History of the FIFA World Cup- Reliving Brazil’s fourth title in the 1994 World Cup
The 1994 FIFA World Cup marked the fifteenth edition of the World Cup, and was held for the first time in the United States of America. Brazil were crowned Champions for an unprecedented fourth time, defeating Italy 3-2 on penalties, and thus became the first final to be decided on penalties. A record of 69000 average attendances broke the previous record.
Greece, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria were the first timers in the World Cup, and Russia qualified following the dissolution of the USSR. Germany also qualified as one nation (previously West and East Germany) for the first time since 1938 World Cup. No British teams were able to qualify, which was the first time since they played their first World Cup in 1950. Africa was given three spots for the first time, with Cameroon and Morocco.
The World Cup came with its set of controversies, having USA to host the World Cup over Brazil and Morocco. Many believed that USA lacked football supporters and FIFA was criticized for hosting such a prestigious event there. The tournament however turned out to be a major success in terms of attendance.
The format was the same as the 1990 World Cup, 24 teams, divided into six groups of four. Sixteen would then qualify for the knockout round, with the top two from each of the six groups qualifying. It was the last time that this format was used, as teams were increased to 32 from the next World Cup in 1998. Three points were awarded to the winner of the match, instead of two. This was to encourage teams to play more of attacking football.
Diego Maradona ended his career in this tournament, having played since 1982 World Cup. He led his side to the 1986 World Cup trophy. He was thrown out of the tournament when he failed a drug test and a weight loss drug was found in his blood. Colombia failed to impress in the tournament, although they did pretty well in the qualifying campaign. Defender Andres Escobar scored an own goal, losing 2-1 against USA. He was subsequently shot 10 days later, and many believe that the own goal may have been the reason for it. This was the most tragic moment of football history, and it took place in this World Cup.
Bulgaria were widely regarded as the underdogs of the tournament, and were never considered as favourites like their European counter parts, Germany, Italy or Spain. They however impressed, winning two of their group matches. They qualified to the next round, and were able to pull off an upset when they overcame Mexico, 3-1 on penalties. They met reigning champions Germany, and defeated them as well, thanks to wonderful strikes for Stoichkov and Yordan Letchkov. They however lost to Italy in the semi final and then lost to Sweden in a third place match. This is the highest Bulgaria has ever reached in any World Cup. Hosts USA were defeated by Brazil 1-0 in the second round, but their fans were happy with their performance.
Brazil defeated United States and then defeated Sweden to book a place into the final to face Italy. Their path was relatively easier as they took on the Netherlands in the quarter finals and Sweden in the semis. Italy on the other hand faced much tougher opposition. They lost to Ireland 1-0 in the group stages but came back well against Nigeria in the Round of 16. They were 1-0 down, but their star Roberto Baggio stood up and scored the equalizing goal in the dying moments of the game. He then scored again, from the penalty spot, and then there was no stopping him. He scored the winning goals in the quarter finals against Spain and met Bulgaria in the semi finals. He again scored the winner, and cemented a place in the final.
The final took place in the Rose Bowl, with both teams playing defensively. Brazil were led by Dunga who was known for his defensive tactics. There were not many chances created, with both teams unable to score in regular time. The match then went on to extra time, but again was fruitless, meaning that matters would have to come down to a penalty shootout. Brazil led the scoring 3-2 and an injured Baggio came up to score if Italy were to stay. He missed, and Brazil were crowned the Champions. Dunga lifted the trophy, presented to him by then vice president Al Gore. The Brazilians dedicated the trophy to a departed Brazilian F1 champion Ayrton Senna.
The Golden boot award went to both Bulgaria’s Stoichkov and Russian Oleg Salenko. Both players scored six goals each; with Salenko scoring five in a single match against Cameroon. Brazilian Romario won the Golden Ball, which is interpreted as player of the tournament.
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