Norwegian commentator Bjørge Lillelien's iconic outburst after Norway's 2-1 victory over England in a 1981 World Cup qualifier remains one of the most memorable moments in sports broadcasting history. The match, played on September 9, 1981, at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, saw Norway secure a historic win, their first ever against England. Lillelien's final commentary, which included the repeated cry "We are the best!" followed by a taunt referencing British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, has been replayed countless times and is etched into football folklore.
The Match That Sparked the Rant
England arrived in Oslo as heavy favorites, boasting a squad that included stars like Kevin Keegan, Bryan Robson, and Trevor Brooking. Norway, by contrast, were minnows in international football, having never beaten England in 12 previous attempts. The match took a dramatic turn when Norway took the lead through a goal from Tom Lund in the 35th minute. England equalized through a Paul Mariner header just before halftime, but Norway struck again in the 62nd minute when Åge Hareide scored the winner. The final whistle triggered wild celebrations among the Norwegian players and fans, and Lillelien's commentary captured the euphoria perfectly.
The Commentary That Defined a Nation
As the game ended, Lillelien's voice rose to a fever pitch: "We are the best! We are the best! We have beaten England! England, birthplace of football! Lord Nelson! Lord Beaverbrook! Sir Winston Churchill! Sir Anthony Eden! Clement Attlee! Henry Cooper! Lady Diana! We have beaten them all! We have beaten them all! Maggie Thatcher, your boys took a hell of a beating! Your boys took a hell of a beating!" The rant has since become a cultural touchstone, symbolizing the joy of a small nation triumphing over a giant of the sport.
Impact and Legacy
The commentary was not just a spontaneous outburst; it reflected the deep-seated rivalry and the significance of the result for Norwegian football. According to Norwegian sports journalist Lars Sivertsen, "Lillelien's words captured the collective emotion of an entire country. It was a moment of pure, unscripted joy that resonated far beyond football." The quote has been used in advertisements, documentaries, and even political speeches, cementing Lillelien's place in broadcasting history. Bjørge Lillelien, who died in 1998, remains a national hero in Norway, and his commentary is still played on Norwegian radio every year on the anniversary of the match.
