December 13 – Robbo’s Quick Shot

WE may have been a bit unfair to Bryan Robson here at OTFD over the years and we have been less than complimentary about his managerial skills on more than one occasion. But today it is time to give old Bryan his dues and recognise that the man was a fantastic footballer.

Captain Marvel was a midfield colossus for both Manchester United and England and on this day in 1989 he was once again the decisive player in the Three Lions team when they took on Yugoslavia in a friendly match at Wembley.

The game was just 38 little seconds old when Robson headed England ahead to score the fastest ever goal in a senior game at the old Wembley stadium. According to the FA, Robbo’s double-quick time effort beat the previous best by seven seconds. Jackie Milburn scored after 45 seconds in the 1955 FA Cup final.

Haris Skoro levelled for Yugoslavia on 17 minutes and the sides went in 1-1 at half time. Robbo rolled up his sleeves and got England out of trouble again when he scored the winner on 68 minutes.

To add to the sense of occasion Robson’s winner meant England notched up their 100th win at the old Twin Towers stadium.

Amazingly the 38-seconder is not the fastest goal Robbo notched up in his playing career, and for many years he also held the record for the fastest goal scored in the World Cup finals when he whacked in an effort after just 27 seconds against France in 1982.

You can see Robbo’s Wembley goal right here, and have a look at him starring in probably the best team in the world below.

Come back tomorrow if that Sunday afternoon just seems to be stretching to eternity for a little light relief, and have a look at what else was happening on this day here.

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