Twenty-four years ago, football and rap music merged to create an unlikely chart success...
When footballers rap —
Twenty-four years ago, football and rap music merged to create an unlikely chart success...
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It was the England team's official song for the 1990 World Cup in Italy that provided winger John Barnes with the chance to feature on a No. 1 record. The Liverpool star performed a rap on the single "World in Motion," a song which would help to revive football in the country.
Rapper's delight —
It was the England team's official song for the 1990 World Cup in Italy that provided winger John Barnes with the chance to feature on a No. 1 record. The Liverpool star performed a rap on the single "World in Motion," a song which would help to revive football in the country.
David Cannon/Getty Images/file
The song was the work of seminal British band New Order. Famed for combining post-punk with electronic dance music, they teamed up with the English Football Association to record arguably the greatest football song of all time.
Made to Order —
The song was the work of seminal British band New Order. Famed for combining post-punk with electronic dance music, they teamed up with the English Football Association to record arguably the greatest football song of all time.
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The success of "World in Motion" was largely down to the performances of the England team in Italy. David Platt (pictured) scored an extra-time winner against Belgium in the round of 16 before Bobby Robson's team came from behind to beat Cameroon in the quarterfinals.
Summer of love —
The success of "World in Motion" was largely down to the performances of the England team in Italy. David Platt (pictured) scored an extra-time winner against Belgium in the round of 16 before Bobby Robson's team came from behind to beat Cameroon in the quarterfinals.
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In the semifinals, England faced West Germany. Talented midfielder Paul Gascoigne picked up a yellow card in the match, his second of the tournament, which meant he would miss the final if England won. Gascoigne burst into tears, as did throngs of fans back home.
Gazza's tears —
In the semifinals, England faced West Germany. Talented midfielder Paul Gascoigne picked up a yellow card in the match, his second of the tournament, which meant he would miss the final if England won. Gascoigne burst into tears, as did throngs of fans back home.
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It proved to be a heartbreaking night for the England team, which lost in an agonizing penalty shootout. Despite its despair, England could reflect on reaching the semifinals for only the second time in its history. The 1990 tournament was England's finest World Cup on foreign soil.
Penalty pain —
It proved to be a heartbreaking night for the England team, which lost in an agonizing penalty shootout. Despite its despair, England could reflect on reaching the semifinals for only the second time in its history. The 1990 tournament was England's finest World Cup on foreign soil.
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The "World In Motion" rap was written by English comedian, actor and football fan Keith Allen (left). His daughter is popstar Lily Allen (right) while his son Alfie stars in hit TV series "Game of Thrones."
Rap star Allen —
The "World In Motion" rap was written by English comedian, actor and football fan Keith Allen (left). His daughter is popstar Lily Allen (right) while his son Alfie stars in hit TV series "Game of Thrones."
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Writing the soundtrack to the "beautiful game" is a task which has been taken on by a wide range of musicians, from the late, great Luciano Pavarotti to Colombian songstress Shakira (pictured).
Soccer's soundtrack —
Writing the soundtrack to the "beautiful game" is a task which has been taken on by a wide range of musicians, from the late, great Luciano Pavarotti to Colombian songstress Shakira (pictured).
GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES/FILE
In 2010, Shakira sang the official song of the South Africa World Cup. "Waka waka (This time for Africa)" reached the top of the charts across Europe.
Waka waka —
In 2010, Shakira sang the official song of the South Africa World Cup. "Waka waka (This time for Africa)" reached the top of the charts across Europe.
ANTONIO SCORZA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES/FILE
The official song of the 2014 World Cup is "We Are One," which was recorded by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte. The trio performed together at the tournament's opening ceremony in Sao Paulo.
'We are one' —
The official song of the 2014 World Cup is "We Are One," which was recorded by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte. The trio performed together at the tournament's opening ceremony in Sao Paulo.
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