New Addition: Managers and Tactics, Part one

April 24, 2014, 11:34 pm

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Three Interviews and three Profiles of Italian Manager Arrigo Sacchi

(Magazine / Language : Voetbal International, June 22, 1988/ Dutch by Emile Schelvis) 

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2390,  January 28, 1992 / French by Laurent Moisset) 

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, September 1992/ English by Mark Irwin) 

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, April 1994 / English by Paddy Agnew) 

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, November 1996 / English by Paddy Agnew) 

(Magazine / Language : Calcio 2000, Issue 40, April 2001/ Italian By Carlo F. Chiesa) 

Photo from: Calcio 2000, Issue 40, April 2001 (Arrigo Sacchi)

Sacchi

An Article about the 4-2-4 tactical formation

(Magazine / Language : Calcio 2000, Issue 22, August 1999 / Italian By Carlo F. Chiesa)  

Photo from: Calcio 2000, Issue 22, August 1999 (Pele shaking hands with Swedish King Gustaf VI Adolf, Brazil played 4-2-4, during the 1958 World Cup, June 29, 1958, World Cup, Sweden 2-Brazil 5)

4-2-4 Tactic

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New Addition-When Calcio Ruled the Football World-A Personal Journey-Part One (1982/83)

April 24, 2014, 11:37 pm

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My introduction to the World of Soccer occurred during the 1982 World Cup.

As the months passed my interest grew stronger and stronger.

I was still unexposed to the world of club soccer, however, in the months following the World Cup and into the Fall I started paying more attention to club matches shown on Television, as well as highlights of matches shown.

More often than not these involved the English, West German, Dutch, Italian, French and Spanish Leagues.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, April 20-27, 1983 (Dino Zoff, April 10, 1983, Juventus 5-Ascoli 0)

I was slowly able to match the names I had learned during the World Cup with the clubs they played for.

Little by little, I noticed Bruno Conti was playing for a team called AS Roma with Brazil’s Falcao as a teammate and Giancarlo Antognoni played for a team called Fiorentina.

To my amazement I learned of a team named Juventus that not only practically contained every Italian National Team player that I had learned over the summer (Zoff, Gentile, Scirea, Cabrini, Tardelli, Rossi), but also France’s Michel Platini and Poland’s Zbigniew Boniek.

To me it seemed unreal that so many national team players were all in one club.

By springtime my interest had developed to such a point that I started buying specialized Sports magazines to follow the teams and the scores.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 82, October 1982 (Michel Platini at Juventus, 1982/83)

In the days before wall to wall Television coverage and the internet, the ritual of waiting every week in anticipation to get the latest local Sports Magazine to get the scores and news would remain with me for the decades to come passing through different countries.

Again the bulk of the coverage was on the top European Leagues and I was slowly discovering that the Italian Serie A was THE Top League with the most prestige and stars.

I became a fan of Juventus due to the fact that I actually recognized most of the players.

By the time I started actively following scores and table positions, the season was in full swing and past the halfway mark. By this point AS Roma were League leaders on their way to claim their first title since 1942.

The team behind them was a surprising newly promoted team called Verona and Alessandro Altobelli’s Internazionale Milano (In print the team was always referred as Inter Milan).

Photo From: Mondial, new series, Issue 36, March 1983 (AS Roma’s Bruno Conti)

Again I was surprised to learn that West Germany’s Hansi Muller that I had discovered during the World Cup was playing for Inter.

Juventus were a distant fourth and were by all accounts having a poor season.

However, a victory vs. League leaders AS Roma (2 to 1) changed things around and from then on Juventus started winning match after match with Platini in superb form.

They overtook Verona and Inter and established themselves in the second position, but their deficit over Roma was too great to overcome and Roma deservedly won the Serie A title.

In the years to come I would learn the names of key AS Roma players such as Roberto Pruzzo, Sebastiano Nela and Agostino di Bartolomei, but for now their names were still foreign to me as I was still familiarizing myself with this newfound interest and back in those days magazines just printed the scores and not team lineups.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, Issue 36, March 1983 (AS Roma’s Falcao)

I did not even know any coaches at the time, but soon enough the names of Nils Liedholm and Giovanni Trapattoni would be familiar.

Juventus did gain some consolation by winning the Italian Cup at the expense of Verona. But in time I would to learn the unimportance of this competition with matches played before the season had started and the Final (two legged) played after the League season had ended.

One thing was sure, Juventus was going to be my club to support in Italy and I could not wait for the following season (1983/84) to start.

Full Magazines, Part Two

April 25, 2014, 12:27 am

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1- Magazine Name: Onze

Issue: Issue 25, January 1978

Language/Nation: French/France

Photo From: Onze, Issue 25, January 1978

Onze, Issue 25, January 1978

2- Magazine Name: Onze

Issue: Issue 127, July 1986

Language/Nation: French/France

Photo From: Onze, Issue 127, July 1986

Onze, Issue 127, July 1986

3- Magazine Name: Onze-Mondial

Issue: Issue 49, February 1993

Language/Nation: French/France

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 49, February 1993

 Onze-Mondial, Issue 49, February 1993

4- Magazine Name: World Soccer

Issue: August 1968

Language/Nation: English/UK

Photo From: World Soccer, August 1968

World Soccer, August 1968

5- Magazine Name: World Soccer

Issue: August 1977

Language/Nation: English/UK

Photo From: World soccer, August 1977 World soccer, August 1977 6- Magazine Name: World Soccer Issue: November 1984 Language/Nation: English/UK

Photo From: World Soccer, November 1984

 World Soccer, November 1984

7- Magazine Name: World Soccer

Issue: September 1993

Language/Nation: English/UK

Photo From: World Soccer, September 1993

 World Soccer, September 1993

8- Magazine Name: Mondial

Issue: Old Series, Issue 9, October 1977

Language/Nation: French/France

Photo From: Mondial, Old Series, Issue 9, October 1977

Mondial, Old Series, Issue 9, October 1977

9- Magazine Name: Mondial

Issue: New series, issue 23, February 1982

Language/Nation: French/France

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 23, February 1982

Mondial, New series, issue 23, February 1982

10- Magazine Name: Fussball Magazin

Issue: November December 1983

Language/Nation: German / West Germany

Photo From: Fussball Magazin, November December 1983

Fussball Magazin, November December 1983

11- Magazine Name: Fussball Woche

Issue: Issue 43, October 18, 1976

Language/Nation: German / West Germany

Photo From: Fussball Woche, Issue 43, October 18, 1976

 Fussball Woche, Issue 43, October 18, 1976

12- Magazine Name: Voetbal International

Issue: December 17, 1983

Language/Nation: Dutch / Holland

Photo From: Voetbal International, December 17, 1983

 Voetbal International, December 17, 1983

13- Magazine Name: Foot Magazine

Issue: Issue 107, September 1990

Language/Nation: French/Belgium

Photo From: Foot Magazine, Issue 107, September 1990

Foot Magazine, Issue 107, September 1990

14- Magazine Name: Soccer International

Issue: Issue 4, April 1990

Language/Nation: English / USA

Photo From: Soccer International, Issue 4, April 1990

 Soccer International, Issue 4, April 1990

15- Magazine Name: Guerin Sportivo

Issue: April 15-21, 1987

Language/Nation: Italian / Italy

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo, April 15-21, 1987

Guerin Sportivo, April 15-21, 1987

16- Magazine Name: Football Magazine

Issue: Issue 56, September 1964

Language/Nation: French/France

Photo From: Football Magazine, Issue 56, September 1964

Football Magazine, Issue 56, September 1964

17- Magazine Name: Goal

Issue: Issue 15, December 1996

Language/Nation: English/UK

Photo From: Goal, Issue 15, December 1996

Goal, Issue 15, December 1996, part 1

Goal, Issue 15, December 1996, part 2

18- Magazine Name: Four Four Two

Issue: Issue 21, May 1996

Language/Nation: English/UK

Photo From: Four Four Two, Issue 21, May 1996

 Four Four Two, Issue 21, May 1996, part 1

Four Four Two, Issue 21, May 1996, part 2

19- Magazine Name: Placar

Issue: Issue 1, 1970

Language/Nation: Portuguese / Brazil

Photo From: Placar , Issue 1, 1970

 Placar , Issue 1, 1970

20- Magazine Name: Sport Bild

Issue: February 6-10, 1999

Language/Nation: German / Germany

Photo From: Sport Bild, February 6-10, 1999

Sport Bild, February 6-10, 1999

21- Magazine Name: El Grafico

Issue: El día mas glorioso del futbol argentino n 3064, 1978

Language/Nation: Spanish / Argentina

Photo From: El Grafico - El día mas glorioso del futbol argentino n 3064, 1978

 El Grafico - El día mas glorioso del futbol argentino n 3064, 1978

22- Magazine Name: Don Balon

Issue: Issue 180, March 20-26, 1979

Language/Nation: Spanish / Spain

Photo From: Don Balon, Issue 180, March 20-26, 1979

 Don Balon, Issue 180, March 20-26, 1979

23- Magazine Name: Kicker

Issue: Kicker_WM-Sonderheft_1970

Language/Nation: German / West Germany

Photo From: Kicker_WM-Sonderheft_1970

Kicker_WM-Sonderheft_1970

24- Magazine Name: Soccer Monthly

Issue: July 1979

Language/Nation: English/UK

Photo From: Soccer Monthly, July 1979

Soccer Monthly, July 1979

25- Magazine Name: Total Football

Issue: June  2001

Language/Nation: English/UK

Photo From: Total Football, June  2001

Total Football, June 2001

26- Magazine Name: France Football

Issue: Issue 1626, June 7, 1977

Language/Nation: French/France

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1626, June 7, 1977

France Football, Issue 1626, June 7, 1977

27- Magazine Name: France Football

Issue: Issue 2019, December 18, 1984

Language/Nation: French/France

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2019, December 18, 1984

France Football, Issue 2019, December 18, 1984

28- Magazine Name: France Football

Issue: Issue 2547, January 31, 1995

Language/Nation: French/France

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2547, January 31, 1995

France Football, Issue 2547, January 31, 1995

Soccer Memories-Part 22

May 7, 2014, 6:44 pm

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Rejected Talent: Future Stars, not good enough at youth level

(Note: I would like to once again thank http://www.zani.co.uk/for uploading this article http://www.zani.co.uk/rejected-talent-future-stars-not-good-enough-at-youth-level )

When one looks at a top Football Player, logically the assumption is that they were exceptional talents as youth. In most cases that’s accurate, as one would have to possess gifts at a very young age to make it as a professional.

However, throughout Football history, there have been players whose gifts were not self-evident or were judged inadequate to succeed as professionals.

French Legend Michel Platini is such a case. Though he performed impressively as a 20 year old for his club Nancy, it is astonishing that Lorraine neighbors FC Metz rejected him.

There are two stories about this great oversight. In one version it was Metz’s Team Doctor, after a number of physical tests, judged Platini not adequate to succeed as a professional. In another version, Platini would only join if his father Aldo was also part of the package with a job (which he got at Nancy).

Photo From: Mondial, old series, issue 27, February 1979 (Michel Platini with Nancy, 1978/79)

Another technically gifted French Talent from the 1980s and 90s, David Ginola was turned down by OGC Nice. He had to make his name with Toulon before starring for Paris St Germain and Newcastle United later in his career.

Other French Internationals who had to take different routes to stardom include long time goalkeeper Joel Bats who was barred as a youth at Sochaux by the more experienced Albert Rust and had to go to Auxerre and also striker Xavier Gravelaine, a contemporary of Didier Deschamps as a youth at Nantes, who was also shown the door and had to make his way through the lower divisions before eventually playing for sides like Paris St Germain and Olympique Marseille.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 71, March 1986 (France goalkeeper Joel Bats)

In the early 1990s, Croatia’s Robert Prosinecki was considered to be one of the greatest young talents of World Football and was an International for Yugoslavia in his early 20s.

As a youth he was coached by future Croatia National Team Manager Miroslav Blazevic at Dynamo Zagreb. Blazevic was so unconvinced by his talents that he went on to declare that if Prosinecki ever became a good player he would tear off all his diplomas.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 28, May 1991 (Robert Prosinecki with Red Star Belgrade, 1990/91)

When it comes to Germans, Bayern Munich is a difficult place to break through, some of the notable casualties include future West German and Stuttgart defender Bernd Forster (brother of Karl-Heinz) and future Bordeaux defender and Manager Gernot Rohr. Both failed to make the grade in a team full of Internationals.

There is the peculiar case of Italian defenders Giuseppe Bergomi and Franco Baresi. Each player was rejected by one of the Milanese clubs to serve their entire career with the other Milanese club, Bergomi with Inter and Baresi with AC Milan. Incidentally, Franco Baresi’s brother Giuseppe was accepted by Inter.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 16, February 1999 (Internazionale Milano’s Giuseppe Bergomi)

Future Juventus defenders (both capped by Italy), Sergio Porrini and Gianluca Pessotto started at AC Milan’s youth teams but were released before making their breakthroughs at smaller teams.

Similarly another future Juventus and Italy International, midfielder Angelo Di Livio failed to make the grade at AS Roma and had to start out at the lower leagues.

Future Italy and AS Roma midfielder Luigi Di Biagio actually started at cross town rivals Lazio, but failed to make the grade.

Future Italy goalkeeper Francesco Toldo’s path was blocked at AC Milan, he therefore had to work his way up the lower leagues as well.

Defender Roberto Tricella was once seen as Gaetano Scirea’s heir apparent as Italy’s Libero under Enzo Bearzot; however, he was also rejected as a youth at Internazionale Milano before making a name for himself at Verona.

Similarly young Lazio striker Marco Di Vaio’s path was blocked by such talents as Signori and Casiraghi, therefore he had to work his way up the lower leagues as well.

When it comes to the British there are also many interesting cases. Future England Captain David Platt was rejected as a youngster at Manchester United. He had to go to Crewe and Aston Villa to achieve stardom.

Photo From: World Soccer, February 1994 (David Platt st Sampdoria, 1993/94)

Welsh International, the controversial Robbie Savage is another of Manchester United’s famous failures.

Scottish legend Kenny Dalglish was rejected as a trainee at West Ham United for reasons that only they would know.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 22, October 1977 (Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool, 1977/78)

Liverpool itself is also a tough place to break through especially during the competitive Shankly and Paisley eras. Future England International defender Dave Watson could not make it. He had to go through Norwich to eventually play for cross-town rivals Everton.

Republic of Ireland Midfielder Kevin Sheedy and Northern Ireland midfielder Jim Magilton were also released during this era. Sheedy eventually made his name at cross-town rivals Everton, while Magilton starred for Southampton.

Arsenal under George Graham was guilty of dispensing prolific striker Andy Cole and International defender Martin Keown. Though, Graham bought back Keown some six years later.

In Spain, Real Madrid is a tough jungle and many talented players had to make headway elsewhere blocked by International quality stars.

Hipolito Rincon is such a case, unable to make the first team; he joined Real Betis and was one of Spanish Leagues best goalscorers of the 1980s.

The list goes on: Ismael Urzaiz, Alvaro Negredo, Roberto Soldado, Alfonso Perez, Dani Garcia, Miguel Pardeza, and Sebastiano Losada.

These young Spaniards had to succeed away from Real’s tough environment.

I presume the lesson to be learned is to never give up after initial rejection.

Even the experts can be wrong or perhaps players need the right environment to flourish.

They need the less pressured atmosphere of a smaller club where they will get playing opportunities rather than being confined to the bench, way behind the pecking order.

 

Soccer Memories-Part 23

June 5, 2014, 7:02 pm

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My Favorite World Cup Match:   July 8, 1982, The Magic of Seville

With the World Cup right around the corner, the inevitable debates come up as to which was the best ever World Cup match.

In the lead up to the main event we are naturally inundated with Television Specials and highlights from past World Cups.

To pick a favorite World Cup match varies depending upon your generation.

Experts will point out to World Cups that might be decades remote from our own lifetime. These matches usually stand out due to high drama, many goals, score reversals, big names involved, sending offs, etc…

However, there is little emotional resonance when you have not witnessed Gordon Banks making a save from Pele, Rivera scoring in overtime vs. West Germany or Geoff Hurst’s last minute overtime winner in 1966 (They think it’s all over, Well it is now..).

Since the 1982 World Cup, turned me into a fan, naturally my favorite World Cup match is from that Tournament.

Though not a very original choice, the Semifinal match between France and West Germany in Seville’s Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on July 8^th, 1982 stands out as my preferred choice.

Over a decade later in an Interview, France’s Captain Michel Platini stated that just in that one match he went through every possible emotion that any person can go through.

To those of us who witnessed the match on our Television sets, we could not agree more, irrespective of our allegiances and even if we were neutral.

Thirty years later this match is still talked about and referenced and has become an unforgettable memory for the participants as well as the global audience that witnessed it.

By this stage of the Tournament, after Brazil’s elimination, France had become the neutrals’ favorite due to their positive displays especially in the Second Round.

The French squad, managed by Michel Hidalgo, had improved as the Tournament had progressed with Alain Giresse and Dominique Rocheteau in fine form.

Their weak point had been the goalkeeper Jean-Luc Ettori who many viewed as too nervous and inexperienced to inspire confidence.

Photo From: Onze, December 1982 (Alain Giresse and Hans-Peter Briegel)

The West Germans, managed by Juup Derwall, had not made themselves popular especially after the farce match vs. Austria in the Group stage, but had advanced due to hard work and determination, if not brilliance.

They were a far more physical team exemplified by towering figures such as Hans-Peter Briegel, Manfred Kaltz and Horst Hrubesch.

Captain Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had not been fully fit throughout the World Cup, but nevertheless had managed four goals up to that point.

West Germany had taken the lead in the 17^th minute, after Ettori could only parry an attempt by Fischer; the deflected ball reached Pierre Littbarski who scored from outside of the box.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 84, January 1996 (Littbarski scoring for West Germany)

The French tied up the match in the 26^th minute through a penalty kick by Platini, awarded after a foul by Bernd Forster on Rocheteau.

The real Drama started early in the second half. French midfielder Bernard Genghini was injured and substituted in the 52^nd minute by Patrick Battiston.

With barely ten minutes on the field, Battiston was sent clear by Platini with only goalkeeper Harald Schuamcher to beat. His lobbed attempt went just wide, however, the onrushing Schumacher collided with him.

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’equipe de France de Football, La Belle Histoire (Schumacher and Battiston’s collision)

Such was the impact that Battiston was knocked unconscious and lost two teeth.

The sight of Platini holding his hand while he was being taken off with a stretcher became one of the lasting images of this World cup.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 84, January 1996 (Battiston with Platini)

With no more midfielders on the bench, Hidalgo had to send in defender Christian Lopez as a defensive midfielder.

To everyone’s amazement, not only Dutch referee Charles Corver did not award a penalty kick, but also Schumacher was not sent off nor even shown a yellow card.

Corver instead awarded a goal kick for West Germany.

With the score even after full time, the match went into extra time.

Perhaps due to the fatigue, most of the goals and entertainment was saved for these thirty minutes.

The more adventurous French took the lead two minutes into the overtime. They were awarded a free kick on the right side. Giresse crossed it near the penalty kick spot to his Bordeaux club mate, the veteran Marius Tresor, who had been remarkably unmarked. He smashed a volley into the net.

Photo From: Onze, July 1982 (Tresor scoring with a volley)

Six minutes later, Platini passed to Didier Six on the left side, who in turn passed it to the onrushing Alain Giresse whose long distance shot deflected off th

e post into the net.

Giresse’s celebration would also become one the most famous images of this Cup.

With France up by two goals, many believed the match was wrapped up and perhaps France themselves believed it as well.

By now Derwall had replaced midfielder Briegel and sent on striker Rummenigge to make a difference and he did.

Just four minutes after Giresse’s goal, he pounced on a cross from Littbarski from the left and gave the Germans some hope.

Photo From: Chronik des deutschen fussballs, 2005 (Rummenigge about to score despite pressure from Janvion)

Six minutes after that, in the 108^th minute, a cross from Littbarski on the left was headed across the goal by Hrubesch and Klaus Fischer tied up the match with an overhead kick.

The teams were scoreless for the final twelve minutes and for the first time in World Cup History a match was to be decided by a penalty kick shoot-out.

France started first and both teams converted their first two attempts by Giresse and Manuel Amoros for France and Kaltz and Paul Breitner for West Germany.

Rocheteau scored on France’s third attempt, but Uli Stielieke failed in his attempt and broke down in tears.

While the cameras were on the tearful Stielieke, they missed out Schumacher’s save on Didier Six’s attempt.

Littbarski scored in his attempt to level the shoot-out.

Platini and Rummenigge converted their respective attempts.

France’s Maxime Bossis missed his attempt, leaving Hrubesch to score his and settle the tie for West Germany.

However, West Germany’s victory had come at a price. Their opponents in the Final, the Italians were fresher while the Germans were physically more exhausted. In addition, their victory had seemed unjust due to the Schumacher-Battiston incident and the general public opinion was against them and not surprisingly they lost the Final with the crowd against them.

After the match vs. France, a journalist notified Schumacher that Battiston had lost teeth in the incident. Schumacher was quoted saying “if that’s all that’s wrong with him, I’m prepared to pay what it costs to have them crowned.”

When he published his very controversial autobiography, Schumacher claimed that no malice was intended in his response. He had been fearful that Battiston had suffered worse head injuries and was grateful that he had not.

A few years later Uli Stielieke was asked in an interview that some of the French players had found him too aggressive, his reply was that if to win a match of that importance one has to be aggressive, then yes he could have been. An attitude filled with determination, which was in sharp contrast with France’s lack of winning mentality.

This match had lasting effect especially on the French Football. To this day when one utters the word Seville in French Footballing lexicon, it is understood to be this match and all that it encompasses.

French observers have referenced this match as their romanticism being overcome by rugged resilience and stronger mental strength.

Succeeding French Football Generations would learn to be tactically and mentally stronger and often reference this match as a learning experience.

France were able to build up on this experience and two years later triumphed in the European Championships on home soil and in fact were able to overcome and reverse a seemingly lost Semifinal in overtime vs. Portugal and credited the lessons learned in Seville.

This match will still be talked about for years to come for its significance to the History of the game and especially my generation who got to watch it.

Photo From: Les Bleus, Le livre official de l'equiep de France, Author: Dominique Grimault, 1997 (France squad, July 8, 1982, World Cup, West Germany 3-France 3, Top, left to right: Marius Tresor, Jean-Luc Ettori, Gerard Janvion, Manuel Amoros, Maxime Bossis, Jean Tigana, Bottom, left to right: Dominique Rocheteau, Bernard Genghini, Alain Giresse, Michel Platini, Didier Six)

Memorable European Confrontations, Part 17-1991 Manchester United vs. Montpellier

July 18, 2014, 8:21 am

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Manchester United and Montpellier were paired in the Quarterfinals of the 1990/91 Cup Winners Cup.

The English Club Manchester United, managed by Alex Ferguson, were along with Aston Villa, the first English clubs to play in Europe after the Heysel ban in 1985.

They were led by the injury prone skipper Bryan Robson and contained players such as Irish defender Dennis Irwin, Welshmen Clayton Blackmore and Mark Hughes, Scottish forward Brian McClair and solid reliable defender Steve Bruce.

They had qualified with relative ease from their opening two Rounds. The Hungarians of Pecsi were defeated home and away (2-0 and 1-0 respectively), and Welsh squad Wrexham were also defeated home and away (3-0 and 2-0 respectively).

They were lagging behind in the League and Europe was their only chance for any silverware.

The little known French side of Montpellier was the surprise team of the Tournament.

They were a mid-table team in the League, but still contained many talented players.

The team was managed by the Polish Henryk Kasperczak and was led by skipper and rising star Laurent Blanc.

The foreigners on their books were Colombian star Carlos Valderrama, Dutchman Wilbert Suvrijn and Polish Striker Jacek Ziober.

They had surprised everyone by eliminating in the first two rounds, two recent former European Champions, the Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven (1-0 Home, 0-0 away) and Romania’s Steaua Bucharest (5-0 Home, 3-0 away).

The first leg, on March 6th, was played at Manchester’ Old Trafford Stadium.

Manchester United were missing regulars in defense through injury: Steve Bruce and Dennis Irwin.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2344, March 12, 1991 (Patrick Colleter and Clayton Blackmore)

In their place Lee Martin and Mal Donaghy started.

International midfielder Neil Webb was also missing through injury.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2344, March 12, 1991 (Mark Hughes between Der Zakarian and Blanc)

Montpellier were missing Carlos Valderrama and naturally adopted a defensive set up for this away match.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2344, March 12, 1991 (Laurent Blanc and Bryan Robson)

Manchester United scored right at the first minute. Lee Sharpe attacked from the left side, after a give and go with Hughes, he crossed for McClair to score.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2344, March 12, 1991 (Brian McClair and Mark Hughes in front of the Montpellier goal)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2344, March 12, 1991 (Daniel Xuereb’s late chance in front of Les Sealey)

But in the 8^th minute, Ziober crossed from the left and Martin scored an own goal, even though they were no Montpellier players around him.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2344, March 12, 1991 (Mark Hughes and Jacek Ziober)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2346, March 26, 1991 (Pacal Baills walking off after being sent off)

In the 48^th minute, Mark Hughes had an entanglement with Lemoult and as he got up, Pascal Baills pushed him and he was sent off.

Pascal Baills was sent after Mark Hughes.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2344, March 12, 1991 (Michel Der Zakarian heading)

Manchester United did not take advantage fully of their man advantage at home despite having more chances.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2344, March 12, 1991 (Jean-Claude Lemoult and Mark Hughes)

Daniel Xuereb nearly snatched a winner for Montpellier towards the end.

At this point it seemed Montpellier had the upper hand in the tie, with home field advantage coming up.

March 6, 1991

Manchester United Football Club (England) 1-Montpellier-Hérault Sports Club (France) 1

Cup Winners Cup- Quarterfinals, First Leg

Venue: Manchester-Old Trafford

Attendance: 41,950

Referee: Pierluigi Pairetto (Italy)

Goalscorers: (Manchester United): Brian McClair 1’

 (Montpellier): Lee Martin (own goal) 8’

Lineups:

Manchester United:

1-Les Sealey, 3-Lee Martin (12-Danny Wallace 60^th), 4-Mal Donaghy (Northern Ireland), 6-Gary Pallister, 2-Clayton Blackmore (Wales), 5-Mike Phelan, 8-Paul Ince, 7-Bryan Robson, 11-Lee Sharpe, 9-Brian McClair (Scotland), 10-Mark Hughes (Wales)

Coach: Alex Ferguson (Scotland)

Booked: Bryan Robson 31st

Team Captain: Bryan Robson

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor: Sharp

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, White Shorts, Black Socks

Montpellier:

1-Claude Barrabe, 2-Pascal Baills, 5-Laurent Blanc, 4-Michel Der Zakarian, 3-Franck Lucchesi, 6-Jean-Claude Lemoult, 7-Wilbert Suvrijn (Holland) (12-Regis Brouard 88^th), 10-Patrick Colleter, 8-Vincent Guerin, 9-Clement Garcia (15-Daniel Xuereb 85^th), 11-Jacek Ziober (Poland)

Coach: Henryk Kasperczak (Poland)

Booked: Garcia 58^th, Vincent Guerin 70^th

Sent Off: Pascal Baills 48th

Team Captain: Laurent Blanc

Official Kit Supplier/Designer:  Adidas

Shirt Sponsor:  Air Littoral

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, Orange Shorts, Blue Socks

The second leg, on March 19th, was played at Montpellier’s Stade La Mosson.

For Montpellier, Carlos Valderrama was back in the squad.

Defender Michel Der Zakarian was out injured; it turned out he had played most of the first leg carrying an injury. Thetis came in his place.

Brouard took the place of the suspended Baills. Vincent Guerin learned very late from a letter by UEFA that he was suspended from this match.

His booking in the first leg was the second in the competition.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 27, April 1991 (Team captains Laurent Blanc and Bryan Robson)

The suspensions of Baills and Guerin weakened Montpellier’s right side.

In contrast Manchester United were nearly in full strength as Irwin and Bruce were back in.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 27, April 1991 (Jean-Claude Lemoult between Mark Hughes and Paul Ince)

Photo From: World Soccer, April 1991 (Bryan Robson and Clayton Blackmore after the first goal)

The turning point of this match occurred in the injury time of the first half. Clayton Blackmore’s took a free kick that Claude Barrabe let slip through his hands.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 27, April 1991 (Claude Barrabe committing his fatal error on the first goal)

The devastated Barrabe was consoled at halftime by his Manchester counterpart Les Sealey who said ‘I’m Sorry’.

Early in the second half, Colleter fouled Blackmore in the penalty area and Bruce converted the kick.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2346, March 26, 1991 (Clayton Blackmore and Jacek Ziober)

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 27, April 1991 (Thetis being sent off)

Montpellier had no way back and in the entire match had two chances.

Thetis also was sent off after an altercation with Hughes.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2346, March 26, 1991 (Mike Phelan and Patrick Colleter)

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 27, April 1991 (Mike Phelan and Wilbert Suvrijn)

The volatile Montpellier owner Louis Nicollin was absolutely furious with Barrabe after his error and said that he better do his job properly in the League, otherwise he ‘ll return to Reunion (the island that Barrabe hailed from).

Manchester went on to the semifinals and after eliminating Legia Warsaw met Barcelona in the Final.

The triumph over Barcelona paved the way for two decades of unprecedented success under Alex Ferguson.

March 19, 1991

Montpellier-Hérault Sports Club (France) 0-Manchester United Football Club (England) 2

Cup Winners Cup- Quarterfinals, Second Leg

Venue: Montpellier-Stade La Mosson

Attendance: 23,000

Referee: Hubert Forstinger (Austria)

Goalscorers: (Montpellier): None

 (Manchester United): Clayton Blackmore 45’+4’,

    Steve Bruce (Penalty Kick) 51’

Lineups:

Montpellier:

1-Claude Barrabe, 5-Laurent Blanc, 2-Regis Brouard (15-Daniel Xuereb 57^th), 4-Jean-Manuel Thetis, 3-Franck Lucchesi, 6-Jean-Claude Lemoult, 7-Wilbert Suvrijn (Holland), 8-Patrick Colleter, 10-Carlos Valderrama (Colombia), 9-Clement Garcia, 11-Jacek Ziober (Poland) (14-Patrice Garande 69^th)

Coach: Henryk Kasperczak (Poland)

Booked: Wilbert Suvrijn 24^th, Thetis 76^th

Sent Off: Thetis 78^th

Other Subs:

12-Jean-Jacques Nono

13-Franck Rizzetto

16-Phillipe Flucklinger

Team Captain: Laurent Blanc

Official Kit Supplier/Designer:  Adidas

Shirt Sponsor:  Air Littoral

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, Orange Shorts, Blue Socks

Manchester United:

1-Les Sealey, 2-Dennis Irwin (Republic of Ireland), 4-Steve Bruce,  6-Gary Pallister, 3-Clayton Blackmore (Wales), 5-Mike Phelan, 8-Paul Ince (14-Lee Martin 50^th), 7-Bryan Robson, 11-Lee Sharpe, 9-Brian McClair (Scotland), 10-Mark Hughes (Wales)

Coach: Alex Ferguson (Scotland)

Booked: Bryan Robson 34^th

Other subs:

12-Danny Wallace

13-Gary Walsh

15-Mal Donaghy (Northern Ireland)

16-Mark Robins

Team Captain: Bryan Robson

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor: Sharp

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, White Shorts, Black Socks

Interviews-Part 33

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Six interviews and eight profiles on Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, September 1974 / English)

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, Old Series, Issue 6, July 1977 / French)   

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, old series, Issue 11, December 1977  / French)

(Magazine / Language : Fussball Magazin, February March 1978 / German By Giovanni Mercuri)

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, old series, Issue 11, June 1979  / French)

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, November 1981 / English By Keir Radnedge) 

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 72, December 1981 / French By  Francois-Rene Simon)  

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, Issue 24, March 1982  / French By Stefano Germano)

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 84, December 1982 / French By  Francis Huertas)  

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 34, January 1983 / French By Jean-Luc Ettori)

 (Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2238, February 28, 1989 / French By Enzo D’Orsi)  

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2583, October 10, 1995 / French By Roberto Notarianni and Antonio Felici )  

(Magazine / Language : Calcio 2000, Issue 12, October 1998 / Italian By Marco Tarozzi) 

(Magazine / Language : Calcio 2000, Issue 26, January 2000 / Italian By Carlo F. Chiesa) 

Photo From : Onze, Issue 72, December 1981 (Dino Zoff reading November 1981 Issue of Onze)

Dino Zoff Interviews/Profiles

Eleven interviews and seven profiles on France’s Dominique Bathenay

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 7, July 1976 / French By Jacques Murgue)  

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 15, March 1977 / French By Robert Nataf)  

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, Old Series, Issue 3, April 1977 / French)  

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, June 1977 / English By Keir Radnedge) 

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, old series, Issue 15, April 1978 / French)  

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, old series, Issue 18, July 1978 / French By Bernard Peromet)  

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 32, August 1978  / French By Robert Nataf)  

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 40, April 1979 / French By Robert Nataf)  

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, old series, issue 35, October 1979 / French By Michel Diard)  

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, old series, issue 36, November 1979 / French)  

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, old series, issue 37, December 1979 / French)  

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, New series, issue 11, February 1981 / French By Francois Sorton)  

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 1842, July 28, 1981 / French By Jean-Marie Lorant)  

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 74, February 1982 / French By Jean-Michel Larque)  

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 36, March 1983 / French By Raoul Dufourcq)  

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2003, August 28, 1984 / French By Gerard Ejnes)  

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2012, October 30, 1984 / French)  

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, Issue 85, April 1987 / French By Jean-Marc Estournes)  

Photo From : Onze, Issue 32, August 1978 (Dominique Bathenay upon joining Paris St. Germain in 1978)

Dominique Bathenay Interviews/Profiles

Three interviews with Italian and Juventus goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi

 (Magazine / Language : Guerin Sportivo, April 12-18, 1989 / Italian By Maurizio Crosetti)  

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2271, October 17, 1989 / French By Karim Jbara)  

(Magazine / Language : Guerin Sportivo, September 18-24, 1991 / Italian By Carlo F. Chiesa)  

Photo From : France Football, Issue 2271, October 17, 1989 (Juventus goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi)

Stefano Tacconi Interviews

Fourteen interviews and profiles on Liberian George Weah

 (Magazine / Language : World Soccer, August 1990 / English By Bob Pateman) 

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2327, November 13, 1990 / French By Pierre-Marie Descamps)  

(Magazine / Language : Onze-Mondial, Issue 29, June 1991 / French By Didier Roustan)  

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2386, December 31, 1991 / French By Jean-Pierre Rivais)  

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, January 1993/ English By Andrew Conradi) 

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2465, July 6, 1993 / French By Jean Issartel)  

(Magazine / Language : Onze-Mondial, Issue 74, March 1995 / French By Laurent Maltret and Christian Liewig)  

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2552, March 7, 1995 / French By Vincent Marchenaud)  

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2554, March 21, 1995 / French)  

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2563, May 23, 1995 / French By Christophe Larcher and Roberto Notarianni) 

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2581, September 26, 1995 / French By Roberto Notarianni)   

(Magazine / Language : Onze-Mondial, Issue 81, October 1995 / French By Thierry Hubac and Alain Gadoffre)  

(Magazine / Language : Goal, December 1996 / English By Osasu Obayiuwana) 

(Magazine / Language : Onze-Mondial, Issue 121, February 1999 / French By Thierry Hubac and Alain Gadoffre)   

Photo From : Onze-Mondial, Issue 74, March 1995 (George Weah with Liberia National team)

George Weah Interviews/Profiles

Player Profiles-Part 30

July 20, 2014, 9:58 am

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Four profiles and one Interview on 60s Northern Irish legend George Best

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, May 1968 / English By Phillip Rising)

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, February 1969 / English By Roger McDonald)

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 60, March 1985 / French by Ghislain Loustalot) 

(Magazine / Language : Goal, Issue 11, August 1996 / English By Richard Tippett)

(Magazine / Language : Goal Issue 19, April 1997 / English By Michael Hodges)

(Magazine / Language : Calcio 2000, Issue 16, February 1999 / Italian)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 60, March 1985 (George Best with Manchester United)

George Best Profiles

Five profiles with Italy and Juventus midfielder Marco Tardelli

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 31, October 1982 / French) 

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 84, December 1982  / French by Francis Huertas) 

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, January 1988 / English By Jane Nottage)

(Magazine / Language : Calcio 2000, Issue 26, January 2000 / Italian By Carlo F. Chiesa)

(Magazine / Language : Calcio 2000, Issue 36 Suppplement, November-December 2000 / Italian By Marco Tarozzi)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 31, October 1982 (Marco Tardelli during the 1982 World Cup)

Tardelli Profiles

Twelve Profiles and one Interview with England striker Gary Lineker

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 69, December 1985 / French By Raoul Dufourcq)

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 132, December 1986 / French By Alain Leiblang) 

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2130, February 3, 1987 / French By Paco Aguilar) 

(Magazine / Language : France Football, Issue 2133, February 24, 1987 / French By Paco Aguilar) 

(Magazine / Language : Fussball Magazin, May 1987 / German By Siegfried Buschschluter) 

(Magazine / Language : Guerin Sportivo, April 12-18, 1989 / Italian By Marco Strazzi) 

(Magazine / Language : Soccer International, February 1992 / English)

(Magazine / Language : Onze-Mondial, Issue 37, February 1992 / French By Thierry Hubac and Alain Gadoffre) 

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, August 1992 / English By Colin Malam)

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, May 1993 / English By Ken Goldman)

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, July 1993 / English By Keir Radnedge)

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, November 1994 / English By Mike Plastow)

(Magazine / Language : Calcio 2000, Issue 21, July 1999 / Italian By Carlo F. Chiesa)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 69, December 1985 (Gary Lineker with Klaus Aughentaler behind him, June 12, 1985, Azteca 2000, England 3-West Germany 0)

Lineker Profiles

Three profiles on German defender Christian Ziege

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, November 1993 / English By Arthur Rotmil)

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, March 1997 / English By Nick Bidwell)

(Magazine / Language : World Soccer, October 1999 / English By Nick Bidwell)

Photo From: World Soccer, March 1997 (Christian Ziege with germany during the 1996 Euroepan Championships)

Ziege Profiles

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Articles on Teams and Events-Part 30

July 21, 2014, 6:08 pm

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Three Articles from El Grafico, about Argentina’s Tour of Europe in 1984

 (Magazine / Language : El Grafico Number 3387, 3388 and 3389 / Spanish by Aldo Proietto) 

Photo From: El Grafico Number 3389, 1984 (Jorge Burruchaga, September 12, 1984-West Germany 1-Argentina 3)

Photo From: El Grafico Number 3388, 1984 (September 5, 1984-Belgium 0-Argentina 2)

Argentina’s Tour of Europe 1984

An article about the USA Bicentenial Cup held in 1976 

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 6, June 1976 / French By Alain Leiblang) 

Photo From: Onze, Issue 6, June 1976 (Zico, May 31, 1976, USA Bicentenial Cup, Brazil 4-Italy 1)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 6, June 1976 (Michael Doyle and Paulo Roberto Falcao, May 23, 1976, USA Bicentenial Cup, Brazil 1-England 0)

USA Bicentenial Cup 1976

An articles about the goalscorers in AC Milans history  

(Magazine / Language : Calcio 2000, Issue 25, December 1999 / Italian By  Carlo F. Chiesa) 

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 25, December 1999 (Marco van Basten, one of the best goalscorers in the history of AC Milan )

AC Milan’s goalscorers

An article about League wins achieved on the very last day of the season

(Magazine / Language : Goal, May 1996 / English By Graham Wray and Jeff King)  


Last Day League Wins

Soccer Books, Part Nine-Portugal National team

July 22, 2014, 5:40 pm

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The best books about the History of the Portuguese National Team.

These are the books that I have chosen:

Book I

‘Almanaque da Seleccao’

Authors: Published by Almanaxi

Published in 2004.

Written Language: Portuguese

This book has all Portugal lineups (as well as opponents) for every Portugal match until February 18, 2004, with a write up description for every match.

The book contains some archival photographs.

‘Almanaque da Seleccao’ Cover

Book II

‘100 Melhores do Futebol Portugues, Volume I’

Author: Rui Dias

Published in 2002.

Written Language: Portuguese

Published by Magazine ‘Record’, this book has a biography and profile of some of the historical players, but also has statistics on every player  with many archival photographs.

‘100 Melhores do Futebol Portugues, Volume I’ Cover

Book III

‘100 Melhores do Futebol Portugues, Volume II’

Author: Rui Dias

Published in 2002.

Written Language: Portuguese

The second volume of the above mentioned book, continues with the profiles of players.

At the end of this book, there are Portugal lineups for every match until the end of 2001.

The book contains archival photographs and squad photos.

‘100 Melhores do Futebol Portugues, Volume II’ Cover

 

Book IV

‘a ficha completa dos 461 jogadores internazionais ((AA))’

Author:

Published in 1998.

Written Language: Portuguese

Published by Magazine ‘Record’, this magazine publication has record of every Portugal player until 1997 with every match played and archival photos.

‘a ficha completa dos 461 jogadores internazionais ((AA))’ Cover

If any one knows of other books pertaining to this topic, please do not hesitate to leave a post.

Eric Batty, Brian Glanville and other World Soccer Columns- Part Nine

July 22, 2014, 5:45 pm

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I.  Eric Batty

WS Magazine Issue: July 1963                 

Article Title(s): ‘Brazil’s Tour Meaning’

-Eric Batty’s analysis on Brazil’s European Tour of Summer of 1963      

WS Magazine Issue: August 1970

Article Title(s): ‘England’s Defeats Were No Surprise’

-Eric Batty’s Analysis on England’s 1970 World Cup performances

WS Magazine Issue: April 1980     

Article Title(s): ‘Top Coaches All Under One Cover’

-Eric Batty’s analysis of Team management

WS Magazine Issue: August 1976 and October 1977

Article Title(s):  ‘World XI’, ‘Muller Still World Class’

-The World XI selections for the years 1976 and 1977.

(Eric Batty)

Eric Batty Columns-Part 9

II.   Brian Glanville

WS Magazine Issue: August 1963

Article Title(s): ‘Shortages in the Goalkeeping Art’

-Discussing the goalkeepers of the day

WS Magazine Issue: April 1970

Article Title(s): ‘Lee,My Choice but Who Else?’ and “Peters and Hurst Find Appetites’

-Brian Glanville’s regular ‘Looking at Soccer’ column and Analyzing England’s Team for the 1970 World Cup

WS Magazine Issue: July 1980

Article Title(s): ‘The Brian Glanville Column’, ‘Three Strikers Make Their Marks’ and ‘Et Tu Rossi… It Is Hard To believe’

- His regular Column and under his pseudonym of Andre Duclos reporting on the French scene and an Article on Paolo Rossi’s bribery scandal

WS Magazine Issue: World Soccer, January 1992

Article Title(s): ‘A Bizarre Way To Make A Silk Purse’

- His regular Column

(Brian Glanville)

Brian Glanville Columns -Part 9

III.  Other Writers:

a) Leslie Page

WS Magazine Issue: August 1963

Article Title(s): ‘Learning From Foreigners?’

-Martin Rodgers discussing the English League teams picking up ideas from other Leagues

b) Arthur Rotmil

WS Magazine Issue: May 1970

Article Title(s): ‘English Depart from Conservative Attitudes Regarding European Soccer’

          -Arthur Rotmil’s regular column ‘Searching the Soccer Scene’

c) Cian O’Mahony

WS Magazine Issue: January 1980

Article Title(s): ‘The Dutch Phoenix’

-Discussing Holland’s problems at International Level

d) Keir Radnedge

WS Magazine Issue: December 1994

Article Title(s): His Regular Column ‘Keir Radnedge Commentary’


Other Writers’ Columns-Part 9

Transfers that did not happen, Part Eight

July 23, 2014, 5:38 pm

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1- In December 1980, NY Cosmos offered to swap with Fiorentina, Dutchman Johann Neeskens with Argentine Striker Daniel Bertoni.

Fiorentina refused the offer.

Photo From:  Mondial, new series, issue 44, November 1983 (Daniel Bertoni and Claudio Gentile in a Fiorentina and Juventus encounter)

Photo From:  Onze, Issue 12, December 1976 (Johann Neeskens with Barcelona)

2- Initially, prior his transfer to Juventus in 1992, German midfielder Andreas Moller was to spend a season on loan at Atalanata.

However, Moller refused and wanted to join Juventus outright.

In Fall 1990, Lazio had offered 7 Million Marks to Eintracht Frankfurt for Andreas Moller, that was turned down.

Photo From:  World Soccer, February 1994 (Andreas Moller after scoring, December 15, 1993, Argentina 2-Germany 1)

3- As a teenager Dutchman Ruud Gullit had trials at Arsenal and Ipswich Town. However, both teams managers Terry Neill and Bobby Robson refused to sign him.

Photo From:  World Soccer, May 1996 (Ruud Gullit at Chelsea, 1995/96)

4-After the 1990 World Cup, Juventus wanted to sign England defender Des Walker who had been one of the revelations of the tournament.

Juventus and FIAT owner Gianni Agnelli had been very impressed with him and had made a significant offer to Nottingham Forest.

However, Nottingham Forest Manager Brian Clough refused the offer and chose to hang on to Walker.

Photo From:  France Football, Issue 2406, May 19, 1992 (Des Walker and John Aldridge, November 14, 1990, EC Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-England 1)

5-When Dutch Manager Dick Advocaat was appointed as Rangers Glasgow Manager (1998-2002), he attempted to sign Dutch striker Pierre van Hooydonk.

However, van Hooydonk refused the offer due to his past with Celtic Glasgow.

Advocaat even called him a coward for his refusal, but van Hooydonk believed in time Advocaat would understand his reason.

Photo From:  World Soccer, April 1996 (Pierre van Hooydonk with Celtic Glasgow, 1995/96)

Events and Consequences, Part Eight

July 24, 2014, 5:36 pm

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1- Event:

Republic of Ireland International Timothy O’Keeffe stealing a Belgian player’s wallet.

Timothy O’Keeffe played in a World Cup qualifier vs. Belgium on February 25, 1934 at Dublin ( 4 to 4 tie).

At the post match banquet, one of the Belgian players reported his wallet stolen and it was found in O’Keeffe’s possession.

Consequence:

Timothy O’Keeffe was banned from the National team until 1938. In all he gained just 3 caps.

Photo From: The Boys in Green, THE FAI international Story, Author: Sean Ryan (Timothy O’Keeffe)

2- Event:

France playing a Friendly vs. Switzerland in Geneva on February 29, 1920 (0 to 2 France win).

Consequence:

England were boycotting Germany (because of World War I) and also the countries that did not boycott Germany which included Switzerland

They insisted on France doing the same. But the match went ahead and in anger England left FIFA.

Because of this they did not particpate in the first three World Cups.

3- Event:

French striker Rene Bliard getting injured before the 1958 World Cup.

Consequence:

Initially Rene Bliard was to be the starter for France as a striker with Just Fontaine in reserve.

Rene Bliard’s injury made Fontaine the starter and he scored his record setting 13 goals during the World cup.

Photo From: Les Bleus, Le livre official de l'Equipe de France, Author: Dominique Grimault, 1997 (Just Fontaine, June 15, 1958, World Cup, France 2-Scotland 1)

Photo From: Les Bleus Author Denis Chaumier, 2004 (Rene Bliard, February 15, 1956, Italy 2-France 0)

4- Event:

Diego Maradona’s drugs ban in 1991 in addition to his arrest in 1991 for possession of Cocaine.

Consequence:

Argentina were due to participate in the Kirin Cup of 1994 held in Japan, along with the hosts and France.

However, Maradona had problems obtaining a visa to Japan as a result of his past with drugs.

As a result Argentina did not particpate in the Kirin Cup and Australia replaced them.

Similarly in 1997 , Maradona was refused entry in USA to train as a result of this past drugs ban.

Photo From: L’Equipe Magazine, June 18, 1994 (Diego Maradona being arrested in Buenos Aires on April 26, 1991)

5- Event:

Yugoslavia midfielder Mehmet Bazdarevic spitting at match referee Yousouf Namoglou of Turkey, in the 13^th minute of a World Cup Qualifier vs. Norway at Sarajevo on October 11, 1989 (Yugoslavia 1-Norway 0).

Consequence:

On February 2, 1990, FIFA announced that Mehmet Bazdarevic was banned from the World Cup for spitting at referee in Norway match.

Bazdarevic had been an integral part of Yugoslavia’s squad and had actively participated in the qualification, however, this incident took away his opportunity of playing in the 1990 World Cup.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 4, May 1989 (Mehmet Bazdarevic with Sochaux 1988/89, in front of Matra Racing Paris’ Enzo Francescolli)

Magazine Awards, Part Seven

July 25, 2014, 4:29 pm

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France Football’s Ballon d’Or:

Year 1978:

Player of the year: Kevin Keegan (England and SV Hamburg)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1707, December 27, 1978 (Kevin Keegan)

France Football’s Ballon d’Or

Onze’s Onze d’Or:

Year 1983:

Player of the year: Michel Platini (France and Juventus)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 96, December 1983 (Michel Platini)

Onze d’Or

World Soccer’s Player of the Year:

Year 1988:

Player of the year: Marco van basten (Holland and AC Milan)

Manager of the Year:  Rinus Michells (Holland)

Team of the year: Holland

Photo From: World Soccer, December 1988 (Marco van Basten)

World Soccer Player of the Year

France Football’s African Ballon d’Or:

Year 1983:

Player of the year: Mahmoud El-Khatib (Egypt and Al Ahly)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1964 , January 3, 1984  (Mahmoud El-Khatib)

France Football’s African Ballon d’Or

Short International Careers, Part Six

July 26, 2014, 8:02 am

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1- Karl Del’Haye

Karl Del’Haye was a West German winger who made his name at Borussia Moenchengladbach in the 70s.

He earned his only two caps in 1980. For his first cap, he replaced Klaus Allofs in the 71^st minute in a friendly vs. Austria (April 2, 1980, West Germany 1-Austria 0).

He made the 1980 European Championship Finals squad and earned his second and final cap in a scoreless tie vs. Greece on June 17, 1980.

He joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 1980, but was a fringe squad member and as a result was never called up again.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 32, November 1982 (Karl Del’Haye with Bayern Munich)

2- Kevin Richardson

English midfielder Kevin Richardson won League titles with Everton (1985) and Arsenal (1989) despite not being a first choice squad member.

He was one of the first foreign players to join Real Sociedad after they adopted a policy of signing foreign imports.

After a year, he returned to the English league and joined Aston Villa, where he had a successful spell.

However, he must have been as surprised as anyone when newly appointed England Manager Terry Venables selected him for a friendly vs. Greece (May 17, 1994, England 5-Greece 0), aged 31 and clearly not a future prospect.

He was never called up again after this.

Photo From: Voetbal International, June 1, 1985 (Kevin Richardson with Everton, 1985)

3- Giovanni Stroppa

Italian midfielder Giovanni Stroppa was considered a young hope for the future, but was always on the fringes of AC Milan’s star studded squad.

He joined Lazio for couple of seasons, but he was at his best when he joined Foggia in 1993.

He earned all of his 4 caps during the 1993/94 season under Arrigo Sacchi his former club manager at AC Milan.

His first two were the critically important World Cup qualifiers vs. Scotland (October 17, 1993, Italy 3-Scotland 1) and Portugal (November 17, 1993, Italy 1-Portugal 0).

He was substituted in both matches (in the 90^th vs. Scotland by Gianfranco Zola and 61^st minute vs. Portugal by Demetrio Albertini).

In 1994, he played the friendly vs. France (February 16, 1994, Italy 0-France 1) and was substituted in the 65^th minute by Massimiliano Cappiolli.

He earned his final cap in a friendly vs. Germany (March 23, 1994, Germany 2-Italy 1); he came on as a substitute and replaced Dino Baggio in the 70^thminute.

After four straight caps, he was not selected again.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 21, July 1999 (Giovanni Stroppa with Piacenza 1999)

4- Juan Gilberto Funes

Juan Gilberto Funes was an Argentina striker who caught the attention of Carlos Bilardo when starring for Millionarios of Colombia and River Plate.

He earned all of his 4 caps in 1987.

His first cap was vs. Italy (June 10, 1987, Italy 3-Argentina 1), Pedro Pasculli substituted him in the 59th minute.

His second was ten days later in a   home friendly vs. Paraguay that Argentina lost 0 to 1.

His last two caps were during the 1987 Copa America on July 9^th (vs. Uruguay, 0-1 loss) and July 11^th (vs. Colombia, 1 to 2 loss).

In both matches he came on as a substitute at the start of the second half.

He therefore lost every match he played for Argentina.

He died at the age of 28 on January 11^th, 1992 due to a heart attack.

Photo From: El Grafico, Historia de la seleccion Argentina, 1971-75 (Juan Gilberto Funes)

5- Richard Niederbacher

Richard Niederbacher was an Austrian striker, whose best season was at Belgian club Waregem during the 1983/84 season when he scored 24 goals.

His first cap was in a friendly vs. France (March 28, 1984, France 1-Austria 0).

His second cap was vs. Greece (April 18, 1984, scoreless tie), where Peter Pacult substituted him in the 62nd minute.

His third was a World Cup qualifier vs. Cyprus (May 2, 1984, Cyprus 1-Austria 2); Gerald Wilfurth substituted him in the 88th minute.

He was surprisingly called up for two more caps in 1988 in February 1988, in a couple of Friendlies (February 2, 1988, Morocco 3-Austria 1   and February 5, 1988, Switzerland 2-Austria 1).

He is mostly remembered for his disappointing season at Paris St Germain (1984/85).

Paris St Germain President Francis Borelli had the option to sign Danish striker Preben Elkjaer, but chose Niederbacher, because he was younger and had scored more goals in the Belgian League than Elkjaer.

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 53, August 1984 I (Richard Niederbacher with Waregem, 1983/84)

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The First Time ….., Part Six

July 27, 2014, 8:48 am

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1-The First time that the Irish national team wore Green was in 1931. Before that their traditional uniform colors were blue.

2- The First Time that Scotland used a substitution in International Football was on May 29, 1960 at Vienna vs. Austria (1 to 4 Scotland loss).

Alexander Young of Hearts replaced Denis Law in the 12^th minute.

Photo From: Scotland, The Team, 1987 (Alex Young)

 3- The First Time that a goalkeeper saved a penalty kick in the World Cup was in the very first World Cup.

French goalkeeper Alex Thepot saved Chile’s Carlos Vidal’s attempt in the 35^thminute of their encounter (July 19, 1930, Chile 1-France 0)

Photo From: Les Bleus, Le livre official de l'equipe de France, Author: Dominique Grimault, 1997 (Alex Thepot making a dive, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Austria 3-France 2)

4- The First Time that a National team used air travel was in 1947 when the Belgian National flew for a friendly vs. Switzerland at Geneva. (November 2, 1947, Switzerland 4-Belgium 0)

5- The First Time that a pair of brothers ever played for the Italian National team was during the years 1911-1913, when brothers Giuseppe and Felice Milano represented Italy.

Photo From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978 (Felice Milano II and Giuseppe Milano I, May 1, 1913, Italy 1-Belgium 0)

Football’s Quarrels and Feuds, Part Four

July 28, 2014, 5:48 pm

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1- Leandro and Tele Santana, 1986

Prior to the 1986 World Cup, Brazilian defender Leandro of Flamengo declared that he was unavailable for the national team after falling out with Manager Tele Santana.

He had been late to a team get together and had been forced by Santana to publically declare his reason for his tardiness.

He declared he was late due to the fact that he had been at a nighclub with teammate Renato.

Subsequently Renato was cut from the squad and many suggested that Renato’s dismissal was the reason for his refusal.

He denied this reason and explained that he did not want to play as a right back and instead wanted to play as a central defender.

Tele Santana later said he was still unclear of Leandro’s real motives.

Despite denials by both, many believed Renato’s exclusion, in addition to the exclusions of Eder and Sidney due to indiscipline angered Leandro.

In his place Santana called up Josimar, who became one of the revelations of the World Cup 1986.

Photo From: World Soccer, November 1993 (Tele Santana)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 80, August 1982 (Leandro with Brazil during the 1982 World Cup)

2- Alan Sugar and Jurgen Klinnsman, 1995

After Jurgen Klinnsman’s excellent season with Tottenham (1994/95) many believed he would honor his contract and continue with them for the following season.

However, Klinnsamn was desperate to win a League title in his career and jumped at the chance to join Bayern Munich.

Tottenham Chairman Alan Sugar was angered by Klinnsman’s decision and went on Television (Match of the Day Program) on August 30^th, 1995, and threw away a Tottenham jersey signed by Klinnsman and said he would not even wash his car with it and took credit for relaunching Klinnsman’s career.

Klinnsman eventually rejoined Tottenham midway through the 1997/98 season.

Photo From: Goal, October 1995 (Alan Sugar throwing away Klinnsman’s jersey)

Photo From: World Soccer, May 1995 (Jurgen Klinnsman)

3- Gary Lineker and Vinnie Jones, 1996

In a ‘Radio Times’ interview on September 18, 1996, Gary Lineker criticized Vinnie Jones by saying ‘we don’t need people like Vinnie Jones, who is just a self hyped personality…’

In response, Jones called Lineker ‘a jellyfish, a wanker, a tart, and a big eared boring prat’.

Photo From: Goal, January 1996 (Wimbledon’s Vinnie Jones)

4- Karl Allgower and Juup Derwall, 1982

West German Manager Juup Derwall had wanted to call up Stuttgart’s Karl Allgower in the Fall of 1982, once for a friendly vs. Belgium in September 1982 and also vs. England in October 1982.

However, Allgower was so angry and disappointed about not being selected for the World Cup that he refused both call-ups.

Photo From: Sport Illuestrierte, Fussball 1984 Sonderheft (Juup Derwall)

Photo From: Fussball Magazin, August 1986 (Karl Allgower)

5- Arie Haan and George Knobel, 1976

Holland Manager George Knobel did not select Arie Haan for the European Championship Finals of 1976.

Allegedly Arie Haan was instrumental for Knobel’s sacking at Ajax in 1974.

Wim van Hanegem  was quoted telling Knobel "You're not a straight guy" .

He shortly resigned after the Tournament.

Photo From: Voetbal International, July 26-31, 1982 (George Knobel)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 36, December 1978 (Arie Haan during the 1978 World Cup)

The uncapped, Part Four

July 29, 2014, 5:48 pm

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1- Billy Bonds

West Ham midfielder Billy Bonds had his best years in the 1970s with Manager Ron Greenwood at the helm.

He was mostly on the fringes of the national team but never selected.

When Greenwood was appointed as England Manager he did call up Bonds in a World Cup qualifier vs. Italy in 1977, but he never left the bench.

Photo from: World Soccer, November 1976  (Billy Bonds)

2- Maurizio Ganz

Italian striker Maurizio Ganz burst on the scene during the 1992/93 with a surprising Atalanta team under Marcelo Lippi.

Arrigo Sacchi called him up for two Italy squads for a World Cup Qualifier vs. Malta (March 1993) and Estonia (September 1993), but he did not leave the bench in either match

Photo from: Guerin Sportivo, October 14-20, 1992 (Maurizio Ganz with Atalanta)

3- Sean Dundee

Sean Dundee was a South African born striker who starred for Karlsruhe (1995/98).

During the 1996/97 season, there was public clamor to select him for the German national Team.

He obtained German citizenship in 1997 in the hopes of playing in the following year’s World Cup.

However, despite an appearance with Germany’s ‘B’ National team, he was never selected for the full national team.

Photo from: World Soccer, February 1997 (Sean Dundee with Karlruhe, 1996/97)

4- ‘Celso’ Dias dos Santos

Celso was a Brazilian defender from the 1980s who was overlooked by the National team selectors.

He joined Portugal’s Porto in 1985 and was a key player when they won the Champions Cup in 1987.

Despite his success aboard he was never called up.

Photo from: Onze, Issue 134, February 1987 (Celso with Porto, 1986/87)

5- Roberto Carlos Sosa

Roberto Carlos Sosa was an Argentinean striker whose best opportunity for a call up would have been in the late 90s during his successful spell at Italian Serie A club Udinese.

However, Marcelo Bielsa never selected him as Argentina was well covered with strikers such as Batistuta, Crespo, Cruz and others.

Photo from: Sport Bild, Issue 37, September 9, 1998 (Roberto Carlos Sosa with Udinese, 1998/99)

Diego Maradona and Michel Platini, Part Four

July 30, 2014, 2:54 pm

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Diego Maradona

(Magazine / Language : Sport Illustrierte, July 5, 1982 / German By Claus-Peter Andorka) 

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, new series, issue 29, August, 1982 / French By Raoul Dufourcq ) 

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 81, September 1982 / French By Jean-Pierre Frimbois) 

(Magazine / Language : Fussball Magazin, January February 1983 / German By Jerome Bureau) 

(Magazine / Language : Onze, Issue 88, April 1983 / French By Adrian Kochen) 

Photo From : Onze, Issue 81, September 1982 (Diego Maradona at Barcelona, 1982/83)

Diego Maradona

Michel Platini

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, old series, issue 32, July 1979 / French By Michel Diard) 

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, old series, issue 33, August 1979  / French By  Antonio Cabrini)

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, old series, issue 34, September 1979 / French By Michel Diard) 

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, New series, issue 1, April 1980 / French By) 

(Magazine / Language : Mondial, New series, issue 4, July 1980 / French By Francosi Sorton)  

Photo From : Mondial, New series, issue 4, July 1980 (Michel Platini taking a free kick)

Michel Platini

Debate Topic, Part Nine

July 31, 2014, 5:37 pm

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Topic

Salvatore Schillaci came out of nowhere and was the star of the 1990 World Cup. He had been playing in Serie B the year before and no one could have foreseen his success that first season (1989/90) at Juventus.

However, from the following season onwards (1990/91), Schillaci just failed to function and only scored a handful of goals per season until his transfer to the J-League in 1994.

Does anyone know of any reasons and/or theories he was a one season wonder?

Photo From:  Soccer International, Issue 8, September 1990 (Salvatore Schillaci during the 1990 World Cup)