Eight Cognacs? I think it’s all over

THe letter about the Manchester united fan watching the 1999 champions League Final at a German caravan site (Peterborough) triggered my memories of the 1966 World cup final. i had been to all the other Wembley World cup games, but due to my customary lack of forward planning, i found myself watching the Final in a Dutch coastal village cafe. each year i spent my summer school holidays with my aunt in Holland and, having booked the trip, i was committed. on the day of the Final, i cycled from my aunt’s caravan to the nearby cafe and was met by a very full house with all the seats in front of the tV occupied by the locals. as a late arrival, i found myself with the genial German supporters who, swiftly

spotting my allegiance, challenged me to a cognac bet on the eventual winners. of course, i accepted. the game was an amazing experience. the locals, still remembering the war, were rooting for england, and contrasting reactions as the goals went in created a tremendous atmosphere. the time taken for the decision on Geoff Hurst’s ‘was it over the line?’ goal was too much, and i had to depart for a comfort break. on my return, the glumlooking Germans informed me of the outcome. Hurst’s hat-trick goal clinched the match, to much celebration by the locals and me. the German supporters generously congratulated me on the result and departed. the barman then showed me a line of eight cognacs they had left. in my delirium, i knocked them back and then cycled back to my aunt’s caravan, unfortunately forgetting that the Dutch don’t drive on the left. the worst that happened was that i ended up in a hedge more than once. needless to say, my aunt was not impressed, but what did i care? i had just had a most wonderful experience.

Johan Mans, Pinner, Middlesex.