I'm guessing Jimmy Greaves isn't going to be on this one. posted by Nick Verstayne at 4:29 PM on May 31, 2010
Martin Peters is the only other person on the planet who has a haircut like Donald Trump. posted by Xurando at 4:51 PM on May 31, 2010
Best WC goal I've seen in recent times is by the rangy defender Lilian Thuram for France in semi final vs. Croatia, 1998.
It was a standalone great goal, but considering it was a come-from-behind win [he scored all of France's goals in that game - his only international goals in his lengthy career] and considering they went on to win the tournament, it's not stretching it to say that was the goal that won France the world Cup. Er, not counting the ones France scored in the final.
His post-goal celebrations also make it memorable. Quietly perched on his knees, chin cupped in hand in a thinking pose. "Hmmmmm."
I really like these. It's intriguing to think how few people are still alive (32?) who've scored a goal in a World Cup final. It puts into perspective how rare these games are. posted by Kattullus at 5:39 PM on May 31, 2010
Oh, and ESPN has really outdone themselves with their pre-World Cup coverage. I linked earlier today to the remarkable Joe Gaetjens short documentary, but the whole World Cup 101 series have been quite nice (archives on the right hand side of the page). posted by Kattullus at 5:43 PM on May 31, 2010
It's ridiculous how much this event excites me. I get butterflies even watching highlights of previous World Cups. There's nothing better on this planet than scoring a goal (at any level). posted by doublehappy at 5:56 PM on May 31, 2010 [2 favorites]
I've always felt slightly un-American for loving football (soccer) over football. posted by localhuman at 6:09 PM on May 31, 2010 [1 favorite]
doublehappy: "It's ridiculous how much this event excites me. I get butterflies even watching highlights of previous World Cups. There's nothing better on this planet than scoring a goal (at any level)."
In my tech support gig, I once chatted with someone who had chosen an account name that reflected his love of futbol. At the end of the chat, when he thanked me for solving his problem, I took a calculated risk and went GOOOOOOOOAL!!
Fortunately, he appreciated the humor. posted by Joe Beese at 6:18 PM on May 31, 2010
June 11th needs to be here NOW!
Yes indeed. Actually, I'm counting down the days until the 12th as I'm really looking forward to England's first game against some country called 'oosah' or something. posted by ob at 7:23 PM on May 31, 2010
A fun series of shorts. I wish Zidane had been part of the set, but he could have well ended up next to Matterazzi in the timeline (right now it's Petit who scored in the same '98 final as Zidane) and that would have been... awkward.
I can't wait for WC2010 to start. It's hard enough to force myself to not watch relatively meaningless friendlies between teams that are not even in the group I care about. Darn you ESPN3. posted by shortfuse at 8:43 PM on May 31, 2010
Thanks for these links, all of you. I cannot contain my enthusiasm for WC2010. I am so desperate for football, I'm playing it on the Wii.
Woe is Mii.
(and I joined the kitty's fan page...pitch kitteh gonna ruin ur friendly!) posted by salishsea at 10:59 PM on May 31, 2010
Yeah, that was pretty spesh, Authorized User! In fact, all of the top ten goals in my above link were good [duh]. The two African nation ones were bloody awesome. And how good was that worked free kick against England?
But the French goal, considering all the extra factors I've already mentioned... posted by uncanny hengeman at 2:04 AM on June 1, 2010
Nah, equally as important are the goals that weren't scored, and could have changed history. Like Rob Rensenbrink's shot on the goalpost, a couple of minutes before the end of the 1978 final, that would have made it 1-2, instead of 1-1. posted by ijsbrand at 2:42 AM on June 1, 2010
Bloody Materazzi. posted by ersatz at 3:52 AM on June 1, 2010
Damn, Authorized User, that was a sweet clip. But what was the name of the goal scorer again? Missed it in the Dutch play-by-play . . .
Way tangential: That Dutch play-by-play guy finishes at almost the exact same pitch and tone as the mangled vocal at the end of Sonic Youth's "Mildred Pierce." Either puts a dark spin on the World Cup or a much brighter one on "Mildred Pierce," not sure which. posted by gompa at 8:49 AM on June 1, 2010
Materazzi just won a treble, too. He's had career most players only dream about. posted by L'OM at 11:17 AM on June 1, 2010
Maybe these European goals will tide people over for a while. All from this season. posted by djgh at 2:01 PM on June 1, 2010
Materazzi just won a treble, too. He's had career most players only dream about.
If I remember correctly, he didn't play much this season. He used to be a great defensive player but he lost me after the WC final. posted by ersatz at 3:49 AM on June 2, 2010
posted by the cuban at 4:12 PM on May 31, 2010