Soccer in Sun and Shadow

Goal by Charlton

It happened at the World Cup in 1962. England was playing against Argentina.

Bobby Charlton set up the first English goal by placing the ball where Flowers could face the goalkeeper Roma alone. But the second goal was Charlton’s from start to finish. Charlton, lord of the entire left side of the field, made the Argentine defense collapse like swatted moths. He changed feet at full tilt and using his right he overwhelmed the keeper with a shot from the wing.

Bobby was a survivor. Practically all the players on his team, Manchester United, died in the twisted ruins of a burning plane. Death spared this miner’s son so he could continue giving people the high nobility of his soccer.

The ball obeyed him. She traveled the field following his instructions and flew into the net before he even kicked her.