This week I was asked to blog about the World Cup. I do not care for the World Cup. Not very much anyway. I hate those stupid flags that people stick in their car windows, reminding everyone of all the wasted excitement, hopes and dreams which the British public place in the over-paid and under-talented England team each time this event comes around since 1066. In the unlikely event of us making it near to the finals I might have a pint in the pub and watch the match but in the meantime, I have about a hundred better things to be doing.
That said I do like the work of photographer Michael Donald who tracked down the 35 men who are still alive and who scored a goal in World Cup Finals gone by. He photographed and interviewed each of them, allowing them to revisit the finest moments of their sporting careers. Some of them are infamous football figures such as Pele and Sir Geoff Hurst, whilst others are now insurance brokers and bathroom salesmen.
I don't care for football but I do care for the stories and wisdom from others who have for a short amount of time, experienced a euphoria most of us will never get near, installing exultation in the hearts of their homeland. Michael Donald's shots capture their individual characters perfectly.
The photographs are currently on display at the Proud Archivist gallery space in east London as part of its World Cup celebrations until 13 July.
Michael Donald: FIFA World Cup Final (Bonninsegna. 1970. Italy)
Michael Donald: FIFA World Cup Final (Altobelli. 1982. Italy)
Michael Donald: FIFA World Cup Final (Carlos Alberto. 1970. Brazil)
Michael Donald: FIFA World Cup Final (Andres Iniesta. 2012. Spain)
Michael Donald: FIFA World Cup Final (Alcides Ghiggia. 1950. Uruguay)
Michael Donald: FIFA World Cup Final (Josef Masopust. 1962. Czechoslovakia)
Michael Donald: FIFA World Cup Final (Pele. 1958/1970. Brazil)
Michael Donald: FIFA World Cup Final (Martin Peters. 1966. England)
