Des Lynam, best TV presenter of all time. Felt like your clever, funny, sophisticated uncle coming into your living room for a couple of hours to watch the sport with you.
It made me fall in love with soccer. Zidane, Michael Owens intro, and ultimately a 90 percent Ronaldo, ( I’ve never seen a human faster or more determined than Ronaldo was against Holland) I never saw him run like that again, or any athlete. What a player.
Just beautiful- Best World Cup in my lifetime (24 years old), Best epilogue/montage to any major sporting event, Best introductory/ closing music (Pavane, Faure), Best coverage by the BBC of any sporting event in my living memory. The poem...words cannot describe!
This has to be the greatest world Cup ever 🙌 what a tournament it was thanks for the upload 👏 brought back some great memories of playing football ⚽️ on the street as a kid arguing over who was being Ronaldo
No kidding. I have been looking for it ever since. I was sure it would be on TH-cam. Nothing yet. Hopefully someone has Tivoed it somewhere. Honestly, I have heard many recitations of "If" and Federer/Nadal's is the BEST I've ever heard.
This was just beautiful, man. The poem, images and music go so well together - very moving. USA '94 was actually my first world cup that I remember but I have more memories of France '98.
Last but not least Owen's best goal against Argentina that ''filled the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run''.That goal showed that the best footballing years are ahead of him.
yeah this video is amazing & possibly the most inspiration quote there is. but also the 1998 was the 1st ever world cup i had ever watched as i'd just started going to bramall lane 6 months previous aged 8 as i remberer legging it back from junior school to watch the england v tunisia game that my mum had taped
Just to say thanks... i had the final on video with this bit at the end but someone nicked the video :(. love the poem, the editing, the music and the whole world cup was awesome (England got robbed btw lol). Cheers
5 stars!! Great poem and thanks I have to read this from memory in front of my class and this vid helps me to better understand it so thanks dude! If I could I'd pay you! XD
Shearer scored a penalty against Argentina and kept Engand in the game with his will-- Ronaldo had a bad final against France but was named Best Player of the tournament--Brazil were considered favourites but ''lost the common touch'' and underestimated France--Johansson with his ''friend and foe'' Jacquet.Despite Denmark's loss against France they advanced to the next round--Holland's players holding together with the exclusion of Ronald de Boer who missed the final penalty against Brazil--tbc
Asprilla had to ''start again at his beginnings'' and wait for the next World Cup as he was excluded from the squad,after playing only one match, because he complained about his manager's decision to substitute him(never breathe a word about your loss)--Hendry was named captain of Scotland for the first time but failed to qualify and after the tournament he retired from international football--Berti scored the first penalty against England and motivated his teammates--to be continued
You might remember Owen diving too. The problem with penalties is that England act as if its a lottery rather than learn how to take them properly and inevitably always lose.
Iran beat USA but was disqualified--Bilic faked an injury and as a result Blanc saw the red card and missed the final--Chilavert was voted best goalkeeper of the tournament keeping entirely on his own a worn-out Paraguay--Argentina's coach and assistants under stress during the penalty shoutout against England risking everything they achieved so far on ''one turn of pitch-and-toss''--Zubizarreta angry after the loss from Nigeria.Spain never got through the first round--to be continued
Dunga had a fight with Bebeto---Hoddle was under heavy critisism from England's fans and journalists--Owen was in top condition but waited in the bench for two games--Saudi Arabia's penalty was an obvious lie--Beckham received a red card for kicking Simeone and was hated because eventually England lost--Scotland's dream of qualifying never came true--Suker was the top scorer of the tournament--Batty lost the last penalty(disaster) and England failed to qualify to quarter-finals--to be continued
It's funny how so many troops, navy personnel and particularly airmen from the Second World War seemed to have obeyed Kipling's instructions to the letter. Today's SAS trooopers do too. Maybe that's why they can do what they do...
It is called Pavane by Gabriel Faure. This version was recorded by the Wimbledon Choir Society, I think. There's a version out there with the cheering and chanting in the background, which I have but have never found elsewhere. Truly moving in the "I want this played at my wedding/child's birth/funeral" feeling. I'm replying to you eleven years later, so I hope this is in some way useful.
this was a great world cup, as long as you weren't a fan of spain coz they bombed out that year. if only netherlands beat brazil so i could have seen a france-netherlands final.
Absolutly Brilliant. WHAT A POEM. Great place to use it too, the music makes it a little bit worse in my opinion. JUST MY OPINION. But it doesn't matter, the poem is fucking amazing.
@if5tatement Don't get me wrong, the military does plenty wrong. My own country, Australia, has been guilty of military atrocities in the past. As has Britain, where my family comes from, particularly in Ireland and India. And we need WikiLeaks and the likes of John Lennon to publicise such injustices. And sure teachers, doctors, priests, lawyers, everyday folk do just as brave, moral things as any soldiers do. But I'm convinced large numbers of troops in WW2 obeyed Kipling to the letter
great tournament. great commentary. Lyman, what a legend. great poem. and the great pavane to finish it off. I remember watching this... it genuinely bought a tear to my eye. It still provokes emotions even now, nearly 20 years on. love football.
Great Poem, Great Presenter, Great Reading, Great Visuals of a Great World Cup and Great Music at the end.
Magic.
Des Lynam, best TV presenter of all time. Felt like your clever, funny, sophisticated uncle coming into your living room for a couple of hours to watch the sport with you.
I agree. In the modern age not even Clarkson can shine his shoes.
Now we have Linekar who insults and has outdated dad jokes
What a time. I’d say the best World Cup I’ve ever seen in my lifetime, just a better time for everything, football especially.
Same. I loved Italia 90 too.
100% agree, best world cup I have ever seen!
The best of times, Des Lynam reading this at the end of the world cup gave me goosebumps and sent shifters down spine. Special very special ♥️
It made me fall in love with soccer. Zidane, Michael Owens intro, and ultimately a 90 percent Ronaldo, ( I’ve never seen a human faster or more determined than Ronaldo was against Holland) I never saw him run like that again, or any athlete. What a player.
Was only 2-3 months old then, so I clearly remember five World Cups. Poland have been at three of them and were always knocked out after two losses.
Quite possibly the most beautiful thing ever.
Moved from Ireland to NZ in 99, 98 was the last European time zone word cup, a great World Cup
Beautiful, just beautiful. Nowadays they'd interrupt it for a preview of the next programme.....
The first World Cup I remember. Good memories.
Brilliant. This is my favourite World Cup. The World Cup where my obsession was consolidated.
Many many fond memories here. Roll on South Africa 2010!
David Beckham "Don't look too Good...Nor talk too Wise" 😊
Just beautiful- Best World Cup in my lifetime (24 years old), Best epilogue/montage to any major sporting event, Best introductory/ closing music (Pavane, Faure), Best coverage by the BBC of any sporting event in my living memory.
The poem...words cannot describe!
This has to be the greatest world Cup ever 🙌 what a tournament it was thanks for the upload 👏 brought back some great memories of playing football ⚽️ on the street as a kid arguing over who was being Ronaldo
Back in the day when it was done right. Now look what we have to put up with.
"We are playing four four fucking two"
Des Lynham 1998
Haha (that's Mike Bassett's version for the folk who don't know)
Sends a shiver down my spine does this
Best World Cup in a long time. Lots of legends, great games, great memories!
When the licence fee would bring you this - the greatest closing of a world cup by a broadcaster ever - that was a once precious time, now sadly lost.
They need to do this again for the next Euro's. Maybe have Gary Lineker read it.
who else is here on 2021
excellent
This is the best version of this des is god
thank yoooooooo.
Great vid, of the greatest of all sports on the planet.
No kidding. I have been looking for it ever since. I was sure it would be on TH-cam. Nothing yet. Hopefully someone has Tivoed it somewhere. Honestly, I have heard many recitations of "If" and Federer/Nadal's is the BEST I've ever heard.
This nearly made me cry!
England for life LAD
This was just beautiful, man. The poem, images and music go so well together - very moving.
USA '94 was actually my first world cup that I remember but I have more memories of France '98.
Last but not least Owen's best goal against Argentina that ''filled the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run''.That goal showed that the best footballing years are ahead of him.
Brilliant memories. I was 12 years old. The music, the images all so vivid.
Ooooh yes!!! Quality!
Brilliant.
yeah this video is amazing & possibly the most inspiration quote there is. but also the 1998 was the 1st ever world cup i had ever watched as i'd just started going to bramall lane 6 months previous aged 8 as i remberer legging it back from junior school to watch the england v tunisia game that my mum had taped
the clips match the phrases perfectly.
I can remember watching this in tears back in 1998.
Just to say thanks... i had the final on video with this bit at the end but someone nicked the video :(. love the poem, the editing, the music and the whole world cup was awesome (England got robbed btw lol). Cheers
Beautiful
5 stars!! Great poem and thanks I have to read this from memory in front of my class and this vid helps me to better understand it so thanks dude! If I could I'd pay you! XD
Amazing
I'm watching it with tears now. Even when bloody mike bassett does it, it fucks me up.
Well done the geinius editors at the BBC! Not me sadly...
Beautiful ending to a brilliant World Cup. Unfortunately the BBC would never in a month of Sundays do anything like this today.
Why?
funny how no one mentions how completely perfect the poem is
The last truly great World Cup finals
I agree, probably the best world cup in my lifetime. Much better than this years which was pretty dull.
Shearer scored a penalty against Argentina and kept Engand in the game with his will-- Ronaldo had a bad final against France but was named Best Player of the tournament--Brazil were considered favourites but ''lost the common touch'' and underestimated France--Johansson with his ''friend and foe'' Jacquet.Despite Denmark's loss against France they advanced to the next round--Holland's players holding together with the exclusion of Ronald de Boer who missed the final penalty against Brazil--tbc
Pavane in F-sharp minor, op. 50, by Gabriel Faure
ive watched this about 20 times, im using it as ESB practice
a great tournament
all these comments from years ago, good vid!!!!!
Asprilla had to ''start again at his beginnings'' and wait for the next World Cup as he was excluded from the squad,after playing only one match, because he complained about his manager's decision to substitute him(never breathe a word about your loss)--Hendry was named captain of Scotland for the first time but failed to qualify and after the tournament he retired from international football--Berti scored the first penalty against England and motivated his teammates--to be continued
@2oman its a poem, If by Rudyard Kipling
You might remember Owen diving too. The problem with penalties is that England act as if its a lottery rather than learn how to take them properly and inevitably always lose.
I'm sure I have a recording of this somewhere on VHS still!
Im pretty sure the world cup is the only reason i bother living the other 47/48ths of my life
This is on bbc world cup 98 review
des lynem what a commentator...
the world cup final that year should have been france and the netherlands. that would have been epic to watch
Iran beat USA but was disqualified--Bilic faked an injury and as a result Blanc saw the red card and missed the final--Chilavert was voted best goalkeeper of the tournament keeping entirely on his own a worn-out Paraguay--Argentina's coach and assistants under stress during the penalty shoutout against England risking everything they achieved so far on ''one turn of pitch-and-toss''--Zubizarreta angry after the loss from Nigeria.Spain never got through the first round--to be continued
The players England have had down the years, I am amazed we've never won anything.
We got fucked over in the last 16 by the ref.
@@r4h4al The refs always seem to hate us.
Owen goal was 98, not 02.
Dunga had a fight with Bebeto---Hoddle was under heavy critisism from England's fans and journalists--Owen was in top condition but waited in the bench for two games--Saudi Arabia's penalty was an obvious lie--Beckham received a red card for kicking Simeone and was hated because eventually England lost--Scotland's dream of qualifying never came true--Suker was the top scorer of the tournament--Batty lost the last penalty(disaster) and England failed to qualify to quarter-finals--to be continued
Whats the music at the end called?
Africa have already won the World Cup twice in the guise of France
can u post this poem as read by Federer and Nedal today please. ta
Damn this takes me back. Does anyone know the name of the song while the poem is being read? (not the end song)
tevez101 From Adriana Lecouvreur by Cilea!!!
Sorry for the late reply:)
tevez101 From Adriana Lecouvreur by Cilea!!!
Sorry for the late reply:)
The Federer/Nadal one is on TH-cam, jus search 'If poem Roger Federer Rafael Nadal.' Wasn't it just the most beautiful thing?
Didn't this originally use the song Pavane by Fauré (sung by The Wimbledon Choral Society) with Des Lynam reading IF over the top all the way through?
what is the song pleaaaasseee
It's funny how so many troops, navy personnel and particularly airmen from the Second World War seemed to have obeyed Kipling's instructions to the letter. Today's SAS trooopers do too. Maybe that's why they can do what they do...
@merlin17784
ti the re file twra na plakwthoume eipame einai mprosta tou..
Zidane, Djorkaeff.....yes!!
No - the title of the classical music playing as "IF" is being read. Anyone know?
It is called Pavane by Gabriel Faure. This version was recorded by the Wimbledon Choir Society, I think. There's a version out there with the cheering and chanting in the background, which I have but have never found elsewhere. Truly moving in the "I want this played at my wedding/child's birth/funeral" feeling. I'm replying to you eleven years later, so I hope this is in some way useful.
hahaha...best TH-cam comment ever.
this was a great world cup, as long as you weren't a fan of spain coz they bombed out that year.
if only netherlands beat brazil so i could have seen a france-netherlands final.
@Bak3dB3an when he jumped like 5 foot in the air man thats was fucking class even though i was 5 we have a tape of it haha TOON ARMY!!
oh yeh baby 1:35 the best player newcastle ever had... and they know it.
hatrick vs barcelona...
asprilla fo life yeh ye-iiiiii !!
Football as we knew it
The last decent World Cup
Absolutly Brilliant. WHAT A POEM. Great place to use it too, the music makes it a little bit worse in my opinion. JUST MY OPINION. But it doesn't matter, the poem is fucking amazing.
pavane by gabrie faure
just some FYI, the end of this vid plays what i feel is the best part of that song. the rest of the song is not that memorable
the fact that that is true is very depressing to know
Where does this come from???
Rigged because Bresil losed???
LOOOL
BBC
Ronaldo the phenomenon is the best ever!
@if5tatement Don't get me wrong, the military does plenty wrong. My own country, Australia, has been guilty of military atrocities in the past. As has Britain, where my family comes from, particularly in Ireland and India. And we need WikiLeaks and the likes of John Lennon to publicise such injustices. And sure teachers, doctors, priests, lawyers, everyday folk do just as brave, moral things as any soldiers do.
But I'm convinced large numbers of troops in WW2 obeyed Kipling to the letter
@DaveySch why is that funny ??
The Owen´s goal was in 2002 World Cup, not in 1998!!!
great tournament. great commentary. Lyman, what a legend. great poem. and the great pavane to finish it off. I remember watching this... it genuinely bought a tear to my eye. It still provokes emotions even now, nearly 20 years on. love football.
Well say, a very special moment in time for football.
9 people are not men...
Amazing