Breezeblog

I was doing some research for a magazine project today and came across a rare piece of vintage video from Bermuda’s once-glorious soccer past. It’s hard to believe now but in 1967 – and indeed well into the late 1970s and early 1980s – Bermuda was one of the best teams in the CONCACAF region. That year, Bermuda – featuring, I believe a young Clyde Best – won the silver medal at the Pan-American Games in Winnipeg, Canada. After drawing 2-2 with Canada, 1-1 with Cuba and thrashing the Americans 7-3 in the group phase and then beating Trinidad & Tobago 3-1 in the semi-finals, they faced favourites Mexico in the final. Bermuda held the Mexicans to 0-0 after 90 minutes before tiring and going down 4-0 in extra time.

The link here, from the Pan Am Games Archive at the University of Manitoba, shows clips from Bermuda’s 2-2 draw with Canada. Select “Soccer” from the drop-down menu cunningly hidden at the foot of the page. You will need QuickTime to view the video.