When the 1978 World Cup in Argentina ended, for the most part the soccer world moved on. Thoughts of most fans and players centered on the upcoming season, the qualification rounds for Euro 1980, and the ongoing nursing of multiple celebratory hangovers in Argentina.
But for this nine year old in the soccer wilderness of Galway, Ireland, there was no anticipation, there was no certainly no celebration. For me, it was only desperation. And it wasn't just that Dutchman Robbie Rensenbrink's last minute flick in the final agonizingly bounced back off an Argentinian post denying the Dutch a world title they probably deserved. Nor was my depression the result of Scotland's brave but futile quest to emerge from a seemingly easy Group 4.
No, for me, the horror I felt in late June, 1978, was that it was simply all over. In the three short weeks that that World Cup then comprised, I had become used to my routine of running the short distance from my classroom at St. Michael's Primary School so as to catch the first game of the day, live from Argentina. Cast in the long shadows of a South American winter, France v. Hungary took on a whole new meaning when viewed live on a black and white television on a warm summer evening in the west of Ireland.
Maybe it was my limited understanding of the world at the time. How was it that we were mysteriously four hours ahead of South America? How could that Argentinian side be so good? And more importantly, why was it snowing on the telly in June? For each World Cup since, great games and tournaments have happened, but the connection with time and place have gradually diminished.
Seven World Cups have come and gone since Argentina '78. Some have been great (USA '94, France '98), some not so great (Italy '90...ugh). I even managed to get to a Finals game in the last thirty two years...Spain's 3-1 victory over Bolivia in Chicago in 1994.
The anticipation is here again, but it's different from those last seven World Cups. For the first time since Argentina '78, the Southern Hemisphere will host. African teams are looking to go to the last four for the first time. ESPN is launching a 3-D network on the opening day of the tournament. And Spain are favorites. For another nine year old in Galway, Brisbane, Madison or Karachi, the 2010 World Cup will be THE tournament. Maybe it will be for me too.
Let the games begin. Here's to the long shadows of the South African winter.
