Chris Stroud's World Cup Memories with Saudi Arabia, Roger Milla and Bryan Robson

By Richard Siddle

Published: 10 July, 2014

And then there were two...yes Germany and Argentina will come together on Sunday evening to determine who is going to be crowned winners of the 2014 World Cup. Before they do, however, there is still time for us to share some of the trade's World Cup Memories. This time round we turn to Chris Stroud, marketing manager of New Zealand Winegrowers. If you would like to have a go yourself then simply answer the following questions.

David Platt in the last minute David Platt in the last minuteFrom zero to hero: David Platt scoring in the last minute of extra time against Belgium

Favourite World Cup and why?

From an English perspective (and in my lifetime) has to be Italy 1990. A slow start by England in the group stages, and a dramatic late winner by David Platt in the knock out stages before that cracking game with Cameroon and of course the Germany semi-final. I think we were all emotionally spent by the thrid place play off.

Best World Cup game and why?

Has to be the World Cup Final in 1966 and England's greatest triumph. Of course I wasn't here then to witness it, but we have seen the endless footage and I'm sure we will continue to as England won't be repeating that victory any time soon.

Best match I have seen, England Argentina in 1998 was a great game. Lots of goals (including that superb Owen one), a disallowed goal (by Sol Campbell) that people often forget about that would have won it for England, near misses, a sending off and then the drama of penalties. Sadly we know how that finished.

Video:

Saeed Al Owairan for Saudi Arabia

Greatest World Cup goal?

A ture man of the match perfromance from Bryan Robson as he scores in the first minute against France in the 1982 World Cup

There have been some fantastic efforts over the years. I can't quite bring myself to say Maradona v England in the 1986 World Cup, though that was brilliant and he repeated it in the semi-final too. However, Saeed Al Owairan's goal for Saudi Arabia vs Belgium 1994 World Cup was also pretty special. A supposed lesser nation producing a goal of that quality is great to see!

Favourite all time player?

Too hard! So many great names and many have been mentioned already. However, personally, I loved Roger Milla in 1990 who was one of the stars. Great celebration dancing around the corner flag and he inspired Cameroon to be first African team to the quarter final - all at the age of 38! He played in the next world cup too and scored at 42!

Bryan Robson Bryan RobsonA ture man of the match performance from Bryan Robson as he scores in the first minute against France in the 1982 World Cup

Earliest World Cup memory?

Spain 1982. Bryan Robson scoring after 27 seconds or something v France. I remember our great hopes Kevin Keegan and Trevor Brooking being injured for most of the tournament and coming on v Spain and Keegan missing a great chance late on (he had to flick his head...). I also remember Germany losing to Algeria and then colluding with Austria to knock out Algeria with a 1-0 win.

Best all time England player?

Gary Lineker for the crucial goals he scored. A real poacher in the penalty area! How we miss that!

Worst all time England player?

There have been some shockers in many recent World Cup squads so unfair to single out anyone in particular. However, dishonourable mentions to the current England squad, in particular the defence.

Ideal world cup final drink

Well, a nice cool glass of NZ Sauvignon Blanc of course. Or with my Brazilian sister in-law Caipirinha...

Any personal funny World Cup moment?

I was flying out to Brazil on the night off the 1994 World Cup final, which Brazil subsequently won on penalties. This was the days before TVs in the pubs and bars of Heathrow so I can remember crowding around in Dixons in the terminal along with several other passengers. The manager in their wisdom decided this was bad for business so unbelievably turned it off. The match was still going on when we were took off and, finally, when they won the pilot announced the result to a surprising lack of excitement. Indeed, I and a few other of my TV shop buddies were told off for making too much noise by other passengers. On arrival into Brazil, though, I was picked up by a rather hungover brother. No lack of excitement there.