2018 And All That……………

I’m not much in favour of nationalism – particularly the parochial type which
involves waving sticks of shortbread at the English, while kidding ourselves
that they’re claymores – what better way of keeping us in our place and hiding
our own shortcomings. Wha’s like us? Wha indeed!

HOWEVER, I cannot deny feeling relieved that our southern neighbours lost
out on their 2018 World Cup bid. The thought of England winning the World
Cup is insufferable. Nor can I fail to smile at the hollow ring of their cries of
‘stitch up’ and ‘no fair’. The chances of England ever recapturing the World
Cup remain reassuringly remote, but would have improved had England
become 2018 hosts. It’s no coincidence that 1966 remains their only victory
(and appearance in a final).

In the quarterfinals England defeated Argentina 1-0, in a match still known as

El robo del siglo (the theft of the century). Geoff Hurst’s goal was offside,
Argentinean captain, Rattin, was sent off because the referee ‘didn’t like the
way he looked at him’, and decisions generally went in England’s favour. And
Alf Ramsey called them ‘animals’! England’s semi-final against Portugal was
scheduled for Goodison Park but, in an unprecedented break with the rules,
FA officials were allowed to change the venue to Wembley; every game
involving England was played in that stadium – a huge and unfair advantage.
The events of the final are well known, most notoriously, Hurst’s ‘goal’ that
never crossed the line. Fair play, indeed!

Note also that former FIFA president, Havelange, believes efforts were made
to ensure that tournament favourites, Brazil, did not win the tournament.
Paranoia? Maybe. Yet all referees and linesmen involved in Brazil’s three
matches were English or German. Pele was offered so little protection from
foul play that he limped out the tournament early, soon followed by the rest of
the Brazilian team. So much for fair play!

However, what about the reaction to Russia’s success in winning the bid –
cries of ‘fix’. Big deal! Political considerations have always been part of the
World Cup bidding process. The 1966 tournament went to England only
because they agreed to support Germany’s ’74 bid. At the same time, Spain
was assured the ’82 tournament by agreeing not to oppose this German bid.
At least this time the ‘fixing’ has been in favour of first time hosts, and not one
of the usual beneficiaries. Fair play to FIFA!!