Zico and Socrates were to have an epilogue to their, or my, 1982 adventure in Mexico 4 years later. But before that, and with me now wanting more of this major tournament football, there was France 1984, the European Championships.
In 1982 the title of 'how did they not win the world cup' was shared by Brazil and France. It baffled me how the team that played the most amazing football I had seen to date, Brazil, could lose. But all could have been forgiven, cruel cynical football world if the French with the magic midfield- Platini, Tigana, Giresse, Genghini- took over and won it all. But cynical went to a level not seen many times since when Harold Schumacher took care of Patrick Battiston in that unforgettable semi-final. So while Italy beat West Germany in the final, with Tardelli and that celebration and the eighty-something year old Italian President Pertini dancing in the stands, I looked on and thought, how did that happen?
France 1984 was the redemption tournament, where good football triumphed and the good guys were really outstanding and won. And Michel Platini was my new hero. Hours of trying to master his free-kick techniques were to follow, with limited success. But, my fix had been fed for another 2 years.
Platini scored 9 goals in an eight team tournament, including the last minute semi-final winner against Portugal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOn7jr9fkkQ
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