Final

The magic of that match is incomparable. In a time of abundance in everything, the World Cup final has retained a dignified rarity. That is why it remains so reliably in the unreliable space of memory. For the signatory of these lines, this will be the fourteenth such match in his life.

That's why today we're making a very personal list, because I'm sure every reader has their own, in these or similar categories. This is a way to remember many great and emotional moments ahead of the final in New York that, although echoes of a magnificent game, ultimately belong only to you.

First, the most important thing, always the most important: revealing the tragic.

The first two finals I remember taught me exactly that idea. The Dutch defeats by the two hosts, Germany (1974, 2:1) and Argentina (1978, 3:1, after extra time) made an incredible group of players, wizards led by the amazing Johan Cruyff (Months before Messi) went down in history without this trophy. A huge part of my generation owes its love for football to the Dutch of that time. Whoever scored a goal in the schoolyard, they shouted their names - Cruyff, Neskens, Rensenbrink, Johnny Rap... That was the first time we heard the term "total football".

But, if I had to choose the most beautiful finale...

There are two serious candidates, the 1986 final (Argentina - Germany 3: 2), primarily because of the drama. The Argentines led 2: 0, the Germans reached 2: 2, which at the time meant that they were certain to win (like in Belgrade 76, from 0: 2 to 4: 2 against the SFRY), and then a flash Maradonine genius and - title.

But perhaps the second big game has a slight advantage. The early eighties, the inertia of optimism from Tito's The era has not yet given up in the face of new challenges, primarily economic, but also political.

Year 1982, another disappointing edition for Yugoslavia, and in the final: Germany - Italy 1: 3.

It is difficult to convey to today's readers how much Germany was considered the favourite. Yet the shadow of the rotten draw with Austria (which cost Algeria their place) was still there. Great Italy, the gentleman of a coach he was Enco Bearcot, and unforgettable shots of the partisan president Sandra Pertini raising his hands in the grandstand and celebrating goals Russia, Tardelia i Altobelia...

On a list like this, there has to be - the biggest disappointment. It was brought by "our" team, even though I was sure I would never see "our" team in the final. 2018, France - Croatia 4: 2. Despite the disappointment, it was the only final when I was able to cheer for our team.

In the competition for the most boring final, a serious touch would be the 1994 final, Brazil - Italy, 0:0, Brazil's fourth title.

An anecdote from 1992. An informal evening meeting of young liberals, before tomorrow's departure to Bijelo Polje, where a joint meeting of the DPS government and the Chetniks will await us. Among the unhappy topics is the possibility of war breaking out in Montenegro. One says, a witty Dračanin A. B: "Guys, do you know what my biggest nightmare is? In '94, Brazil and Italy are playing the World Cup final, and we are liberating Mojkovac." Two years later, I reminded him that he had guessed the finalists, and, fortunately, we didn't have to liberate anyone.

The biggest fan sinking in my case, even happened again. After Argentina with Rabbit and Maradona defeated by Germany, from a dubious penalty in 1990, the same opponent won in 2014, in a match in which Argentina was closer to winning, but Germany had a win in extra time Gecea.

The finals of 1998 (France - Brazil 3: 0) and 2002 (Brazil - Germany 2: 0) had a huge flaw - they lacked an opponent.

You remember that 2006 final (Italy - France 1:1, Italy on penalties) as further proof that a master at dealing with a scoundrel always gets screwed. This rule is universal and applies to all areas of human activity. No matter how much you cheer for Italy, you only remember Zidane.

I'm sure we'll have a memorable duel tomorrow.