‘I nutmegged all-time legend at World Cup – my mum made T-shirts to honour it’
Former Republic of Ireland worldwide Jason McAteer’s mum had a t-shirt made for him after he nutmegged Italian legend Roberto Baggio.
Despite being born in Merseyside, McAteer certified to play for Ireland via his grandparents and made his worldwide debut in 1994 in a pleasant in opposition to Russia forward of the World Cup later that 12 months.
McAteer was named within the squad by Jack Charlton and was launched as a second-half substitute with Ireland main Italy of their opening group recreation of the match. Italy had completed in third place at their dwelling World Cup 4 years earlier and had been one of many favourites to elevate the trophy within the US.
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Speaking on the Under The Cosh podcast, McAteer recalled his minutes in opposition to the star-studded Italian aspect, and his memorable second in opposition to then-current Ballon d’Or winner Baggio. He mentioned: “It was like being thrown in on the deep finish. I’ve bought (Paolo) Maldini marking me, their staff was Maldini, (Franco) Baresi, (Alessandro) Costacurta, Baggio, (Roberto) Donadoni, (Giuseppe) Signori.
“I’m watching Gazetta each Sunday morning, these are my heroes, they’re like movie stars. And for some motive, they simply appeared larger in actual life, that they had the white equipment on the day, it was simply the perfect.
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(Image: Bongarts/Getty Images)
“And of course, we go and win 1-0, I played the last 25 minutes and I’ve nutmegged Baggio. My mum turned the next day with a t-shirt she had made – ‘my son nutmegged Baggio’ – she walked into the hotel and I went ‘what the f***, get that off!’
“It was just like a stag and we played four games of footy, like going on tour with like South Shields to America and playing four games of footy against the best footballers in the world, in the best arenas.”
Ireland certified in second place within the group forward of Italy in third, with solely targets scored separating your complete group. Charlton’s aspect had been knocked out within the spherical of 16 by the Netherlands whereas Baggio infamously missed the penalty which gained Brazil the match at Italy’s expense.
