Galeano’s Goals: “Goal by Sunderland”

By | September 22, 2009

Eduardo Galeano, in Soccer and Sun and Shadow (London: Verso, 2003), provides beautiful descriptions of famous goals from footballing history. Here is one of his descriptions, and a video of the goal. What do you think of the description? Can you find clips of other goals he describes?

“It was 1979. At Wembley Stadium, Arsenal and Manchester United were battling the final of the English FA Cup.

A good match, but nothing aroused suspicions that this would suddenly turn into the most electric final of all that had occurred in the Cup’s long history since 1871. Arsenal was ahead 2-0 and the game was nearly over. The game was decided and people began to leave the stadium. Suddenly a cloudburst of goals was let loose. Three goals in two minutes: a sure shot by McQueen was followed by a pretty penetration by McIllroy, who eluded two defenders and the keeper, giving United the equalizers between the 86th and 87th minutes. But before the 88th minute was over Arsenal regained the lead. Liam Brady, who as usual was the outstanding player of the game, put together the final play, and Alan Sunderland took a clean shot to make it 3-2.”  Galeano, 157

 

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