This Day in History: 2023-05-26

Nr. 464

MOORE ESCAPES JAIL AND TACKLES DOUBTERS (1970)

A precision tackle on one of the world’s most lethal strikers showed England fans at the Mexico World Cup that captain Booby Moore was back. Only days before, the man who led England to the 1966 World Cup had been languishing in a police cell in Colombia, accused of stealing a bracelet. Freed by a judge to play pending further investigation, Moore joined up with the England squad and, looking fit despite his worries, led them to a win over Romania. The precision tackle on eventual tournament top-scorer Jairzinho proved not only his physical strength but also his mental resilience had not suffered.

Despite being embroiled in an off-pitch scandal, Bobby Moore proved his reputation as a world class defender was justified in Mexico.