Like Marty McFly in Back to the Future II, you can watch all of these sporting events at home – and you’ll know exactly what happens. Will still be fun though…
2003 Rugby World Cup Final: Australia vs England
I remember watching this match in The Footage on Oxford Road and the atmosphere was electric. England had gone into the tournament as favourites, but Australia had seemingly come out of nowhere and beaten fierce rivals New Zealand in a fantastic match in Sydney – while England coasted to victory against France. The final was truly fantastic – and it went right to the wire – with Jonny Wilkinson scoring the winning drop-kick with 26 seconds on the clock.
Wrestlemania X
A lot of people say that wrestling isn’t even a sport because it’s ‘fake’. Well, one look at Shaun Micheal’s face now is the ultimate proof that it’s not fake and these fellas (and ladies) are some proper athletes. The drama is great too. The WWE have recently put ALL of the classic Wrestlemania events online for FREE and so if you’re going to watch one – make sure it’s 10.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGnis-EqlKM
England vs West Germany
One of the most famous matches in football history – well, in this country anyway, and certainly one of the most entertaining. It had everything, goals, controversy and even that famous line from commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme. England won to lift the World Cup trophy – a moment that will never be forgot.
The Rumble in the Jungle
Probably the most famous boxing match in history, ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ was so-named because it took place Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). It was between George Foreman (the grill guy) and Muhammad Ali and was watched by 1 billion people worldwide. George Foreman was undoubtedly the favourite to win – but Ali managed to spark him out in the 8th. Classic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUZn7mQGIcA
Argentina vs England
Another England match in a World Cup but one which will always be remembered for very different reasons than the other game on this list. The 1986 tournament in Mexico was undoubtedly Diego Maradona’s greatest triumph – basically commanding every game he played – including this one against an awe-struck English team. This is also the game where he introduced the world to his very special ‘Hand of God’.
Olympics 2012 Opening Ceremony
Okay, so this isn’t actually a proper sporting event but it’s a great watch – even so that I always seem to end up watching this in bed when I’m hungover and feeling a little bit sorry for myself. An absolute triumph from local lad Danny Boyle, the opening ceremony of London’s Olympics featured a whole host of ionic moments – with the Queen and James Bond jumping out of a helicopter pretty much taking the biscuit.
