Compendium to Qualification Phase, Part Eight (Scotland 1992 UEFA European Championship Qualifiers)-Part 1 (Scotland squad)

Scotland players during the qualification matches

Goalkeepers:

Andrew Lewis Goram ((Hibernian Football Club – Edinburgh) 1990/91 and (Rangers Football Club-Glasgow) 1991/92) (April 13, 1964 (age 26 years at the start of the qualifiers), Bury, Lancashire, England) (8 Matches)

Defenders:

Stewart McKimmie (Aberdeen Football Club Limited) (October 27, 1962, (age 27 years at the start of the qualifiers), Aberdeen, Scotland) (6 Matches, substituted in one match)

Brian Irvine (Aberdeen Football Club Limited) (May 24, 1965, (age 25 years at the start of the qualifiers), Bellshill, Scotland) (1 Match)

Alexander McLeish (Aberdeen Football Club Limited) (January 21, 1959, (age 31 years at the start of the qualifiers), Glasgow, Scotland) (3 Matches)

Maurice Daniel Robert Malpas (Dundee United Football Club) (August 3, 1962, (age 28 years at the start of the qualifiers), Dunfermline, Scotland) (7 Matches)

Stephen Nicol (Liverpool Football Club / England) (December 11, 1961, (age 28 years at the start of the qualifiers), Troon, Scotland) (3 Matches, substituted in one match)

David McPherson (Heart of Midlothian Football Club-Edinburgh) (January 28, 1964, (age 26 years at the start of the qualifiers), Paisley, Scotland) (7 Matches, substituted in one match)

Craig William Levein (Heart of Midlothian Football Club-Edinburgh) (October 22, 1964, (age 25 years at the start of the qualifiers), Dunfermline, Scotland) (2 Matches, substituted in one match)

Gary Thomson Gillespie (Liverpool Football Club / England) (July 5, 1960, (age 30 years at the start of the qualifiers), Stirling, Scotland) (1 Match)

Charles ‘Richard’ Gough (Rangers Football Club-Glasgow) (April 5, 1962, (age 34 years at the start of the qualifiers), Stockholm, Sweden) (2 Matches)

Midfielders:

Gary McAllister (Leeds United Association Football Club / England) (December 25, 1964, (age 25 years at the start of the qualifiers), Motherwell, Scotland) (6 Matches, substituted in two matches, came on as a substitute in one match)

Patrick Kevin Francis Michael Nevin (Everton Football Club- Liverpool / England) (September 6, 1963, (age 27 years at the start of the qualifiers), Glasgow, Scotland) (3 Matches, came on as a substitute in all three matches)

Murdo Davidson MacLeod (Hibernian Football Club – Edinburgh) (September 24, 1958, (age 31 years at the start of the qualifiers), Glasgow, Scotland) (2 Matches)

Paul Michael Lyons McStay (The Celtic Football Club-Glasgow) (October 22, 1964, (age 25 years at the start of the qualifiers), Hamilton, Scotland) (3 Matches)

Robert James Connor (Aberdeen Football Club Limited) (August 4, 1960, (age 30 years at the start of the qualifiers), Kilmarnock, Scotland) (1 Match, substituted in his only match)

Thomas Boyd (Motherwell Football Club) 1990/91 and (Chelsea Football Club-London / England) 1991/92) (November 24, 1965, (age 24 years at the start of the qualifiers), Glasgow, Scotland) (5 Matches, came on as a substitute in one match and substituted in two matches)

John Angus Paul Collins (The Celtic Football Club-Glasgow) (January 31, 1968, (age 22 years at the start of the qualifiers), Galashiels, Scotland) (2 Matches, came on as a substitute in both matches)

Andrew Stuart Murray 'Stuart' McCall (Everton Football Club- Liverpool / England) 1990/91 and (Rangers Football Club-Glasgow) 1991/92) (June 10, 1964, (age 26 years at the start of the qualifiers), Leeds, England) (5 Matches)

James Edward McInally (Dundee United Football Club) (February 19, 1964, (age 26 years at the start of the qualifiers), Glasgow, Scotland) (2 Matches)

Gordon David Strachan (Leeds United Association Football Club / England)  (February 9, 1957, (age 33 years at the start of the qualifiers), Edinburgh, Scotland) (4 Matches, substituted in one match)

Michael Galloway (The Celtic Football Club-Glasgow) (May 30, 1965, (age 25 years at the start of the qualifiers), Oswestry, Enghland) (1 Match, substituted in his only match)

Robert Sime ‘Roy’ Aitken  (Saint-Mirren Football Club-Paisley) (November 24, 1958, (age 31 years at the start of the qualifiers), Irvine, Scotland) (1 Match, came on as a substitute in his only match)

Forwards:

John Grant Robertson (Heart of Midlothian Football Club-Edinburgh) (October 2, 1964, (age 25 years at the start of the qualifiers), Edinburgh, Scotland) (5 Matches, came on as a substitute in two matches)

Alistair Murdoch McCoist (Rangers Football Club- Glasgow) (September 24, 1962, (age 27 years at the start of the qualifiers), Bellshill, Scotland) (6 Matrches)

Gordon Scott Durie (Chelsea Football Club-London / England) 1990/91 and   (Tottenham Hotspur Football Club-London / England) 1991/92) (December 6, 1965, (age 24 years at the start of the qualifiers), Paisley, Scotland) (7 Matches, came on as a substitute in one match and substituted in another match)

Brian John McClair (Manchester United Football Club / England) (December 8, 1963, (age 26 years at the start of the qualifiers), Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland) (5 Matches, came on as a substitute in one match and substituted in another match)

Kevin William Gallacher (Coventry City Football Club / England) (November 23, 1966, (age 23 years at the start of the qualifiers), Clydebank, Scotland) (3 Matches, came on as a substitute in two matches)

Maurice John Giblin Johnston (Rangers Football Club-Glasgow) (April 13, 1963, (age 27 years at the start of the qualifiers), Glasgow, Scotland) (2 Matches, came on as a substitute in one match and substituted in the other match)

The following players appeared on Teamsheets, but did not play:

Goalkeepers:

Campbell Money (Saint-Mirren Football Club-Paisley) (August 31, 1960 (age 30 years at the start of the qualifiers), Maybole, Ayshire, Scotland)

Bryan James Gunn (Norwich City Football Club / England)  (December 22, 1963 (age 26 years at the start of the qualifiers), Thurso, Scotland)

Henry George Smith (Heart of Midlothian Football Club-Edinburgh) (March 10, 1956, (age 34 years at the start of the qualifiers), Lanark, Scotland)

Forwards:

Alan Bruce Mclnally (Fußball-Club Bayern München e.V. / West Germany) (February 10, 1963, (age 27 years at the start of the qualifiers), Ayr, Scotland)  

Robert William Fleck (Norwich City Football Club / England) (August 11, 1965, (age 25 years at the start of the qualifiers), Glasgow, Scotland)

Coach: Andrew Roxburgh (August 5, 1943 (age 47 years at the start of the qualifiers), Glasgow, Scotland)

Team Captain: Paul Michael Lyons McStay, Alexander McLeish, Maurice Daniel Robert Malpas, Gordon David Strachan and Charles ‘Richard’ Gough (all Captained Scotland during the qualifiers)

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Note:

The following players appeared in friendly matches during this qualification phase but were not selected afterwards:

Christopher McCart (Motherwell Football Club) (April 17, 1967 (age 23 years at the start of the qualifiers), Baillieston, Scotland)
Gary Mackay (Heart of Midlothian Football Club-Edinburgh) (January 23, 1964 (age 26 years at the start of the qualifiers), Edinburgh, Scotland)
Stuart David Munro (Rangers Football Club- Glasgow) (September 15, 1962, (age 27 years at the start of the qualifiers), Falkirk, Scotland)

The Players from the qualifiers who made the Final Selection for Euro 1992:

Goalkeepers: Andy Goram, Henry Smith

Defenders: Richard Gough, Maurice Malpas, David McPherson, Stewart McKimmie

Midfielders: Paul McStay, Stuart McCall, Gary McAllister, Pat Nevin, Tom Boyd, James McInally

Forwards: Ally McCoist, Brian McClair, Gordon Durie, Kevin Gallagher

Goalscorers:

Ally McCoist 4 Goals

Gordon Durie 3 Goals

John Robertson 2 Goals (1 penalty kick)

Gary McAllister 1 Goal

John Collins 1 Goal

Gordon Strachan 1 Goal (1 penalty kick)

Paul McStay 1 Goal

Richard Gough 1 Goal

Scotland players’ Photo Credits:

All Panini Euro 92, except:

Aitken, Connor, Galloway, Levein, Jim McInally, Money, Smith (Panini England 1989/90)

Nevin (Panini England 1990/91)

Fleck, Gunn (Panini England 1992/93)

McLeisch, McLeod, Alan McInally (Panini World Cup 1990)

Irvine (1990 Orbis)

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Scotland v Hungary, 1987

(Scotland Manager Andy Roxburgh)

Qualification Phase, Part Eight (Scotland 1992 UEFA European

Scotland started the 1992 UEFA Euro qualifiers in the Fall of 1990 following yet another disappointing World Cup, this time in Italy.

Andy Roxburgh, appointed in 1986, was still at the helm for his third qualifiers (1988 Euros, 1990 WC and now 1992 Euros).

While the bulk of his base squad had remained intact, Roxburgh had to contend with a few changes. Main striker and the most reliable avenue for goals, Maurice Johnston had announced his retirement from the National Team (…more on that later). In addition, Jim Leighton had already lost his place at club level at Manchester United. Roxburgh would select Andy Goram to be his starting goalkeeper for these qualifiers.

The qualifying Group appeared balanced with Scotland along with Romania, Bulgaria, Switzerland and with only San Marino (making their International debuts in these Euros) with little hope.

Scotland’s Euro qualifiers started in Glasgow vs. Romania on September 12^th, 1990.

Roxburgh would award a number of new caps for this match. Hearts striker John Robertson (not to be confused with the Nottingham Forest player of the previous decade) would earn his debut upfront with McCoist.

Aberdeen’s debutant Brian Irvine started in defense replacing the missing Richard Gough (It would be his sole appearance in the qualifiers).

Romania were in their first full season following the Fall of Communism and now had many of their players in foreign leagues with their star Gheorge Hagi at Real Madrid.

The Romanians took the lead through Camataru in the 13^th minute. Despite Scottish appeals for offside the goal stood.

Scotland would claw their way back into the match and in the 37^th minute, Robertson would celebrate his debut with a goal.

In the second half, Roxburgh would introduce another new cap, Motherwell’s Tommy Boyd, who replaced Bobby Connor (playing in his last International).

Scotland would get all the points, with McCoist scoring the winner in the 75^th minute. It was a narrow win but it set the pace for Scotland in this Group.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Scotland V Romania 1990

Photo From: World Soccer, October 1990

(September 12, 1990, EC Qualifier, Scotland 2-Romania 1)

The following month on October 17^th, 1990, the Scottish hosted Switzerland once more in Glasgow.

The Swiss were an emerging Nation and were a few years from qualifying to the World Cup and Euros. They were managed by former West German and Real Madrid star Uli Stielieke.

Stephen Nicol and David McPherson were drafted in defense replacing Irvine and Malpas (Gough still missing). Stuart McCall was called in midfield, with McStay missing.

Tommy Boyd started for the first time as Connor was out of contention.

Scotland started well and were soon awarded a penalty kick that McCoist missed.

They were awarded a second spot kick in the 34^th minute after Andy Egli handled in the box. This time Robertson took charge of the spot kick and gave Scotland the lead.

Scotland doubled the lead early in the second half through McAllister. The Swiss had effectively stopped during the play, expecting the Referee to call for offside and the Swiss and its Manager Stilieke would protest.

Switzerland were awarded a penalty kick of their own when McLeisch elbowed Turkyilmaz in the box. Knup would reduce the deficit and give Switzerland some hope. In fact they had chances near the final quarter of the match and could have tied. Scotland held on to stake a firm claim for the Group.

Murdo McLeod made his last appearance in the qualifiers in this match.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Scotland V San Marino 1991

(October 17, 1990, EC Qualifier, Scotland 2-Switzerland 1)

Photo From: L'Equipe de Suisse, Authors Guy Balibouse, Roger Felix, Pierre Tripod, 1993

(October 17, 1990, EC Qualifier, Scotland 2-Switzerland 1)

Scotland ended the year on November 14^th, 1990 on foreign soil at Bulgaria in Sofia.

Once again Scotland had to contend with injuries and withdrawals (Paul McStay, Alex McLeisch, Robertson, Nicol and McCall).

Malpas would be back in defense along with club mate James McInally.

Liverpool defender Garry Gillespie would be drafted in for the first time in the qualifiers.

Brian McClair would likewise make his debut in the qualifiers.

Scotland defended well and took an early lead through McCoist before Nikolai Todorov tied the match in the second half. Scotland were satisfied with an away point and held on.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Bulgaria V Scotland 1990

Photo From: World Soccer, January 1991

(November 14, 1990, EC Qualifier, Bulgaria 1-Scotland 1)

Scotland would start the New Year with a Friendly in February vs. USSR (0-1 loss) before hosting Bulgaria at Glasgow on March 27^th.

Richard Gough was back for the first time in these qualifiers in defense.

Veteran Gordon Strachan had also earned a recall to the National Team after more than 18 months after excellent displays with newly promoted Leeds United.

Scotland took the lead late in the match when John Collins (also making his debut in the qualifiers) scored with his first touch after coming on as a substitute.

Bulgaria would tie the match with a minute left to share the spoils.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Scotland V Bulgaria 1991

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Scotland V Bulgaria 1991

(Scotland’s new kit for the new year)

Photo From: World Soccer, May 1991

(March 27, 1991, EC Qualifier, Scotland 1-Bulgaria 1)

Scotland’s next match on May 1^st at San Marino was a formality. However, it took some time for the Scottish to breach the opposition defense in a match played in the rain. The new Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year, Gordon Strachan opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 63^rd minute. A few minutes later, his corner set up Gordon Durie for, the second.

Kevin Gallacher made his debut in the qualifiers in this match.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Scotland V San Marino 1991

(May 1, 1991, EC Qualifier, San Marino 0-Scotland 2)

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Scotland V San Marino 1991

(May 1, 1991, EC Qualifier, San Marino 0-Scotland 2)

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Scotland V Finland 1992

(May 1, 1991, EC Qualifier, San Marino 0-Scotland 2)

The following season (1991/92) started with Switzerland hosting Scotland at Berne on September 11^th, 1991.

Maurice Johnstone had ended his retirement from the National Team and played for the first time since the previous year’s World Cup.

He had indicated as early as January 13^th, 1991, that he wanted to return but this would be his return match.

The Swiss had overtaken the Group lead in June 1991, having played one more match than Scotland.

A confident Swiss side took control of the match and scored twice in the first half for a seemingly convincing win.

Scotland came back fighting in the second half and as early as the 47^th minute reduced the deficit through Durie.

Scotland would push on and in the 83^rd minute, McCoist tied the match for Scotland for yet another important away point.

Photo From: World Soccer, October 1991

(September 11, 1991, EC Qualifier, Switzerland 2-Scotland 2)

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 36, January 1992

(September 11, 1991, EC Qualifier, Switzerland 2-Scotland 2)

Just as it seemed Scotland were to qualify comfortably, they would hit a roadblock by losing for the first time in seven matches at Bucharest vs. Romania. On October 16^th, Romania would be victorious (1-0) with a penalty kick to keep the fate of the Group in balance.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Romania V Scotland 1991

There was one match remaining, and the Swiss, Scotland and Bulgaria were all separated by one point from one another and could all potentially win the Group, with Romania acting as spoilers.

Romania did just that by defeating Switzerland (1-0) on November 13^th.

Scotland’s comfortable victory over San Marino (4-0) on the same day gave them the unassailable leadership of the Group.

Scotland qualified for the first time ever to the Finals of the UEFA European Championships.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Scotland V San Marino 1991

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 45, October 1992

(November 13, 1991, EC Qualifier, Scotland 4-San Marino 0)

Scotland had won a tight Group but had not been impressive and barring their wins over San Marino, all their victories had been tight affairs.

They had been resilient away from home against their key opponents.

These qualifiers served as the end of the line for the likes of Alex McLeisch, Murdo McLeod and even Strachan and Mo Johnstone despite their late recalls.

From the new caps, Thomas Boyd made a lasting impression.

Roxburgh stood by a reliable base and as many as 16 players who took part in the qualifiers made the Finals squad.

This qualification was perhaps the last great achievement of the Scottish National Team, despite still qualifying for the 1996 Euros and the 1998 World Cup.

 It was significant considering this was the era when only eight teams and only qualifying Group winners could participate in the Finals.

References:

L'Equipe de Suisse, Authors Guy Balibouse, Roger Felix, Pierre Tripod, 1993

Official match programme, Scotland V Romania, 1990

Official match programme, Scotland V Bulgaria, 1991

Official match programme, Scotland V San Marino, 1991

Official match programme, Scotland V Finland, 1992

World Soccer, November 1990

World Soccer, December 1990

World Soccer, January 1991

World Soccer, March 1991

World Soccer, May 1991

World Soccer, June 1991

World Soccer, October 1991

World Soccer, November 1991

World Soccer, January 1992

Scotland, the complete international  Football Record, Author Richard Keir  

Nostalgia of Soccer (Football) Magazines Project-Part 16

In my continuing collaborative series with @1888Letter, I will ask the experiences of Spanish José Luis Carbonell Pascual , Joselecar4@hotmail.com

Name: José Luis Carbonell Pascual

Email: Joselecar4@hotmail.com

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: What was the first Soccer (Football) magazine that you read as a new young fan of the game?

Response:  My first magazine was Onze, I was on a trip at the end of the year on the island of Mallorca and I saw a magazine that impressed me. I still have it.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Were there other local magazines that you also read?

 Response:  Of course, I bought the AS Color and Don Balon weekly, apart from newspapers when the National Team played. (AS and Brand).

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Describe the general format of these particular magazines? What was your favorite section(s) of these said magazines?

Response:  International football at the national team level. Then I was also very interested in the European Cup.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Was the coverage of Football mainly local  or was International Football news covered as well in a meaningful way?

Response:  Local football did not interest me. I was interested in competitions such as the World Cups (the one in 1974 is my favorite) and the European Championship.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: In general on a typical newsstand, how many choices were available for reading Football?

Response:  Many. Soccer was everything in my youth. With many specialized magazines. Much more than now that in Spain there is no longer a weekly or monthly publication with which to follow football. There are specific magazines before any football event and that's it.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Do you remember foreign Football publications at your newsstands as well? If so did you read any?

Response:  In my time, I would have always liked to see a France Football, a World Soccer or a Tempo (Yugoslavia). Now in the digital era, I can enjoy them in digital format.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: I will ask this from everyone, one of my best memories as a young football fan was the anticipation of the day when new issues were available on newsstands. It was a weekly ritual that would stay with me for decades. In your own words, can you explain your memories of these days?

Response:  Of course. On Wednesday after leaving school and before going home, I would go to the Kiosk to buy the newspaper AS and Marca. The next day, after the game, I returned to the Kiosk again.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Did you enjoy your magazines for the scores/league tables, etc or did you prefer the writing? Or was there an evolution as when you aged you started to appreciate the deep written analysis more?

Response:  I was interested in line-ups and photos in case there were any of the Spanish team and its rival. Nowadays I still look forward to the same thing.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: How has the quality of your favorite magazines changed (for better or worse over the years)?

Response:  They have changed for the worse, for the worse. Now there is much more computer and digital deployment, but I do not change it for the old system. I remember those “TELEFOTO” of the agencies, which the newspapers put in their pages to give the news as a first.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Looking back what was the best era for your favorite magazines?

Response:  From twelve to sixteen. My mother, as I did not study, broke all the photos and magazines that I kept. I put them in a bag, went to the field, made a fire and burned them.

Then throughout my life I was able to recover most of these magazines, buying them again. My mother did it for my good, I have no grudges. Rest in peace.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: the daily newspapers, ‘AS’, and ‘Marca’, etc play a big part in the coverage of the game. Can you compare these daily papers compared to a magazine like ‘Don Balon’?

Response:  No. Newspapers are notaries today. The magazine "Don Balloon", for example, is more compilation and analysis of events. Apart from the quality of the photographs.

 Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Has your taste in magazines changed over the years or do you still read your favorite magazines?

Response:  keep reading them and keep them as a treasure. I don't like the news. There are many data errors and the writing of journalists is appalling. I miss the figure of the editor of the newspaper or the magazine that was in charge that everything was correct.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Looking back, do you feel these magazines kept you sufficiently informed about the events of the game as a whole?

Response:  No. I would have liked to know more details about the international matches of Selections. When «El Mundo Deportivo» arrived in my city, it covered part of my demands.

An example. In the 1976 European Championship in the previous Group stage, I was years to know the result of Austria-Wales. I didn't come in any newspaper or magazine.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Did your interest in reading magazines wane with the advent of Internet and 24 Hour Sports Television channels or are you as interested as ever in reading?

Response:  Now I buy much less magazines. The internet monopolizes everything.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Are there publications that have since been defunct that you miss?

Response:  Many: Don Balloon, Onze, Mondial (both separately), Deporte 2000 and some more that I don't remember now.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Getting back to my earlier question about anticipating the release of magazines. Given that now many receive their magazines on PDF, do you feel that a level of excitement has been lost as a result?

Response:  Of course. I download a PDF and I don't read it. I used to buy ONZE or Don Balloon and read me to the ads.

Soccernostalgia/@1888Letter Question: Once again thank you for taking the time in participating in this project.

Response:  It has been a pleasure,

*********Note: This interview was conducted via ‘google translate’ in Spanish. The content below shows Mr. Carbonell’s responses in Spanish.******

1. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: ¿Cuál fue la primera revista de Soccer (Football) que leíste como un joven fanático del juego?

Mi primera revista fue el Onze, estaba de viaje fin de curso en la isla de Mallorca y vi una revista que me impresionó. Aun la conservo.

2. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888Carta Pregunta: ¿Hubo otras revistas locales que también leyó?

Por supuesto, compraba semanalmente el AS Color y el don Balon, aparte de periódicos cuando jugaba la Selección (AS y Marca).

3. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: ¿Describa el formato general de estas revistas en particular? ¿Cuál fue su (s) sección (es) favorita (s) de estas revistas?

El futbol internacional a nivel de Selecciones. Luego también me interesaba mucho la Copa de Europa.

4. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: ¿La cobertura del fútbol fue principalmente local o las noticias del fútbol internacional también se cubrieron de manera significativa?

El futbol local no me interesaba. Me interesaban las competiciones como los Mundiales de Futbol (el de 1974 es mi favorito) y la Eurocopa.

5. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: En general, en un puesto de periódicos típico, ¿cuántas opciones estaban disponibles para leer fútbol?

Muchas. El futbol lo era todo en mi juventud. Con muchas revistas especializadas. Mucho mas que ahora que en España ya no hay una publicación ni semanal ni mensual con la cual poder seguir el futbol. Hay revistas puntuales antes de cualquier evento futbolístico y ya está.

6. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888Carta Pregunta: ¿Recuerdas también publicaciones de fútbol extranjeras en tus quioscos? Si es así, ¿has leído alguno?

En mi época, siempre me hubiera gustado poder ver un France Football, un World Soccer o un Tempo (Yugoslavia). Ahora en la época digital, puedo disfrutar de ellas en formato digital.

Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de carta: Le preguntaré esto a todos, uno de mis mejores recuerdos como joven fanático del fútbol fue la anticipación del día en que había nuevos números disponibles en los quioscos. Era un ritual semanal que se quedaría conmigo durante décadas. En tus propias palabras, ¿puedes explicar tus recuerdos de estos días?

Por supuesto. El Miercoles al salir del colegio y antes de ir a casa pasaba por el Kiosco a comprar el diario As y el Marca. Al dia siguiente, después del partido, volvia otra vez al Kiosco.

Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: ¿Disfrutaste de tus revistas para los puntajes / tablas de clasificación, etc., o prefieres escribir? ¿O hubo una evolución cuando cuando envejeciste comenzaste a apreciar más el análisis escrito profundo?

Me interesaban las alieneaciones (line up) y las fotos por si había alguna del equipo español y de su rival. En la actualidad me sigue ilusionando lo mismo.

Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: ¿Cómo ha cambiado la calidad de sus revistas favoritas (para bien o para mal con los años)?

Han cambiado para mal, para peor. Ahora hay mucho más despliegue informático y digital, pero no lo cambio por el sistema antiguo. Me acuerdo de esas “TELEFOTO” de las agencias, que los periódicos ponían en sus páginas para dar la noticia como primicia.

Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: ¿Cuál fue la mejor época para sus revistas favoritas?

De los doce a los dieciséis años. Mi madre, como no estudiaba me rompió todas las fotos y revistas que guardaba. Las meti en una bolsa, me fui al campo, hice una hoguera y las quemé.

Luego a lo largo de mi vida pude recuperar la mayoría de estas revistas, volviéndolas a comprar. Mi madre lo hizo por mi bien, no le guardo ningún rencor. Descanse en paz.

Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: los diarios, "AS" y "Marca", etc. juegan un papel importante en la cobertura del juego. ¿Puedes comparar estos diarios con una revista como "Don Balon"?

No. Los diarios son notarios de la actualidad. La revista «Don Balón», por ejemplo, es más recopilación y análisis de los acontecimientos. Aparte de la calidad de las fotografías.

Soccernostalgia / @ 1888Carta Pregunta: ¿Ha cambiado su gusto por las revistas a lo largo de los años o todavía lee sus revistas favoritas?

Las sigo leyendo y las guardo como un tesoro. Las nuevas no me gustan nada. Hay muchos errores de datos y la redacción de los periodistas es pésima. Echo de menos la figura del Redactor del periódico o la revista que se encargaba que estuviera todo correcto.

13. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: Mirando hacia atrás, ¿crees que estas revistas te mantuvieron suficientemente informado sobre los eventos del juego en general?

No. A mí me hubiera gustado conocer más detalles sobre los partidos internacionales de Selecciones. Cuando llego «El Mundo Deportivo» a mi ciudad, cubria parte de mis exigencias.

Un ejemplo. En la Eurocopa de 1976 en la fase previa de Grupos, estuve años ara conocer el resultado de Austria-Gales. No venia en ningún periódico ni revista.

14. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888Carta Pregunta: ¿Su interés en la lectura de revistas disminuyó con la llegada de Internet y los canales de televisión deportiva las 24 horas o está tan interesado como siempre en la lectura?

Ahora compro muchas menos revistas. El internet lo acapara todo.

15. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: ¿Hay publicaciones que desde entonces han desaparecido y que te pierdes?

Muchas: Don Balón, Onze, Mondial (ambas por separado), Deporte 2000 y alguna mas que ahora no me acuerdo.

16. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de carta: Volviendo a mi pregunta anterior sobre la anticipación del lanzamiento de revistas. Dado que ahora muchos reciben sus revistas en PDF, ¿siente que se ha perdido un nivel de emoción como resultado?

Por supuesto. Yo me descargo un PDF y no lo leo. Antes compraba el ONZE o el Don Balón y me leía hasta los anuncios.

17. Soccernostalgia / @ 1888 Pregunta de la carta: Una vez más, gracias por tomarse el tiempo para participar en este proyecto.

Ha sido un placer, pido disculpas por el retraso.

José Luis Carbonell Pascual

Joselecar4@hotmail.com

Soccer Memories-Part 38 : England’s unique Nostalgia with Italia ‘90

(Note: I would like to once again thank http://www.zani.co.uk/ for uploading this article https://www.zani.co.uk/zani-sport/item/3030-england-s-unique-nostalgia-with-italia-90?fbclid=IwAR120x7x2D6g5Bbc4pCSxJ4afXJnHPbMITqnfci9Q8gFpu3g0NldyU4fTQY)

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 25^th) 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……