Graffiti Dog Peter
Graffiti Dog Peter
England Football Gifts - England Merchandise Old & New
In 1966 England hosted the World Cup in a climate of football fever generated in part by the much loved England mascot 'World Cup Willie'.
The final took place at Wembley on 30th July. The Germans took an early lead but then Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters put England ahead, only for Germany to equalize in the dying minutes of the game. During extra time Geoff Hurst scored twice - the first goal was controversial, it appeared that the ball had not actually crossed the line but the goal was given. The second was a strikers dream and came with only seconds to go. The commentator described the scene saying "They Think It's All Over, It Is Now" as the ball hit the back of the net. Captain Bobby Moore and manager Alf Ramsey were heroes of England after the decisive 4-2 victory.
The World Cup Willie mascot was everywhere in the summer of 1966. The little cartoon lion with a Union Jack waistcoat became the nations favourite icon. The TV and radio company 'Phillips' used the mascot to advertise their range of electrical goods with the strapline 'Look and Listen with World Cup Willie on Phillips radio and TV'. Nabisco, the food and drink company adorned packets of the cereal 'Shredded Wheat' with the World Cup Willie mascot and produced a World Cup jigsaw. Watney Mann, a British brewer produced it's own special 'World Cup Pale Ale', available in two sizes, presumably to cater for extra time.
In 2010 the range of England merchandising is growing all the time as fans are keen to commemorate their team appearing in the finals. Times have changed since 66 as nowadays it's possible to buy an England 'i-pod docking station'. More general England merchandise includes player montage posters, England graffiti duvets, England dog collars and leads, an England shirt for your pet (home and away) and even an England bean bag. There is a range of England fan toys that chant football songs and wave scarfs and tan England lion soft toy, available in many sizes.
About the Author
Paul is a director at Famtom Ltd, manufacturers of the best selling No.1 Fan Toy.
The No.1 Fan - The Dancing, Chanting Football Fan
US $750.00