BEYOND MUNICH

Manchester United v Benfica:
European Cup Final: 29th May 1968:

Only ten years beyond the horrors of the Munich air disaster Matt Busby managed to lead Manchester United within touching distance of the European Cup. To win this competition became an obsession for Busby. A lasting tribute to those eight United players who perished amidst the snow and ice of that infamous Munich runway.

However with the score at 1-1 and only three minutes remaining such emotions were lost on the Portuguese champions, who sensing a sensational victory went for United's wilting defence with a vengeance.

Convinced fellow defender Bill Foulkes was covering behind him, Eusebio's man-marker Nobby Stiles moved to intercept the Benfica midfield-schemer Antonio Simoes. Only to then realise with horror Foulkes was out of position and the 'Panther' had sprung free!

From a wonderful pass by Simoes, Eusebio just had to pick his spot from twelve yards past Alex Stepney to win the European cup. But heaven smiled down on the Mancunians. Always being one for the spectacular by making the net bulge he committed one of football's deadliest sins and blasted a thunderous shot straight into Stepney's midriff.

It was a case of Eusebio being blinded by next day's headlines before they had been written. Ever the sportsman, Benfica's finest attempted to congratulate the keeper on his courageous save but Stepney gave him short shrift. For there was still a European cup to be won.

As for Eusebio, such was the awesome power in which he hit the ball it burst. Sadly for him the net stayed intact. The 'Panther' blew it at the last and ten years beyond Munich Matt Busby's dream remained alive. Extra time loomed.

Cue Georgie Best!

John Ludden
Cfieldsoffire@aol.com