This Day in History: 2023-08-02

Nr. 490

BEST ADDS CHEEK TO HIS REPERTOIRE (1971)

George Best won the biggest ovation of an unexciting May 1971 Northern Ireland v England international for a cheeky trick that was to cement further his ‘Will of the Wisp’ reputation. Best, always trying to innovate, pulled a fast one on Gordon Banks as the legendary England goalkeeper was about to punt upfield from his penalty area. In the split second the ball was between Banks’ hand and foot, Best nipped in and flicked it over the keeper’s head. In a flash he skirted the keeper and popped the ball into the net, only for the referee to disallow the goal, citing «dangerous play». England won 1-0.

Though he was never to grace the world stage with his country, Best proved his international class – as well as his cheek – against England.