Bristol's finest Malachai give skysports.com their favourite memories from World Cup history.
Malachai remember some iconic memories from World Cup history
Genre-defying Bristol-based Malachai are a two-piece fronted by vocalist Gee, with music by Scott. Combining a kaleidoscope of musical influences to create some one of the most original sounds around, Malachai count Doves and Kasabian as high profile fans.
An appreciation of hip-hop, garage rock, 60s psych and dub, along with just about every other musical form, has been combined with the most eclectic of record collections to yield a sparkling debut
Ugly Side of Love, released by Domino Records.
Here, Scott - a Bristol City season ticket holder for 20 years who cites Jackie Dziekanowski, aka the 'Polish George Best', as his favourite ever Robin - recounts to
skysports.com his World Cup Gold.
Diego Maradona v England Mexico 1986
This was the first World Cup which I properly got into and I remember England steadily making their way through the group stages then facing Argentina in the quarter-finals. I was too young to care or know about the whole Falkland War rubbish but I was excited to find out about the player who had a similar name to the biggest female singer of the time. The man in question then scored with his hand (the famous Hand of God past Shilton) before within five minutes scored arguably the greatest goal of all time, weaving past almost the whole England team. That night I hated the little man but wanted to know more about him and have since became fairly obsessed by the little fat guy. I've even wrote tracks in the past dedicated to him. He is truly the greatest and probably the most rock and roll footballer EVER.
Josimar - Brazil versus N Ireland 1986
From the same World Cup as above. I caught the football bug from this World Cup. Watched every game I could, had the Panini sticker book and everything! This is one hell of a goal though. The World Cup wouldn't be the same without Brazil and goals like this. It's worth checking out on YouTube. Josimar picks the ball up wide on the right and thunderbolts it straight into the top left hand corner. It's a great celebration too - it's a little bit reminiscent of Ronnie Radford's celebration for Hereford vs Newcastle in the 70s but it's Brazil - trust me!
England vs Argentina 1998
I was Djing in a live (un-named band) from Bristol around this World Cup and we were on our way on tour to Canada starting in Montreal. I couldn't wait to get to a TV to watch this. An 18-year-old Micheal Owen opened the scoring then Beckham got sent off for that stupid raising of the leg, before Sol Campbell scored a really good header. England played brilliantly and Argentina play acted. With ten men going into extra-time we were slightly tired and it ended up going to penalties, with the obvious outcome, but for a moment out in Canada I was proud to be an Englishman.
USA 1994 Diana Ross Opening Ceromony
The World Cup prior to the one above when England failed to qualify. This whole thing was a joke, just like football (or soccer as it's known as out there) is thought of in the land of oppurtunity. Have you ever watched a live MLS Socher game? They actually refer to offence and defence, goal tenders and the 50 yard line! It's mental! Our beautiful game should be banned there. I was in New York last month and there was a game on the TV which my manager and I were watching. Somebody got chopped down and a penalty was awarded. A fat buisnesman behind us shouted to his friend 'Yo Brad, it's a free ball!' I kid you not! The Diana Ross clip sums up my feelings on this matter. Rant over...
England at Italia '90
A great year for me. The year I left school. Freedom. There was a real feel good factor in England around this time. Out of the yuppie 80s into the 90s where working class kids were out raving with art school kids. The World Cup was in Italy. The kit was good (shorts a little small and tight) even the World Cup song New Order's World In Motion was okay. What could go wrong?!?! This will probably be remembered as the World Cup when Gazza cried but there was much more to it than just that for me. Again it was penalties. Again it was Germany, please please please...
Zidane's sending off for France versus Italy
Now I don't consider myself a violent person but I enjoyed this moment immensely just due to the duel fact that it happened in one of the dullest World Cup finals ever and could be the record lowest headbutt dished out by a Frenchman to an Italian ever. This was/is a sure fire way to pretty much end a career on an all time low (headbutt).
Ireland's World Cup run in 1994
So we all know England didn't qualify for this World Cup and like most, my nan's parents were Irish (O'Hara) so there was only one team to follow. Big drunk Jack Charlton lead his team to the knock-out stages, beating the might Italians along the way, and it was just great to see so many Irish out in the States having such a great time. Just summed up what the atmosphere of the World Cup should be.
General extravagant World Cup goal celebrations
I'm a sucker for great goal celebrations. Personal faves are Robbie Fowler's 'white line' snorting and Lee Sharp's corner flag Elvis impersonation. But the World Cup always has them in abundance. Roger Milla was always great when scoring for Cameroon and was it the Brazilians who did the baby cradle rocking? That was great. Anyway, for 2010 there will be even more on show.
Quick-fire questions
World Cup winner? Spain. Best team in the world at the moment. Villa and Torres are the best strike partnership by far and the spine of the team from Reina is solid. The only way of beating them is is on penalties because they're even worse that us in a shoot-out situation.
Top scorer? David Villa
Gazza or Rooney? Rooney
Pele or Maradona? Maradona
Three Lions or World in Motion? World In Motion
Pub or couch? Couch
Club supported? Bristol City
