SO DIED a DREAM
Chris Waddles Infamous Penalty Miss in Italia 90
Turin: Stadio Delle Alpi: Wednesday 4th July 1990:
Under a black sky etched blood red and glittering with stars England's quest for the fourteenth world cup approached its defining moment. Already awash with the bitter taste of Gazza's tears a frenzied Turin evening was set to end in either despair or glory for Bobby Robson's side.
Three penalties converted and one missed everything rested on the deceptively languid figure of Chris Waddle to keep them in Italia 90. The North-East lad from Gateshead who once earned a living working in a sausage factory carried on his hunched shoulders the hopes and dreams of an entire nation gripped by world cup fever.
A wonderful career with Newcastle, Tottenham and Marseilles appeared to have reached its pinnacle on that heart-stopping night for England. Chris Waddle's performance against Germany was electric. In extra time he came within a hairs-breadth of scoring, only for his ferocious low drive to crash against the post.
In the pubs, clubs, bars and living rooms of England a nation hushed as Waddle stepped out of the centre circle to make that eternal walk to the penalty spot.
And then he missed. A flailing shot hit towards the top corner of the goal but one that sailed aimlessly into oblivion and infamy.
Waddle stood head down, hands on hips, a man broken. What price back in the sausage factory away from the torment? As a full moon shone bright over Turin a typically sporting Franz Beckenbeuer consoled a devastated Bobby Robson with the words: 'What a pity it came down to this'? So died a dream.
Maybe for all English supporters one never to be realised?
Published by johnludden.webs.com:
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