FIFA World Cup History: 1994 FIFA World Cup final
As the pen-ultimate match of the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa approaches, let’s take a look at one of the most memorable world cup finals in recent history.
The 1994 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy was a truly great one. The 1994 FIFA World Cup was held in U.S.A and the final was held at the Rose Bowl stadium in the state of California. Both teams that reached the finals, did remarkably well in the knockout stages.
Brazil, on their road to the final knocked out the host nation U.S.A in the round of sixteen. In the quarter finals they faced the Netherlands, a team they eventually defeated by a score line of 3-2. In the semifinals, Brazil came up against Sweden and booked their place in the final match of the world cup by defeating the Scandinavians by a goal to nil.
Italy on the other hand, faced Nigeria in the round of sixteen. A team which they managed to defeat after a goal in the extra time period which took the score to 2-1 after normal time had ended at 1-1. In the quarter finals, Italy fought off a resilient Spanish side. The quarter final match against Spain ended with a score line of 2-1. In the semi-finals Italy faced Bulgaria, a team that they defeated by 2 goals to 1.
In the final match, Italy were slight favorites because of their star player Roberto Baggio. Baggio had led the team by example and was at his prime as a player. He was seen by many as the best player Italy had produced since Paulo Rossi. The Brazilian team as always was studded with stars, players like Bebeto and Romario made up the Brazilian attack.
After normal time had been played out between both of the teams, the game went into extra time. Both of the teams failed to create any chances in the extra time periods, so the game was pushed to an eventual penalty shootout. It was the first time in the history of the World Cup that the final match had gone as far as the penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, unimaginable drama took place. The first penalty for the Italians was taken by Franco Baresi, the Italian defender failed to hit the target. Brazil’s first penalty was taken by their center back Marcio Santos, the penalty shot was on target but the Italian goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliucia saved the shot. Dimitrio Albertini took Italy’s second penalty and he was successful in converting it into a goal.
Brazil’s second penalty was taken by their star striker Romario and he duly converted as well. Italy’s third penalty was taken by Alberigo Evani. Evani was successful in executing a perfect penalty. Brazil’s third penalty kick was taken by their left back Branco. Branco like his compatriot Romario was successful in scoring from the spot.
Italy’s fourth penalty was taken by their center forward Massaro, whose shot from the penalty spot, was saved by the Brazilian goalkeeper Taffarel. Brazilian captain Dunga took Brazil’s fourth penalty and held his nerve to score from the spot. The sudden death penalty kick fell to Italy’s best player of the tournament, Roberto Baggio. It was simple, if Baggio failed to score, Italy would lose the World Cup.
As the best player of the World Cup walked up to the spot, he looked assured and calm. Such characteristics were expected of a player of his magnitude, however what happened next would scar Baggio for the rest of his football career. The penalty kick that was struck by the Italian number 10 was way off target and flew over the goal post. Brazil started celebrating and Baggio was left with his hands in his face.
It was a saddening moment for all Italians and Roberto Baggio fans. A player who had excited them so much had failed at the final hurdle from 12 yards out. It was a disappointing end to the World Cup for Baggio who in the end even failed to win the Best player of the tournament award. Nonetheless, the 1994 World Cup final is perhaps the greatest ever World Cup final.
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