Mexico 86 was unique as it was the first time that a country had organized the world cup for the second time and still is in the fact that only 16 years had gone by since the first world cup held in Mexico. The world cup in Mexico was also the first to use the system in which 16 out of the 24 teams from the first round went on to the second round which was one short of the quarterfinals. It being in the second round that teams went in to direct elimination where the winners progressed to the quarterfinals.
As for myself personally, it was slightly disappointing to see Italy loose in the second round yet I could see this was a rebuilding year but if for one thing this world cup will be remembered for; it is how Maradona went from being thought of as the best player of his time to being considered arguably the greatest player of all time. The Mexico 86 World Cup being for Maradona what the battle of the Austerlitz was to Napoleon or the Battle of Cannae was to Hannibal; as it was these events that put these men in a position where they were hailed as being practically invincible.
Mexico 86 naturally like other world cups had features which made it different from all the rest and these are some of the moments which at least in my mind stand out from this world cup which in many ways was almost completely dominated by Maradona.
1. Soviet Union Vs Hungary (6-0) was a game in which the Soviet team set a record by taking the fastest two goal lead in the history of the world cups. This being the case since after the first four minutes of the game they were leading 2-0; thanks to goals, first by Yakovenko and then by Aleinikov.
2. Brazil Vs Spain (1-0) was a game in which Spain scored a goal when Michel’s shot hit off the crossbar and then crossed the goal line yet despite the ball clearly going in the referee failed to see it and the goal was not given. This more due to the speed of the ball which in fact required a television replay to verify that in fact Spain had been cheated out of a goal.
3. Argentina Vs England (2-1) is a game remembered mostly for the two goals scored by Maradona. The first one being with his hand though this very few saw at the time apart from the English players themselves. I even many years later hearing the English comments of the time concerning the match on youtube; the commentators thinking that the English protests were about a possible offside by Maradona. Maradona however would go on to score a second goal which so much has already been said about that I hardly believe that I can add to it other than declaring it was perhaps the greatest goal ever scored in a world cup.
4. France Vs Brazil (5-4, on penalties) was a game in which Zico missed a penalty for Brazil only a few minutes after coming on as a substitute yet managed to score in the penalty shoot out which followed the game. It was also in the penalty shoot out that Bellone scored the strangest of goals for France, by striking the ball which hit the post and bounced off it on to the back of Brazil’s goalkeeper and then in for a goal.
5. Germany Vs France (2-0) was the first time two teams not only met each other in a semifinal for the second time but in back to back world cups.
6. Argentina Vs Germany (3-2) was the final which proclaimed Argentina champion for the second time yet it also meant that Germany became the first team to loose three world cup finals.
Argentina would go on to win this world cup with Maradona turning in a performance of true brilliance yet others should be mentioned, such as Lineker who scored six goals in five games with none of them being from the penalty spot. Mexico 86 was also the first world cup where penalties became an important factor in games to be considered by both coaches and players as something which they also need to prepare for. This being the case since three out of the four quarterfinal matches were decided through penalties.
In conclusion one could say that the world cup Mexico 86 will be mostly remembered for Maradona and his greatness as well as the wave which contrary to popular opinion is in fact American and not Mexican; after all wouldn’t it be more likely that those who watch a sport as boring as baseball would come up with something like this.
The world cup of Italia 90 is the one which will perhaps be mostly remembered for very defensive play that produced the lowest goal scoring average per game of any previous tournament. This being to the extent that much would be changed for the next world cup as to not have a repeat of such defensive minded football. As for me personally, I suffered one of the biggest tragedies in my life on the day on which Italy lost to Argentina on penalties in what for to me was truly an agonizing defeat. Maradona would return to this world cup and though he would be as brilliant as he had been that season in which he led Napoli to their second Scudetto; he would also be limited not only by a team not as capable as the one he had in 86 but by all too defensive play. It being aimed at stopping not only him but offensive play yet like all other world cup this one also had it’s moments of interest which are the following.
1. Cameroon 1 Argentina 0 (First Round)
This was the first game in which an African team beat one from South America. It being Oman-Biyik of Cameroon who probably jumped as high as a meter or more off the ground to get to the header he put past Argentine goalkeeper Pumpido to give Cameroon not only the lead but a victory.
2. Ireland 1 The Netherlands 1 (First Round)
This was the first and so far the last time that two teams finished group play tied for second place with the same amount of points, goal difference, amount of goals and even in head to head games. This requiring FIFA to settle the issue with a coin toss which left Ireland second and the Netherlands third which in all reality did not matter so much as both progressed to the second round.
3. Uruguay 1 South Korea 0 (First Round)
This was a game in which Uruguay scored a very late goal which many would argue was in fact after time had run out and the referee should not have allowed.
4. Cameroon 2 Colombia 1 (Second Round)
This was the game which allowed Cameroon to qualify in to the quarterfinals which made them the first African team ever to get to this stage of the tournament.
5. Germany 2 The Netherlands 1 (Second Round)
This was a second round encounter which will be mostly be remembered for Frank Rikjard (Holland) spitting on Rudy Voeller three times. All of which were clearly seen on television even one after both had already been expelled from the match.
6. Italy 1 Ireland 0 (Quarterfinals)
A quarterfinal match in which Italy’s goalkeeper, Walter Zenga set a record for most consecutive games without allowing a goal. His record of five straight games still holding till this day.
7. Argentina 1 Italy 1 5-4 on penalties (Semifinal)
This was the semifinal encounter which was the saddest I ever saw yet it set a record. As Italy and Argentina became the first teams to meet each other in five consecutive world cups. Argentina at five also setting another record for the fewest goals scored by a team to reach the final. This game would also be remembered for Caniggia getting his second yellow card of the tournament which did not let him play in the final for Argentina yet thanks to this incident and that of Paul Gascoigne in the other semifinal; a rule was passed that cancelled all yellow cards received in the first round.
8. Germany 1 England 1 4-3 on penalties (Semifinal)
This is a semifinal which will be mostly remembered for Gascoigne’s tears after getting a yellow card which was rare as most only displayed such emotions after a match yet there were other factors in this game. England and Germany became the first two teams to face each other in four different phases of the world cup. It being in Italia 90 that they met in the semifinal, in Spain 82 that they met in the second round, in Mexico 70 that they met in the quarterfinals and in England 66 that they met in finals. This game also setting a record in being the fourth time these two teams finished tied at the end of the regular 90 minutes.
9. Germany 1 Argentina 0 (World Cup Final)
In this match Germany and Argentina became the first two teams to play each other in the final and so far only ones to do so in back to back finals. This game was also the first one in which the wining team only got one goal and the loosing team did not get at least one. Argentina also became the first team not only to have one player sent of the field but two, as Monzon and Dezzoti both received red cards. This while Maradona became the first player ever to receive two yellow cards in two different finals. Germany in this final not only became the first European team to beat a South American one but the first one to reach three consecutives finals. In this game it was also German player, Litbarski who became the first ever to play in three finals.
The World Cup Italia 90 was perhaps one of the most defensive minded ever yet it did have moments of greatness such as Maradona’s run and pass against Brazil or Schillaci’s six goals which made him top goal scorer. For my part this world cup was far from being one of joy as Italy not only did not win on home soil but did not even manage to make it to the final yet better times would come. Naturally in all this that was the world cup Italia 90, the wonderful concert given by Domingo, Carreras and Pavarotti; who later became “The Three Tenors” should never be forgotten.
USA 94 set a record for the highest attendance at a World Cup tournament which till this day stands despite three more tournaments being held with 64 matches as opposed to USA 94 which only held 52. This fact being more outstanding considering the fact that FIFA was fearful of holding a world cup in the USA, believing a tournament held in the States would not attract large crowds which in fact led to Mexico being made host nation over the USA in 1986. The USA was also the first none Spanish speaking nation to host the tournament since Germany back in 1974 yet this world cup held in the United States also included the following changes in the rules which were implanted for the first time.
1- A player was only on off sides if he was in front of the defender, on the same line no longer meant he was on off sides, which would hopefully increase scoring.
2- Almost any series foul earned the offending player a card regardless of weather or not there had been intensions to commit injure.
3- Any intentional handball received a card.
4- Deliberate back passes to the goalkeeper were no longer allowed and were punished by an indirect free kick, on the spot where the goal keeper had touched the ball.
5- Any last player committing a foul to stop a player got an automatic red card.
6- Yellow cards from the first round, were no longer counted in later stages of the tournament.
7- Players had to wear their names on their shirts, along with their numbers. This even causing a comic situation with the players of Cameroon; who were forced to add their names on their shirts in magic marker.
8- Three points were given for a victory; as opposed to what till then had only been two, however I for my part failed to see (and still do) how this makes such a big difference when teams are only playing three games.
USA 94 holds great personal memories for me, not only because Italy got to the final which unfortunately they did not win but because I got to attend three out of Italy’s seven matches at Giant’s Stadium. It being in the semifinal where I saw one of the greatest live performances ever turned in by Roberto Baggio; who scored two goals. USA 94 however would have many outstanding moments such as the ones mentioned below.
Germany 1 Bolivia 0 (Opening Game)
In this match Germany became the first ever defending champion to win the opening game.
USA 1 Switzerland 1 (First Round)
This match played in Detroit’s “Pontiac Silver Dome” was the first World Cup game ever to be played indoors.
USA 2 Colombia 1 (First Round)
Is a game which is remembered for the tragic death of Andres Escobar, who upon returning to his own country was killed for the own goal he scored against Colombia.
Romania 1 USA 0 (First Round)
This game meant the USA came in third in their group which made them the first host nation to ever finish lower than second in the opening round of qualification which in fact would have meant not moving on the second round had it not been for the fact that 16 out 24 teams qualified. It being a case that the USA had it not been for this system would have been the first host nation not to go beyond the first round.
1. Brazil 2 Russia 0 (First Round)
This was the first world cup game in which a nation who had been playing under one name was playing under another. This being the case since before this tournament Russia had played as the Soviet Union.
2. Russia 6 Cameroon 1 (First Round)
In this game two records were set. First of which being set by Russia’s Salenko, who became the first player ever to score five goals in a single world cup match. Second of which being set by Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who at 42 became the oldest player ever to score a goal in world cup competition.
3. Brazil 1 Sweden 1 (First Round)
This match was the sixth encounter between Brazil and Sweden in the history of the world cup which in and of itself set a record.
4. Italy 1 Norway 0 (First Round)
In this game, Italy’s Pagliuca became the first ever goalkeeper to be shown the red card in a world cup match.
5. Bolivia 0 South Korea 0 (First Round)
Was a match in which for some very strange reason the first half was made 10 minutes longer while the second half was made 15 minutes longer.
6. Germany 3 Belgium 2 (Second Round)
Was a game in which a clear penalty was not given for Belgium. As even the referee would later admit, after seeing the replay on TV that he made a mistake when he failed to call it in Belgium’s favor.
7. Brazil 3 The Netherlands 2 (Quarterfinals)
Is a game remembered mostly for not so much Bebeto’s goal which was Brazil’s second but the way in which he celebrated which was by waving his arms as if rocking a baby. This in honor of his son who had been born that very day and setting a trend that would be followed by all those who scored a goal on the same day a child of theirs was born.
Italy 2 Spain 1 (Quarterfinals)
Is a game in which video was used for the first time to suspend a player for an incident during the match. It being Tassoti who after the game was suspended for 8 matches for elbowing Spanish forward Luis Enrique.
Brazil 1 Sweden 0 (Semifinal)
Sweden became the first team to ever face another team seven times without ever having beaten them.
Brazil 0 Italy 0 (3-2 on penalties) Final
This was the first final to end goalless and the first one to be decided on penalties. Brazil also became the first team ever to win four world cups.
The USA 94 was a much greater tournament than most would have ever expected it from a commercial point of view yet to me it will always be the one in which Italy came ever so close to wining; only to loose in the final. As a footnote Italy qualified from a first round group in which all four teams (Mexico, Norway, Ireland and Italy) finished tied with four points as they all had one win, one loss and one draw as well as the same goal difference. This being another first in world cup history.
France 98 was the last world cup played in the 20th century yet it was also the first one which 32 teams participated in as well as the first one to use the system of sudden death overtime or the “golden goal”. France 98 for me personally was the world cup in which Italy came so close to the final yet in a way was so far. As I believe that if Italy had beaten France in penalties or if Roberto Baggio’s overtime shot had gone in; then it would have been Italy to face Croatia. Naturally, I being of a mind that Italy would have beaten Croatia which would have set up not only a repeat of the previous final between Italy and Brazil but what would have been the third final between these two power houses of world football yet it was not to be. Croatia however for its part became the first nation ever to play a world cup which at one point had played as a part of another country yet more are the memories of France 98 which include the following.
1. Morocco 3 Scotland 0 (First Round)
This loss meant that Scotland would be going out in the first round which allowed them to set a record for being eliminated eight times in the first round of a world cup. This breaking the previous record of seven set by Mexico yet Scotland has yet to qualify past the first round in any world cup.
2. Italy 2 Austria 1 (First Round)
In this match Austria scored a last minute goal and in doing so became the first team to do so in three consecutive games.
3. France 1 Paraguay 0 (Round Of 16)
In this world cup game when Lauren Blanc scored for France, he became the first player ever to score a goal in sudden death overtime.
4. Croatia 3 Germany 0 (Quarterfinals)
In this match German midfielder Lothar Matthaus became the first player ever to play in 22 world cup matches and it was also in this world cup that he equaled Carbajal’s record of having appeared in five world cups.
5. France 3 Brazil 0 (Final)
France became only the seventh nation to win a world cup, thus joining Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, England, Germany and Italy as the only ones to accomplish the feat.
France 98 was a world cup which once again saw Italy loose out on penalties yet in a way it is a sort of comfort to know that we were the only team the eventual world champions needed penalties to beat. In conclusion however I believe this world cup though not grand by Italy’s standards did at least allow Roberto Baggio to prove his value; as it was he who not only scored goals against Chile and Austria but left the world cups with better memories than a missed penalty against Brazil. Baggio even converting his spot kick against France despite the fact that it would be them and not us to go on to the semifinal.
The world cup organized in Japan and South Korea in 2002 was not only the first one of the new century but also was the first to be organized on the Asian continent as well as the first one to take place in two separate nations. I, for my part however consider this world cup to have been arranged by FIFA so they might not only get to see Brazil and Germany play each other but so they might do so in a final. This being the case since these two greats of world football had never actually met in a World Cup despite their tremendous records which included four championships for Brazil and three for Germany, two second place finishes for Brazil and three for Germany, two third place finishes for both and also one fourth place finish for both. This was the encounter many around the world wanted to see, specially since these were the only great teams who had never met each other in a world cup. It is this which in my opinion motivated FIFA to do everything within their powers to try to eliminate all teams which might disturb this plan which included referees making errant decisions which unfairly helped both Germany and Brazil. There also being a campaign to aide Korea get to at least the semifinal in order to keep up interest amongst their fans to attend the matches. This in a tournament where attendances were for the most part very low.
Naturally, so Brazil might meet Germany in the final many teams had to be eliminated through careful unfair refereeing such as Italy, Spain and Argentina which was the case as they; thanks to errant calls were out of the world cup before they could play either Germany or Brazil. Japan/South Korea 2002 will be remembered by many as the one with the worst refereeing as it was not just a matter of a call or two being missed but of several which even over shadowed the whole tournament. As for my personal recollections and those of my friends, they are of seeing Italy being cheated out of two goals against both Croatia and Mexico; after which more of the same was repeated against South Korea. Regarding the moments to be remembered however I would say there were few yet these are those which I believe deserve to be mentioned.
1. Brazil 2 Turkey 1 (First Round)
This was a game in which Brazil got the game winner on a penalty called for a foul that was clearly outside the penalty box. It also being a game where Rivaldo faked being hit in the face by a ball kicked in his direction in order to have a Turkish player sent off; this in spite of Brazil already being ahead by 2-1 and with about a minute or two left in the match.
2. Croatia 2 Italy 1 (First Round)
This was a game in which Italy had two goals unfairly annulled. The first one by Vieri because of a nonexistent offside and the second one by Matterazzi because of an alleged foul by Inzagi though in reality it was he who was being illegally held.
3. Mexico 1 Italy 1 (First Round)
In this game again Italy had two goals ruled offside though instant replays of both goals show the opposite.
4. England 1 Argentina 0 (First Round)
In this game the winning goal came on a penalty which was given for a nonexistent foul.
5. Argentina 1 Sweden 1 (First Round)
Argentina did not qualify to the second round yet it was in this game that their player Caniggia was shown a red card while sitting on the bench and not having said as much as a word to the referee.
6. Denmark 2 France 0 (First Round)
This match eliminated France yet they also became the first champion to be eliminated without scoring as much as one goal.
7. USA 2 Mexico 0 (Round Of 16)
In this game Mexico should have been given a penalty when the ball hit an American defender in the penalty box but again like in many other games in this world cup; the referee did not see. This was also the first time two teams from North America met in a world cup.
8. Brazil 2 Belgium 0 (Round Of 16)
In this match Belgium had a perfectly legitimate goal taking away due to a nonexistent foul.
9. South Korea 2 Italy 1 (Round Of 16)
In this game during regulation time South Korea was given a very dubious penalty which they did not convert. Totti for Italy would also be shown a red card for allegedly faking a penalty yet the replay shows that though their had been no foul committed; their had also been no attempt to deceive anybody. In overtime Tomassi for Italy was also called for an offside which clearly did not exist when he had broken free and was all alone in front of the Korean goalkeeper.
10. Germany 1 USA 0 (Quarterfinals)
In this match a German player committed a clear hand ball in the penalty box to keep the ball from going in the net yet the referee from Scotland saw nothing. This despite the hand ball being much more obvious than that of Maradona against England in 86.
11. South Korea 0-5 Spain 0-4 on penalties (Quarterfinals)
South Korea by wining this match became the first Asian nation to qualify in to the semifinals yet Spain had two legitimate goals disallowed during the game. One due to a foul which did not exist and the other due to the line judge claiming a ball had gone it before it was centered though the replay clearly shows the ball had not gone out of play.
12. Germany 1 South Korea 0 (Semifinal)
Because of winning this match Germany became the first team to qualify to seven finals.
13. Brazil 1 Turkey 0 (Semifinal)
After this game Brazil became the first South American team to qualify to three straight finals while also setting a strange record by being the first team to have to play the same team twice in three different world cups. This being the case since in this world cup they had to play Turkey twice as in 62 they had to play Czechoslovakia twice as in 94 they had to play Sweden twice.
14. Turkey 3 South Korea 2 (For Third Place)
In this game Hakan Sukur of Turkey scored a goal 12 seconds in to the match and set the record for the fastest goal ever scored in a world cup match. This was also the first and last time that the host nation lost in a match for third place.
15. Brazil 2 Germany 0 (Final)
This was the first ever match played between Germany and Brazil in a world cup and also with this win Brazil became the first team to win five world cups while Germany became the first team to loose in four finals.
In conclusion the 2002 world cup will probably be remembered for some of the worst refereeing ever seen as well as having very low attendance at the games. This probably due to a combination of many strong teams being eliminated early along with the poor refereeing. I however in my opinion believe that the 2002 tournament should be used as an example of how it is necessary to utilize instant replays in order to get the right call; for when a player on the field makes a mistake it is just that but when a referee does the same then it is an injustice.
The world cup Germany 2006 was a great one for all fans of Italian football as it saw us claim our forth world cup to put us just one behind Brazil and second on the list of winners of the trophy. Germany 2006 was also the first world cup in which the previous winners (Brazil) were forced to play qualifying matches in order to enter the tournament; as it was not enough that they were defending champions. Germany, for its part was also organizing the event for the second time in their history yet on that occasion it was to be as a united nation; as opposed to being one divided in to east and west. Naturally as an Italian American and supporter of the “azurri” I could not have been more delighted at an Italian win yet other moments of interest were to be found in this tournament which were as follows.
1. Germany 4 Costa Rica 2 (Opening Game)
It was in this tournament that the host nation went back to playing in the opening match. This being something which had not been done since Mexico did it in 1970. This opening match also had more goals than any other opening match in world cup history. As for an interesting factor concerning the German team. They fielded three Polish born players (Podolski, Borowski and Klose) in this tournament.
2. Ukraine 0-3 Switzerland 0-0 In Penalties (Round Of 16)
This game qualified Ukraine to the quarterfinals which made them the first ex republic of the Soviet Union to ever get to this stage of the tournament.
3. Brazil 3 Ghana 0 (Round Of 16)
In this game Brazil’s Ronaldo scored a goal at the five minute mark which made him the highest goal scorer in world cup history as it put his grand total at 15; surpassing Gerd Muller’s 14.
4. Italy 1-5 France 1-3 (Final)
With this win Italy became the first European nation to win four world cups.
Germany 2006 was a great world cup for Italy as it lifted the prestige of its football which had lost some of its glory in 2002 yet it was against, first Germany and then France that Italy proved they could win when it counted and even in penalties. Italy has qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and though perhaps two titles back to back would be overly optimistic; it is still in my hopes that it might be yet if it is not than at least let our participation be one of dignity.
As a footnote, I can add two things about Italy winning the world cup. Number one being that they are the first team to become champions with a top goal scorer who only scored two goals. Number two being that Italy continued a pattern which started back in 70 which was to loose in the final then come back 12 years later to win the final (in Spain 82) to come back 12 years later to once again loose in the final (in USA 94) to come back 12 years later to win it (in Germany 2006) again. This meaning Italy should be back in the final in 2018 yet they will have to wait till 2030 to win it for the fifth time.
