Dad buys Tango

This post is for Benjamin (see comments to Monday, November 2, 2009 “Memory, All alone in the moonlight…” post below) and anyone else who has “…ever really, really really loved a…” football. I’m not sure if you can make it out, but amongst other things the receipt says: “The Farmers’ Trading Co. Ltd… 1 x Tango Rosario Soccer ball - $73.50(!!)… Sports & Fishing Equipment… 06/07/82…”.

Me and our kid definitely loved that Tango Rosario Trilast. It was used sparingly and, after each use, it was always gently wiped down with a warm wet cloth and liberally caressed with leather polish. It was heavy as hell (even on a dry day). You could break your leg kicking that thing and those of you who have seen me run the 100 metres during the half time break of a Sunday 9am (pre-church) Kingz match at Ericsson will know that my legs aren’t exactly bulging with muscles - unlike Monsieur R Duncan.

I’m not sure where the Rosario fits in the line of Tango footballs. It was only later that I realised that the ball used in ’82 was the Espana not the Rosario – I just thought it was the same ball being knocked about by Rossi, Rumenigge, Maradona, Platini, McIlroy, Zico et al out on the fields of sunny Spain (hence it says “Official FIFA World Cup design”on one of the pentagons). I still have it – only the bladder has shrunken right up inside and so I can’t locate the nozzle to inflate it. Does anyone have any remedies for a Tango Rosario with a shrunken bladder?

You’re right Benjamin, that iconic triangular Tango design lends itself to be drawn on a variety of things, including school books.