Escape to victory

Still trying to stave off post-Cup final depression, I stick on my favorite movie tonight. Thirty years after first being released, I still can’t figure out why “Victory”, starring Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine and a host of European soccer players, didn’t get a single Oscar nomination at the time.  It’s directed by John Huston. I’m not sure what other films the guy was involved in but he can’t have made many better than “Victory”.

Perhaps the failure to win awards had something to do with Pele. His acting is second-rate and, as per usual, he is a complete ball hog in the game that the Allied prisoners of war play against the soldiers of the German army. There’s also the troubling matter of another New York Cosmos alumnus, Werner Roth, captaining the Wehrmacht XI. Can’t believe he was ever allowed back into America after that.

Of course, I take most pride in the performance of Hatch, the American goalkeeper, the man who blazed a trail in Europe for Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, Tim Howard and those who came after him. Hatch demonstrated that American custodians were able to compete at the highest level in the sport, get the girl, and organize an audacious escape attempt all at once. Show me an English goalkeeper capable of that level of multi-tasking. Robert Green? Come on.

I love the refereeing performance in the game, the way the officials let the play flow and don’t blow for every little foul especially when Pele feigns injury for attention. It sticks in my craw though that the Brazilian is feted at the end for that ridiculous bicycle kick which was a total fluke! What kind of a message is that to send to kids? It’s a low percentage play that almost never comes off. Why try it in a big spot?

Still can never figure out why the Allies celebrate a 4-4 tie either. Surely they should have been disgusted at coming back from four goals down and then failing to win the match. Celebrating a tie? I guess that’s Hollywood for ya.