The official films of each tournament have been a great watch. I saw the 1974 world cup one last weekend and the 1994 one a few days later. Standard of play might be better now but i much preferred the less-commercialised stadiums and almost 'purer' approach to the game.
When was the last classic World Cup? I think that I would have to go back to 86.
I'd say 98. 94 was good as well, but in 98 everything was just right. Everyone since has been disappointing in some way. 2002 just didn't feel like a proper World Cup, last one was completely ruined by the vuvuzelas and Germany was a bit boring.
1998 for me too. Superb World Cup.
2002, as much as it was exciting (and probably the last time I really cared for England), it wasn't as good as 98.. something just wasn't there about 2006, just didnt feel like a WC but very very happy that Italy and Pirlo won, still gutted Maldini never won a World Cup. 2010 was quite good, and I believe the most successful WC of all time, vuvuzelas were annoying though.
I would have to agree completely. The only let down of France '98 really was the fact that Germany as one of the powerhouses were quite poor. Some of the games once the groups were done were outstanding. I think for me, I found the tournament really enjoyable and the last I have done because England actually had a collection of 'proper' footballers combined with strong, up and coming talent. Adams, Ince, Seaman, Anderton, Sheringham and Shearer combined with Scholes, Neville, Beckham - All very respected regardless of who they played for, unlike now.
Argentina - England 2-2
France - Italy 0-0
Holland - Argentina 2-1
Brazil - Holland 1-1
Brazil - Denmark 3-2
Brazil - Chile 4-1
France - Croatia 2-1
All of those games were really decent ties and I distinctly remember Italy-Chile and Spain-Nigeria being quality games in the Group Stages.
1970. England "gold" coin collection from Esso or Shell. Collected them all. I was seven.
1982?
Some amazing stuff that tournament...