th minute, Keegan slipped the ball through from outside of the box for Brooking to slot home. However, as soon as he crossed Benetti made contact and Keegan was injured and substituted.

This was Brooking’s first goal for England.

Photo From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di Calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983

(Trevor Brooking scoring England’s second goal)

-At the time the leading clubs in Italy were the Turin teams of Juventus and Torino. Naturally, the bulk of the squad came from those two squads.

From Italy’s starting squad contained 8 Juventus and Torino players and both substitutes who came on the field were also from these two clubs.

The only exceptions were Inter Milan’s Facchetti and Fiorentina’s Antognoni.

-By the time of the World Cup, Mauro Belluggi and Gaetano Scirea would supplant Facchetti and Mozzini as Italy’s starting central defenders.

Photo From: World Soccer, December 1977

(Marco Tardelli and Trevor Brooking)

-Francesco Grazini was subbed off after halftime by Claudio Sala. He had received a blow to head and had a cut eyebrow and his head was bandaged.

-This was considered one of England’s best performances in years following the disappointment of the Revie era.

-After halftime, Keegan and Brooking were given less room to operate and Italy was able to counter attack. England was nevertheless in general command of the match.

In the second half, Italy tried to slow the match down by back passing to zoff on numerous occasions.

Photo From: Mondial, old series, Issue 11, December1977

(Roberto Mozzini and Bob Latchford)

-After Facchetti’s substitution, Zaccarelli took his position as libero.

-Caretaker Manager Ron Greenwood claimed that Italy’s man to man marking had allowed England to stretch them.

Bearzot claimed he was satisfied with the result and praised Peter Barnes’ performance.

-Trevor Brooking and unused substitute Billy Bonds played at West Ham United under Ron Greenwood.

-Unused substitute Fabio Capello played his last ever match for Italy the following month (December 22, 1976) at Lisbon vs. Portugal (1-2 loss).

Match Reports:

La Nazionale Italiana, 1978/ England, The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne / World Soccer, December 1977 / Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983

Match Video / Highlights: