'Your boys took a hell of a beating': England and Norway's football rivalry
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- England and Norway's football rivalry is often defined by a famous commentary from a 1981 World Cup qualifier.
- Norwegian commentator Bjorge Lillelien delivered an excitable speech after Norway's 2-1 victory over England.
- His most famous line, "Your boys took a hell of a beating," has become legendary and is often repeated.
England and Norway are set to renew a football rivalry, a contest more famous for a legendary piece of commentary than the sport itself. The upcoming World Cup quarter-final match brings to mind a moment from 45 years ago, when Norwegian commentator Bjorge Lillelien delivered a speech that has since achieved mythical status.
In September 1981, Norway, then not considered a major threat, secured a surprising 2-1 victory over an England team that included stars like Bryan Robson, Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan, and Trevor Francis. This win was a significant shock and a national embarrassment for England, while it marked Norway's greatest triumph at Oslo's Ullevaal Stadium.
Maggie Thatcher. Can you hear me? We have a message for you. We have knocked your boys out of the World Cup.
Lillelien, seizing the moment, directed his commentary towards England's political and sporting figures, notably then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Initially, he questioned the referee's decision to add extra time, accusing him of favoring England. But as Norway protected their lead, Lillelien prepared to unleash his famous words.
As they say in your language, in the boxing bars around Madison Square Garden New York, your boys took a hell of a beating.
Upon the final whistle, Lillelien, speaking for Norway's Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), delivered a passionate monologue. He listed prominent British figures, stating, "We have beaten all of them." He then directly addressed Thatcher, saying, "Maggie Thatcher. Can you hear me? We have a message for you. We have knocked your boys out of the World Cup." He famously concluded, quoting boxing parlance, "As they say in your language, in the boxing bars around Madison Square Garden New York, your boys took a hell of a beating." He repeated the line for emphasis.
Although England did qualify for the 1982 World Cup, Lillelien's commentary has endured. He died six years later, but his words, which he always maintained were spontaneous, have been preserved on YouTube. The emotional outburst, with Lillelien switching to English for the key phrases, cemented his legacy and ensured that England's defeat would be remembered every time the two nations meet.
Your boys took a hell of a beating.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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