IFK Göteborg had been responsible for Swedish football’s greatest achievement.
Still, it wasn’t enough for the Bragdguldet.
Then you made the whole of Sweden laugh – with a neat greeting.
The year 1982 will always have a very, very special place in the hearts of all IFK Gothenburg supporters. It was then that the team did what many thought was impossible, when they won the Uefa Cup after an incomparable final victory with a total of 4-0 against the German Hamburg.
Wilander’s feat
The team consisted of icons such as Glenn Strömberg, Torbjörn Nilsson, Glenn Hysén – and the feat is almost unparalleled in Swedish football history. And in Gothenburg, of course, it was hoped that it would be enough for Swedish sports’ finest award, namely the Bragdguldet. There was just one problem. There was a feat that was greater.
In the same year, a Swedish 17-year-old who was unseeded had won the French Open. Mats Wilander was a huge talent, but as a 17-year-old, not many thought he would be able to make a big impression. In addition, the draw was tough, and in the final he was pitted against Guillermo Vilas, a clay court champion. In the match, Wilander also managed to point out that the referee made a mistake – and he changed a ruling that would have otherwise favored him.
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Clever joke
It not only proved that Wilander was an extraordinary talent, he was sportsmanlike and honest as well. Wilander won the tournament as the youngest ever – and later he was also awarded the Bragdguldet, “for his sensational winning streak in the French Open Championships and demonstrated sportsmanship”.
IFK Göteborg had hoped for the Bragdguldet, but got themselves an unbeatable overlord.
And in true Gothenburg spirit, they chose to make a big joke of it, when after all they congratulated Wilander on the award. Blåvitt chose to send a telegram with a witty joke that made all of Sweden laugh:
“We hit too many balls in the net.”
In conclusion, they also wrote:
“The medal is yours. Thanks for the good match and congratulations!”
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