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In The World Cup’s Finest we ask various individuals to delve into their own personal history of football’s quadrennial showpiece extravaganza, selecting a number of favourites as well as revealing what is their very first World Cup memory.
Joining The World Cup’s Finest in its penultimate edition is James Camilleri, Head of Sales and General Manager at Scout Gaming Group, who emphasises an Italian love, admiration for a young Michael Owen and states which country the biggest tournament in sport cannot do without.
First World Cup memory
8 June – 8 July 1990 (World Cup, Italy). I was still very young at that time and I knew little about football. I remember the hot summer nights though, where all the family used to gather to watch football.
Favorite World Cup:
Player
Fabio Cannavaro. I almost admired what a great leader and a role model he is. Besides that, for me he is a very intelligent defender. He was crucial for the Italian team in winning the 2006 World Cup.
Team
Spain, 2010. Although they’ve won the tournament, what I always remember is the way how they played. They managed to entertain football fans and by far they were the better team for me.
Goal
Michael Owen (England vs Argentina). I remember I watched this goal multiple times. His fast pace and dribbling skills were incredible. After that goal, he went on to be one of the best players!
Game
Italy vs France, 2006. I remember this was a very close game with both teams playing very well. Italy won by penalties however the talking point of that game was Zinedine Zidane. It was his last-ever match and was sent off! Definitely not a good way to end his football career.
Kit
Brazil. You can’t think of the World Cup and not think of Brazil and their bright yellow kit. What makes it special is the world class players that wore that kit and won.
The World Cup’s Finest is to be a regular feature during the Russia World Cup, profiling a different individual each week day.
