3 8 W W W . S H O R T L I S T . C O M W W W . S H O R T L I S T .

C O M 3 9
1 9 6 6 ( E N G L A N D )
SIRBOBBY
CHARLTON
ScoredEnglandsfirst goal (andtwoin
thesemi) onthewaytoliftingthetrophy
WhenI was alittleboy, never inmy
wildest dreams didI think I might even
play for my country, sotothenplay for
Englandagainst competitionof the
highest quality andcomeout onthe
winningteam it was magic.
I didmy duty. Everyoneonthe
teamknewwhothey weresupposed
tomark andwas givenalittlemore
freedomthanwewouldvegiventhem,
maybe. But wewereateam, that was
themainthing. Nooneever forgot that
message wewereateam.
Betweengames weddonothing
elsebut talk about it. But theteam
knewthat they weregood, wehada
goodcoachandwewerejust right for
it. It was thehighlight of my football
career, winningtheWorldCup, and
I think about it everyday. Imsopleased
that wewonit, but I dowishsometimes
that someonewouldtaketheburden
off us. It hasnt happenedyet, but
whoknows maybeoneday.
Sir BobbyCharltonisamember of the
LaureusWorldSportsAcademy,
supportingtheworkof theLaureusSport
For GoodFoundation; laureus.com
HOW TO WIN
THE WORLD CUP
ShortList sits down
with a squad of legends
to recall their part in
the greatest show on
Earth and find out
HOW TO WIN
THE WORLD CUP
(AND LOSE)
BOBBY CHARLTON GAVE THE
WEST GERMANY DEFENDERS
A TORRID TIME IN THE FINAL
W O R L D C U P L E G E N D S
WI NNER
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1 9 7 8
( A R G E N T I N A )
JOE
JORDAN
Striker-turned-coach
who led a hyped
Scotland side that
came up short
Going into 78 there
was a little bit of the
unknown. Many of the
squad played their
football in England, so
we didnt know about
what was going on
back in Scotland. It
filtered through that
the manager said we
had a great chance of
winning this, and the
hype eventually hit us.
It was a bit optimistic,
to say the least.
But just like 74, we
failed to qualify for the
knockout stages on
goal difference, and
we got kicked in the
backside by losing the
first game. Really, you
want to at least get off
to a point in your first
game at a World Cup.
Archie Gemmills
goal against the
Netherlands was
marvellous and I had
a very good view of it,
but my thoughts of the
game were a wee bit
deeper than that. We
had to beat them by
three clear goals, and
though we won the
game and couldve
won by three,
Johnny Rep hit
one from 30
yards and killed
it. Even though
we beat a
team thatd
appeared in
two World
Cup finals, it
wasnt quite
enough.
Jordan is first-team
coach at Queens Park
Rangers; qpr.co.uk
1 9 8 2 ( S P A I N )
PATJENNINGS
Senior Northern Ireland keeper who halted
a Spanish Armada
I joined the Northern Ireland team in 1964. By
1982 I was starting to think that playing in a World
Cup was never going to happen, but somehow
we managed to qualify. Nobody fancied us,
I think we were 150-1 outsiders to get out of the
group. My one regret for George Best was that
he never made a World Cup. Even if he had come
on for 45 minutes I think he couldve done a job
for us, but I guess well never know.
Going into the final group game, we didnt
think we had any chance against Spain. I think we
even had our bags packed ready to go home, but
we won 1-0. It was the greatest night Id ever had
in international football, and one of those nights
where none of us wanted to leave the pitch.
Being down to 10 men, coming out and beating
the host nation, we were making the most of it.
Losing against France in the second group stage
cost us a place in the semis, but just the fact wed
got so far was absolutely fantastic.
Jennings is an ambassador of the Willow Foundation,
established by Bob Wilson; willowfoundation.org.uk
1 9 8 2 ( S P A I N )
JOHN
WARK
Scotlands midfielder scored
two and won a famous fan
Ill always remember the
moment Zico walked over to
me as the final whistle blew at
the end of our group game
against Brazil. Wed annoyed
them by scoring first and they
had beaten us 4-1, but with the
game over, everyone wanted
his shirt. Alan Hansen, Graeme
Souness, even Kenny Dalglish
tried to swap with him but he
pushed them away and
started walking towards me.
I honestly thought there
must have been someone else
behind me. But Zico held his
shirt out and said, Swap?
You can have whatever
you want, I said. Just to see
Hansen and Dalglishs faces in
the dressing room afterwards,
well, Ill never forget that.
1 9 8 2 ( S P A I N )
FULVIOCOLLOVATI
Young Italian defender who thwarted
Maradona and Milla
When things are difficult we find an inner strength.
If, as happened to us and also to Lippis 2006 team,
you have a coach on your side it is all easier. Enzo
Bearzot wasnt only a great manager, but also a
brilliant man. You could talk to him about anything:
politics, culture, current affairs. Lots of people say
the victory against Brazil was the turning point, but
the key was Argentina. Beating Maradona and all
that he represented gave us the awareness we
could beat anyone. Its incredible to say but the
toughest opponent was Roger Milla of Cameroon,
then 30. He was clever, strong and cunning.
I can still see President Sandro Pertini in the
stand making the three symbol with his hand.
People still stop me in the street to thank me and
sometimes young people who couldnt have been
around at that time do too, because they have seen
us on TV or on the internet. Every time it makes me
proud because I represented my country and
brought honour and joy in a difficult moment.
W O R L D C U P L E G E N D S
EVEN JORDAN THOUGHT
PREDICTIONS OF A SCOTLAND
TROPHY WIN WERE OPTIMISTIC
JENNINGS AND NORTHERN
IRELAND STUNNED HOSTS
SPAIN WITH A 1-0 WIN IN VALENCIA
SCOTLAND LED AGAINST BRAZIL
BUT LOST 4-1 AND WOULD BE
ELIMINATED ON GOAL DIFFERENCE
COLLOVATI HELPED KEEP
WEST GERMANY AT BAY IN
A 3-1 WIN IN THE FINAL
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1 9 8 6 ( M E X I C O )
PETERSHILTON
Englands most capped player lost out
to an Argentine fist
In Mexico, I think the one thing we didnt expect
was the stadium for the first couple of games
[Estadio Tecnolgico in Monterrey]. It only had
three sides, the dressing rooms were behind
one of the goals and you had to come out and
walk down some steps on to the pitch.
I think that was one of the reasons we started
the tournament very slowly we were beaten by
Portugal and then we drew with Morocco. Wed
prepared so well, then hit the stadium and
thought, Is this the World Cup?
Against Argentina we werent playing what
we thought to be great side, but we were aware
that Diego Maradona was someone that needed
to be watched.
The Hand Of God goal was just really
unexpected. I think he knew he wasnt getting
the ball and thats why he punched it in. But, of
course, he flicked his head the same time as he
punched it quite quick thinking on his part,
which I think was typical of him. I looked up and
was waiting for the referee to give the free-kick,
but for some reason the officials didnt see it and
we were 1-0 down.
I went over to Abu Dhabi a few years ago to
do some TV, and they were keen for me to shake
hands with Maradona. You can never say never,
but its got to be done the right way. It was such
a big incident around the world, its got to be a
proper apology and it needs to be publicised.
Do I expect an apology to be forthcoming any
time soon? I wouldnt hold my breath.
Shilton is working with Jumbo Games to launch Wasgij
Original 21: Football Fever; wasgij.com
1 9 8 6 ( M E X I C O )
CHARLIE
NICHOLAS
Scotland striker who
drank with the Danes
Jock Steins death [at Ninian
Park, following a qualifying
match against Wales] was a
very dramatic thing for all the
players, but we knew he was
an aging man. It was just sad
that he never got to another
World Cup.
But when it turned
out that Alex
Ferguson
was taking
charge, with
Walter Smith
as his number
two, I think
everybody was
quite calm.
There were
a lot of people
who didnt
know Fergie,
especially the
England-based
players such as
Graeme Souness
who werent quite
sure and thought
it might be a
confrontational
relationship.
But he threw himself
completely and utterly at it,
1 9 9 0 ( I T A L Y )
RUUDGULLIT
Former Dutch captain whose return from
injury led to disappointment
I didnt play particularly well in 1990. I was coming
back from an injury, so I think the goal I scored
against Ireland has to be the highlight for me. As
the reigning European champions we were among
the favourites, but sometimes things click and
sometimes they dont.
We are very proud in the way we play our game
for a small nation such as ours to be one of the major
countries in the world is something to be proud of.
We have been in the final three times, so we must be
doing something well. Its a regret that I only played
in one World Cup. But I had a lot of other
highlights, so I dont have too much regret.
Gullit was speaking at the Laureus All Stars Unity Cup;
laureus.com
and it was a happy camp very
quickly. The Aberdeen boys
who worked under Fergie
could not believe how easy he
was on the other players they
were used to the hairdryer
treatment and all of a sudden
they were getting this.
I had a blow because I got
a bad injury in the first game,
but it was never meant to
be for us. One of my best
memories is after playing
Denmark. We were staying in
a hotel and the Danish players
came in as we were leaving,
and we ended up having a
good night with quite a few
of them. Jesper Olsen, Soren
Lerby, the guy who injured
me all these guys.
Wed just competed and
yet later that night we were
sharing a few beers with them.
It was a taste of the World
Cup that made you realise
its special.
Keep up to date with all the latest
news and analysis throughout the
World Cup on Sky Sports News
Lets put
a rap in!
JOHN BARNES ON THE MAKING
OF WORLD IN MOTION
It was done on
a whim, a drunken
whim, because the
rap wasnt supposed
to be a part of the
song. But after
a few glasses of
wine it was like,
Lets put a rap in!
This was a bona fide pop group who made
good songs. So while it was a World Cup
song, its understandable that people liked it,
because New Order were a great group.
We didnt have The X Factor back then so
there was no audition, it was just a case of,
Who can do it? I love rap music so it was
a given that I was going to do it.
I need to up my street cred. World In
Motion and Anfield Rap was a little bit like
popcorn rap, I need some gangsta, hardcore
rap. I need to speak to Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg
Snoop Lion, whatever he calls himself
nowadays get them involved.
Barnes is lending his support to YO! Sushis
#TEAMTWO campaign, asking the nation to get
behind Japan as their second team to be in for a
chance to win 1m if they win
W O R L D C U P L E G E N D S
SHILTON DOESNT EXPECT AN
APOLOGY FROM MARADONA
FOR THE HAND OF GOD GOAL
GULLIT AND THE DUTCH
WERE UNEXPECTEDLY
UNDERWHELMING IN 1990
NICHOLAS HAD A FEW
DRINKS WITH THE DANE
WHO INJURED HIM
WHAT YOURE
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MASTER PLAN
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1 9 9 4 ( U S A )
RONALDO
One of the great Brazilian World Cup players
I had played for my country aged just 16, but was
still surprised to be named in the Brazil squad for
the 1994 World Cup, aged just 17.
What I remember is travelling to the US, where
the tournament was being held, and being very
afraid. The thing is, it was a vital time for me. I always
say that that summer was my university, the time
I learned the most about football.
There I was with the some of the greatest
players on the planet, training with them and
watching them take on the world. To be among
that at such a young age was an incredible
opportunity and one that helped shape my
own career.
When I scored the winning goals eight years
later in the 2002 World Cup final in Tokyo, I thought
back to that summer in the US where I had watched
Romario and Bebeto score the goals to win my
country the trophy and I had sat on the bench
hoping that one day I might do the same. I never
expected to go so far, though. I was ambitious
and had dreams, but some people dont achieve
all their dreams, do they?
1 9 9 4 ( U S A )
ALEXI
LALAS
Americas first
soccer icon, who
brought rock star hair
and flair
Two weeks before
the World Cup started
I remember sitting
down in my middle seat
it wasnt like we were
flying first class and
talking to a wonderful
old lady. She asked me
what I did for a living,
and I said I play soccer.
She said, But what do
you do for money? She
couldnt fathom that
it could be something
you did for a job, and
two weeks later there
I am being watched
by one billion people.
I did it completely
backwards. I had all the
international experience
but had never played
professionally.
I get the question
about Andrs Escobar
[who was murdered 10
days after conceding an
own goal against USA]
more than any other,
but I dont think it should
diminish the pride that
we felt in that moment
running around with
US flags recognising we
had achieved our goal
of getting to the next
round. If any of us
thought that by losing
or doing something
differently we could
have changed the
horrible events that
came later, wed have
done that in a second.
Ive lived the power
of what a World Cup
can do to an individual
and I milked it for all
its worth.
Lalas is ESPNs leading
studio analyst. Download
the official ESPN World
Cup app at espnfc.com
1 9 9 4 ( U S A )
ANDY
TOWNSEND
One of Jack Charltons most
capable grandchildren
of Ireland
It was special for us in 94
as an Ireland team, because
obviously there was no
England there, and that
propelled us centre stage
a wee bit more than normal.
The opening game against
Italy at Giants Stadium lives
long in the memory; it was an
amazing day for Irish football.
It was funny, because as we
were getting on the coach a
lot of people were saying that
theres so many Italians in New
York, its going to be 70/30
[support] in favour of the
Italians. As we were driving
through New Jersey on the
way in, all we were seeing
was Irish fans, so we thought,
60/40? Maybe 50/50? By
the time we got to the stadium
the place was completely
consumed with Irish
supporters. Of course there
were Italians there as well, but
we didnt see many. Funnily
enough, when we walked out
on to the pitch for the warm
up, [Ireland manager] Jack
Charlton turned to Tony
Cascarino and said, Cas,
youre the only Italian here!
It was a great day, a fantastic
win and we celebrated in true
style afterwards we went
into the car park and had
a barbecue with a load
of Irish fans.
Catch live World Cup games
throughout the tournament on
ITV and ITV Player
1 9 9 0 ( I T A L Y )
STUARTPEARCE
One of the best penalty-takers in English
football. Except that one time
What do I remember most about Italia 90? The
nerves. It was my first tournament, I think I had
20 caps before I went and yet nothing prepared
me for that feeling ahead of the first game.
We were fortunate enough to have Gazza in the
squad, so we had our own clown among us to keep
us amused. I remember a [horse] race night where
Peter Shilton was running the book and the players
looked at the video to see the outcome of one of
the races. So on the last race they all lumped money
on and took absolutely thousands off Shilts, and he
didnt realise it was a set up.
In all honesty, we were probably less nervous
against West Germany than in any of the other
games. The longer the tournament went on, the
more you felt you were in credit, as silly as it sounds.
I knew I was one of the best penalty-takers in the
squad, certainly in the best five, so there was never
a consideration not to take a penalty. I remember
thinking to just make good contact with the ball
and not change my mind. I decided to
smash it down the middle, but as it went
it wasnt high enough. It was a crushing
disappointment, and at that point
youre just hell bent on hoping
one of your teammates
will bail you out or the
opposition miss, but that
just wasnt the case.
Had we not gone
out, do I think we
wouldve won the
final? Yes, I do.
Pearce is backed by
Prostate Cancer UK Men
United; prostatecanceruk.org
RONALDO GOT HIS FIRST
TASTE OF WORLD CUP
GLORY BACK IN 1994
LALAS CELEBRATES THE USAS
FIRST TRIP TO THE SECOND
ROUND IN 64 YEARS
TOWNSEND CAPTAINED
IRELAND IN 1994
W O R L D C U P L E G E N D S
PEARCE MISSED ENGLANDS
FOURTH SPOT KICK
IN THE SEMIS
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1 9 9 8 ( F R A N C E )
RONALD
DEBOER
Attacking half of
footballs greatest
twins and no fan
of shootouts
After the problems
in 96 [a mass fallout
in the Dutch camp],
there was a great
mood. We knew one
thing we had to do
it together. We played
a lot of cards and had
great fun.
We had the players
to go all the way but
we lost on penalties in
the semi-final against
Brazil, and I missed
one of the penalties.
Its always a sad
moment its a long
walk from the middle
of the pitch to the
penalty box, and then
theres a lot that goes
through your mind.
Youre tired, because
of the 120 minutes
youve played. Then
you think which way to
shoot, should you do it
hard or straight down
the middle, and then
you decide. But I took
it too soft; it was just
a bad penalty.
De Boer was speaking
at the Laureus All Stars
Unity Cup; laureus.com
2 0 0 6 ( G E R M A N Y )
RIO
FERDINAND
Defender who brought
humour to Germany
What was my best memory
of Rios World Cup Wind-
Ups? Seeing Becks get out
of a car in Moss Side and
run down the street with fear
in his eyes. Seeing Wazza
try to resuscitate a dog was
quite funny, as well.
We had the belief we could
win it, I think we bought into [the
Golden Generation]. With all the
media attention and where fans
2 0 0 2 ( J A P A N & S K O R E A )
GAIZKAMENDIETA
Spanish midfielder who felt the pain of controversy
We were unlucky against South Korea in the
quarters, and the referees decisions were very
controversial. The round before we were
watching Italy lose to South Korea and saw the
decisions, so we were already a bit worried. In
a way, I have happy memories of the World Cup,
but its bittersweet because of the decisions, as
I remember thinking we could reach the final.
I didnt take a penalty in that game. I wouldve
taken the fifth but it was the fourth that we
missed. The ones the manager considered the
best penalty-takers are normally
the first and fifth. But I did score
[the decisive penalty] against
Ireland. You have to remember
its just you and the ball, and
have it clear in your mind
how youre going to take it.
Obviously I have my style,
and it goes through your
head not to miss, but
thats with any penalty,
and in the World Cup
its the same.
Mendieta was speaking at the
Laureus All Stars Unity Cup;
laureus.com
2 0 0 2 ( J A P A N & S K O R E A )
EDMILSON
Brazilian midfielder who puts success down
to cartoon hair
Before going out to play we would chant: One,
two, three, Brazil! We were like soldiers going to war,
representing our country. Before the quarter-final
against England, Luiz Felipe Scolari told us his
selection and made everyone meet in a huge
Jacuzzi and spent almost an hour lecturing and
trying to give an explanation about his team
choices. We soaked there in a hot tub and when we
came out everyone felt like they had been cooked.
Ronaldo s tuft of hair cleverly deceived the
media, because he was suffering pain in his thigh.
His haircut made him look like a cartoon character.
Lifting the trophy was a surreal moment. But it
did not really hit home until we arrived back in Brazil.
It was then we realised what we had achieved by
winning Brazils fifth World Cup. We did not sleep on
the flight from Tokyo to Brasilia, where the streets
were crowded. It was madness, from children aged
three to elderly gentlemen on buildings, up trees,
all showing their gratitude to us. It was incredible.
were expecting us to go out there, blitz teams and
win the World Cup, you kind of get sucked into that.
The Portugal game was one we felt capable of
winning. I didnt see Ronaldos wink. Ronaldo came up
to me straight after the game and said, Rio I didnt try
to get him sent off, and was quite apologetic. Straight
after he got changed he came to the changing room
and asked me to get Wazza. He said, Are we all right?
I didnt want to get you sent off or anything like
that. I wasnt winking that I got you sent off.
Their relationship never suffered, not at all.
Ferdinand is a BBC pundit
1 9 9 8 ( F R A N C E )
CHRISTIAN
KAREMBEU
French midfielder who
understood the home
advantage
My best memory of 1998 was
being at home. Wed had a good
European Championship in 96,
we were building our base
defensively but also offensively,
and, obviously, when the time
came we performed well.
Of course, [France manager]
Mr Jacquet knew the team
already, and we gained
confidence knowing that before
the World Cup wed been out to
prepare ourselves properly. The
fans were also confident, which
boosted us to show ourselves,
our game, and when the victory
came against Brazil we were
able to bring it all together.
Like I say, being at home
was marvellous because after a
victory we were just as one all
of the communities were
together and we were proud
to be French. All my family were
in the stadium there were at
least 50 there at the time.
I remember when I was a
child I would try to watch the
World Cup on TV. Of course, a
television was a luxury. We didnt
have one one TV was for the
whole village so we would run
to be first in front of the TV. This
was a key part of my childhood,
so I remember thinking about
that during the tournament.
Winning the World Cup is a
great memory, but at the time I
felt it wasnt true; I thought I was
still in my dreams. But by looking
around the stadium, I realised
no, I am in Stade de France, this
is the World Cup Final. OK!
Karembeu was speaking at the
Laureus All Stars Unity Cup;
laureus.com
W O R L D C U P L E G E N D S
DE BOERS BAD PENALTY
COST THE DUTCH A PLACE
IN THE 1998 FINAL
MENDIETA DIDNT GET
TO TAKE THE FIFTH
SPOT KICK AGAINST
SOUTH KOREA
EDMILSON ADMITS LIFTING
THE TROPHY WAS SURREAL
RIO AND ENGLAND WERE
ELIMINATED IN CONTROVERSIAL
FASHION AGAINST PORTUGAL
KAREMBEU COULDNT
GET HIS HEAD AROUND
WINNING THE TROPHY
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2 0 1 0 ( S O U T H A F R I C A )
ANDRESINIESTA
Scored the winner in the 116th minute of the final then got booked for his celebration
Scoring the winning goal in the 2010 final was the best thing thats happened to me on
a personal level and for the international team. To be able to contribute the goal that won
the World Cup for Spain for the first time was absolutely spectacular.
Its a different day to any other. As the day goes on your nerves go up and down but
before the game your nerves go up dramatically. Once the game begins there are no more
nerves. At the moment you score the goal youre absolutely overjoyed. But what was in my
mind was that there wasnt a lot of time left in the game and I just really wanted the ref to
blow the whistle. Spain has had a few things go our way and sometimes they havent. All
kids dream of becoming footballers and lifting a World Cup. Ive seen other captains
do it and to have the privilege to do it myself was incredible. Just the greatest thing.
Iniesta was speaking at an event for Powerade, the official sports drink of the 2014 Fifa World Cup.
See exclusive videos at youtube.com/powerade
2 0 0 6 ( G E R M A N Y )
PATRICK
VIEIRA
Stepped in as French captain
for the suspended Zidane
Going to the World Cup
and having the captains
responsibility was fantastic,
but Ill tell you something,
I was really proud Zinedine
Zidane decided to come back
[as captain]. I think Zidane is
the best player of the past 20
years and I was really pleased
he came back with Makelele
and Thuram. With these three
players we were stronger, and
thats one of the reasons we
reached the final.
It didnt go our way, and it
was frustrating because I think
on the day we were the better
team. We lost on penalties but
we were happy in the way we
conducted ourselves and
I think we made the nation
proud. I did not see [Zidanes
headbutt]. Im sure he isnt
proud of it, but lets not take
away how well he did for the
French national team. My best
memory was that after every
game we had our moment
together, just the players.
After the games, the manager
would give us a few hours and
we would have a barbecue.
Catch live World Cup games
throughout the tournament on
ITV and ITV Player
2 0 1 0 ( S O U T H A F R I C A )
KAGISHO
DIKGACOI
South Africas star midfielder who set up
the host nations first tournament goal
The atmosphere [for the first World Cup held
in Africa] was incredible. I remember when we
left the hotel to go to the first game, everywhere
on the street people were waving the national
team jersey. Everyone was behind the team, it was
emotional and so exciting to be part of it.
We were used to the sound, but I think the
vuvuzela was louder than ever before at the World
Cup, because everyone had one. We could barely
hear each other, but its the way we support football
in South Africa, the fans cheer with a vuvuzela its
our culture and important for atmosphere.
[Manager] Carlos Alberto Parreira was obviously
incredible. He had experienced winning a World
Cup with Brazil in 1994, so it was great
W
O
R
D
S
:

M
A
T
T

A
L
L
E
N
,

B
E
N

I
S
A
A
C
S
,

L
E
O

M
O
Y
N
I
H
A
N
,

O
L
I
V
E
R

P
I
C
K
U
P
,

S
A
M

R
O
W
E
,

P
A
U
L

W
A
T
S
O
N



P
H
O
T
O
G
R
A
P
H
S
:

A
C
T
I
O
N
,

G
E
T
T
Y
,

R
E
X
,

P
A

having him as a manager. He was
always inspiring, telling us
the experiences hed had
with the Brazilian team and
motivating us.
I remember the first
goal of the tournament,
I gave the pass to
Shabalala. After he
scored the goal
everyone went
crazy. In that
moment I just
wished the game
would end at that
time, because we wanted
so badly to win it.
After we were
eliminated I stayed and
watched a couple of big
games. To be honest, I was
supporting Spain, not
England. The best team
won, I think they deserved it.
Last year Kagisho started the
Kagisho Dikgacoi Foundation, which
provides opportunities for children
and young people in South Africa
to participate in quality life
experiences through sports
2 0 0 6
( G E R M A N Y )
ANDREA
PIRLO
Scored Italys first on
their way to their first
World Cup triumph
in 24 years
When Marcello Lippi,
the Italy coach, came
up to me at the end of
normal time [in the
final], bells started
to toll in my head.
Youre first.
We both knew
what he meant by that:
first to take a penalty.
Being first on the spot,
kicking off that torture
in the biggest, most
incredible game that
a player can play or
imagine thats not
necessarily good
news. It means they
think youre the best,
but it also means that
if you miss, youre
first on the list of
dickheads.
The two teams
gather in the centre
circle and the next
player up has to make
his way from there to
the penalty spot. Its an
experience I wouldnt
wish on anyone. Its
barely 50 metres, but
its a truly terrible
journey, right through
the heart of your fear.
The comparison with
the dead man walking,
pulling himself along
the green mile, is
exaggerated and not
the most appropriate,
but it does get across
the idea.
I got up to head to
the spot. It was my turn
and I acted on instinct.
Ill hit it straight
down the middle, put
a bit of height on it.
Barthez will definitely
dive and theres no
way hes getting to it,
even with his feet.
Caressing the ball
was something I had
to do. I then lifted my
eyes to the heavens
and asked for help
because if God
exists, theres no
way hes French.
My penalty went
in that lukewarm
shiver a second before
I struck the ball in the
net is the most vivid
sensation Ive ever felt.
I Think Therefore I Play
by Andrea Pirlo,
published by BackPage
Press, is out now;
backpagepress.co.uk
W O R L D C U P L E G E N D S
INIESTA FIRES SPAIN
TO THEIR FIRST EVER
WORLD CUP TITLE
CAPTAIN VIEIRA AND
FRANCE CAME UP
SHORT IN 2006
DIKGACOI AND SOUTH
AFRICA WERE PART OF
SOMETHING SPECIAL
DESPITE THE RESULTS
PIRLO SCORES THE
FIRST PENALTY OF THE
2006 FINAL SHOOTOUT
LOSER
( GROUP
STAGE)
LOSER
( F I NAL )
WI NNER
WI NNER