You can call it a comeback; we haven’t been here for years. Nessun Dorma returns from hibernation for a one-off special ahead of the World Cup, and a deep dive into one of the greatest matches in its storied history: the Espana 82 semi-final between France and West Germany. Your regulars Gary, Rob and Mike dust off the mics to discuss a history-making game loaded with brilliance and controversy.
We look at the players and the styles that went up against each other on that absorbing night in Seville, where six goals were shared ahead of the first penalty shootout the World Cup – and indeed, much of the world – had ever seen. There’s also a forensic examination of the most infamous foul in football history, where Toni Schumacher’s flying hip check levelled the unsuspecting Patrick Battiston.
West Germany 3 (Littbarski 18, Rummenigge 103, Fischer 108)
France 3 (Platini 28 pen, Tresor 93, Giresse 99)
AET West Germany win 5-4 on penalties
West Germany (3-5-1-1) Schumacher; Karl-Heinz Förster, Stielike, Bernd Förster; Kaltz, Dremmler, Breitner, Magath (Hrubesch 73), Briegel (Rummenigge 97); Littbarski; Fischer.
France (4-3-3ish) Ettori; Bossis, Tresor, Janvion, Amoros; Tigana, Giresse, Genghini (Battiston 50, Lopez 61); Rocheteau, Platini, Six.
Referee Charles Corver (Netherlands).
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