Steve Mason

By Alex Dunn

Tuesday 25 May 2010 11:16, UK

Acclaimed Scottish musician Steve Mason gives skysports.com his favourite memories from World Cup history.

Steve Mason remembers some iconic memories from World Cup history

After critically acclaimed releases under the guises of King Biscuit Time and Black Affair in recent years former Beta Band front man Steve Mason has now, for the first time, brought out an album under his own name. It's been worth the wait. Having signed to Domino imprint Double Six, Mason set to work on Boys Outside, an album that strips away the electronic element of previous projects to be left with his simplest, bravest and best, set of songs to date. Working with famed pop producer Richard X has reaped rich dividends; there is a simplicity to the tracks that allows Mason's song-writing to flourish in its own right. Comparisons with the Beta Bands' seminal 3 EPs is inevitable but Mason should feel confident having crafted an album that should figure highly in 2010's best of lists. Here, he recounts some iconic memories from World Cup history.

World Cup memories

Archie Gemmill's goal against Holland in 1978

The best World Cup goal ever. Scotland won 3-2 against the eventual World Cup finalists but still got knocked out. A moment that really sums up Scotland's efforts at World Cup finals. How could they beat one of the world's best teams but still go down to the likes of Peru and Iran. Great World Cup song as well that year.

David Narey's goal v Brazil in 1982

For a brief moment Scotland led Brazil courtesy of a wonder-strike. Of course, it being 1982 and in the face of a great Brazilian side, they quickly crumbled to a series of amazing goals from the South Americans and eventually ended up at the wrong end of a 4-1 beating . And, despite the cynics and doubters' comments, it was never a lucky toe-poke. Give the lad some credit, it was a cultured opportunistic strike.

Roger Milla's flag-dance 1990

Brilliance all round from the Cameroon veteran. And England almost humbled in the quarter-finals. Everyone got behind Cameron at that World Cup, the first time an African side had really done anything at a finals. They came with no expectation and thrilled the world with their attacking style and cavalier approach. Football at its most joyous. Could have gone all the way if it wasn't for David Platt, and then Gary Lineker's penalties.

South Korea 2002

Everyone loves the underdog - the hosts nearly did it in 2002. And again, like Cameroon, no-one expected them to get anywhere. Maybe the lack of expectation helps, but they also played some great organised football. And the sight of a nation decked out in red, mobilised en masse to cheer on the host nation, was a marvellous moment.

Bergkamp's goal against Argentina 1998

Never mind the control, the flick and the goal, Frank De Boer's 70 yard pass is worthy of legendary status alone. It was a beautiful, breath-taking moment. He'd been absolutely amazing for Arsenal and this only confirmed what a great strong forward he was. He had it all really, a ball deadening first-time touch, an amazing eye for goal and a subtle physicality. A legendary goal from one of the best.

Iran beating USA in 1998

No explanation needed really is there here. Everyone loves to see the Yanks get a bashing, especially at the hands of one of their 'supposed enemies'. In fact they didn't actually win a single group stage game to further compound the misery. Cheerio, cheerio, cheerio....we can see you sneaking out etc.

Pele's dummy 1970 against Uruguay

The greatest goal that never was. Best bit of skill ever. Didn't even need to score after that and a moment that ultimately defines what's great about both football and Pele. As close to football gets to art, this moment goes far beyond 22 blokes kicking a bag of wind around a bit of grass - quick thinking with a 'slight of foot' that makes a world class keeper look like a confused simpleton. One that demands repeated viewing.

Pickles

A dog finds the World Cup. Under a bush. In Norwood. Only in Britain, and a tale that is pure farce. The World Cup, stolen from a Methodist church in central London ends up in a front garden in South London while the FA are held to ransom by the bumbling thieves, a bunch straight out of an Ealing Comedy. More amazing, pickles becomes a celebrity, gets the same showbiz agent as Spike Millegan and stars in a film with June Whitfield and Eric Sykes.

Jack Charlton explodes in America

Jack Charlton was a loose cannon at the best of times but this explosion was a classic. Infuriated by not being able to get John Aldridge on the pitch during the Mexico game he goes mad and starts swearing on the touchline. And all within 'ear-shot' of some pitch side microphones. The world gets a blast of some basic Geordie vernacular. Luckily he'd left his shotguns at home, otherwise it could have been nasty.

The entire Brazil team 1982

Brilliant style, brilliant names - Junior, Socrates, Eder, Falcao, Zico. How did they not win? A complete travesty. Although their exit did provide the world with perhaps one of the finest games in World Cup history - the 3-2 defeat by Italy in the 2nd round which saw Paolo Rossi score a great hat-trick. Just an amazing all-round team - composed ball players from front to back and a qualified doctor (who enjoyed 20 smokes a day) in Socrates - genius.