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England at World Cup 82 in Bilbao

England at World Cup 82 in Bilbao

On this day in 1982, England kicked off their 82 World Cup campaign at San Mamés

Forty years ago today, San Mamés hosted its first match of the 1982 FIFA World Cup, it was a Group D fixture which saw England defeat France 3-1.

Bilbao was the host city for the English national side, with all three of their Group Stage games taking place at The Cathedral. The excitement in the region was palpable, especially as football fans in the city had already seen Ron Greenwood’s charges drew 1-1 with Athletic Club in a friendly in Bilbao just three months beforehand.

On a scorching hot day, around 44,000 people filled the remodelled stadium to watch the World Cup clash. What’s more, those spectators witnessed one of the fastest goals in tournament history when midfielder Bryan Robson opened the scoring with a lunging finish inside the box after just 27 seconds.

The English national team at San Mamés in the 1982 World Cup / AC Museoa

Les Bleus, inspired by a young Michel Platini, equalised in the 24th minute thanks to Gerard Soler, but second-half strikes by Robson and Paul Mariner ensured The Three Lions kicked off their campaign with a victory.

Former Athletic Club manger Ronnie Allen, writing in his regular column for a local newspaper throughout England’s stay, praised the atmosphere at San Mamés during that first fixture.

“Great credit to the Bilbao public, San Mamés looked marvellous with a great atmosphere I’ll always remember,” he said. “To see the England team win here was an honour.”

Four days later, England beat Czechoslovakia, Trevor Francis getting the English off the mark before a Jozef Barmoš own goal sealed a 2-0 win. Greenwood’s side followed this up with a 1-0 victory over Kuwait on June 25, Francis on the scoresheet again to ensure England finished top of the group with three wins out of three.

Czechoslovakia starting XI at San Mamés before their match against England / AC Museoa

The Three Lions moved on to the Santiago Bernabéu for the second group stage but failed to progress further after registering 0-0 draws against Spain and West Germany. It was Italy who would go on to lift the trophy.