The World Cup returned to Europe in 1998, to France, who ended a 12 absence from the tournament. England themselves returned to the World Cup having been absent in USA four years earlier. And to anyone unlucky enough to be cut from the preliminary squad, take Paul Gascoigne's reaction as an example of how not to take the news. One busted up hotel room later, it must have been surreal for those following Gazza in meeting manager Glenn Hoddle for their X-factor style auditions. There were four first time qualifiers - Japan, Jamaica, South Africa (showing their recovery from post-apartheid South Africa), and Croatia, technically competing in their first qualifying tournament having been partitioned from the former Yugoslavia. Portugal, Republic of Ireland and Sweden were surprise absentees. Two stories were dominant in the tournament - the form of the hosts, and the collapse of the tournament's star, Ronaldo, before the final. But more on that later. Brazil breezed through comfortably in the opening group. This despite narrowly squeaking past Scotland 2-1 in the opening game, thanks to a Tom Boyd own goal. An impressive Morocco looked like they may qualify for the second round, thanks to the form of Mustapha Hadji and Salaheddine Bassir. But, after beating Scotland 3-0, Morocco were beaten to second spot by Norway, with two late goals from Tore Andre Flo and a Kjetil Rekdal penalty doing for an already qualified Brazil. Group B was dour to say the least. Italy qualified comfortably, while Chile joined them in qualifying, thanks to their draw against the Italians. Marcelo Salas looked particularly impressive, and this helped secure him a big money deal to Italian giants Lazio. Roberto Baggio was enjoying his swansong with the national side, and formed a great partnership with Christian Vieri, while Austria acheived the unusual feat of srocing all their three goals in the tournament in stoppage time. But it was not enough for them to qualify. The hosts France qualified easily from their group, winning three out of three, with goals from six different players, while Denmark joined them in the last 16, ahead of South Africa and Saudi Arabia. The next group saw probably the biggest surprise of the tournament - Spain held onto their tag as perennial underachievers. They lost their opening game to Nigeria in thrilling fashion, despite twice leading through brilliant goals from Fernando Hierro and the young Raul. This was in vain, as a terrible Zubizarreta mistake and a excellent winger from the superbly named Sunday Oliseh. Paraguay drew 0-0 against Bulgaria and Spain, meaning a win in their final game against Nigeria would qualify. The Nigerians themselves had already qualified, so may not have been trying their utmost when losing 3-1, meanings Spain's 6-1 thrashing of Bulgaria was in vain. It would take ten years to lose their tag. Neighbours Holland and Belgium were drawn together in their group, but they were split by Mexico in a close group. Belgium were undone by throwing away a 2-0 lead against Mexico, and failing to defeat South Korea in their final game. A win against the Koreans, and a defeat for Mexico against Holland would secure their passage to the next round. Both of these circumstances were happening going into the last 20 minutes of both games. But Belgium conceded a late equaliser and Holland threw away a 2-0 lead of their own, Luis Fernandez continuing his great form with a 95 minute equaliser. The Dutch, though, looked like they could live up to their pre-tournament billing, with the talent of Marc Overmars, the de Boer twins, Philip Cocu and Dennis Bergkamp coming to the fore. Group F was notable for one main reason - a World Cup match where politics transcended the action on the pich. Iran and the USA had had political tension for 20 years, and the match in Lyon went a long way to healing some divisions. On the pitch, Iran won 2-1, Mehdi Mahdavikia getting the winner. Germany topped the group over Yugoslavia on goal difference, but only thanks to coming from 2-0 down to draw with the Yugoslavians. The next group saw the emergence of Michael Owen and David Beckham for England. But not before Glenn Hoddle's men stuffed up against Romania. They lost 2-1, despite Owen marking his World Cup debut with a goal. A mistake by Graeme Le Saux let his Chelsea team-mate in for Romania's winner. Despite David Beckham marking his first start with a brillian free-kick against Colombia, the defeat against the Romanians meant it would be a second round tie against Argentina, rather than Croatia. In that group, the said teams qualified comfortably ahead of newcomers Jamaica and Japan. Gabriel Batistuta shone for the Argentine's, scoring a hat-trick for the second consecutive World Cup, while Davor Suker did likewise for the impressive Croats. Other than two of the second round games, the rest were closely fought and finished with at most one goal in them, reflecting the ever growing competitiveness of world football. Italy narrowly scraped past Norway thanks to a Vieri goal, while Brazil put their South American neighbours Chile to the sword, thanks to two goals apiece for Cesar Sampaio and the excellent Ronaldo - before controversy was to surround his tournament! The hosts, though, were put through a real battle with Paraguay. The South Americans, who's strength was definitely their defence and eccentric keeper Jose Luis Chilavert, held out until seven minutes from the end of extra-time, when Laurent Blanc smashed home a winner. Denmark's 4-1 defeat of Nigeria was considered something of a shock. After Peter Moller and Brian Laudrup had given the Danes a 2-0 lead inside 12 minutes, there was no way back, especially when Ebbe Sand scored within seconds of coming on as a substitute. Germany had to come from behind against Mexico, thanks to late goals from Jurgen Klinsmann and Oliver Bierhoff, and Holland avoided an upset of their own against Yugoslavia, thanks to a long-range injury-time winner from the tigerish Edgar Davids. Davor Suker's penalty helped Croatia continue their progress, against Romania, but the real drama happened in Saint Etienne, were hostilities were resumed between Argentina and England. Argentina stormed into a sixth minute lead, thanks to a Batiatuta penalty, beofre England scored a penalty of their own through Alan Shearer. Both penalties could be described as controversial. Then it was time for the 18-year-old Michael Owen to take centre stage. Picking up the ball just Argentina's half, he was about to write his name into World Cup folklore. Showing devestating speed and control, he raced past Javier Zanetti and Roberto Ayala, before shotting across goal into Carlos Roa's top corner. It was sensational, and a star was born. What a shame it was in vain. In first half stoppage team, a well worked free-kick. With the whole stadium expecting Juan Sebastian Veron to shoot, Zanetti peeled off the back of the wall, and received Veron's disguise pass, who smashed an excellent finish into the top corner. It was a hammer blow, but there would be a bigger one minutes into the second half. David Beckham was fouled by Diego Simeone. Thinking he wasn't receiving enough protection from Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen, he aimed a petulent kick at Simeone while he was prone on the turf. The rest, as they say, is history. Simeone may have gone down in stages, but it was an incredibly stupid thing to do, and turned Beckham from hero into villain. England's ten mne thought they had won it late on, but Sol Campbell's header was controversially disallowed for a foul by Alan Shearer on Roa. So it was to penalties, where England's technique was again to let them down. Although Hernan Crespo blinked first, Paul Ince ruined England's advantage instantaneously. As David Batty stepped up to take England's fifth and final penalty, the late, great, Brian Moore asked his co-commentator if Batty would score, in a word. Keegan's reply, as he nervously ran up, was 'yes.' We can all guess what happened next. In the quarters, France and Italy went to penalties in a dour match-up - not surprising with the Italians involved. Roberto Baggio excorcised his personal demons from four years previously. This time, however, Demetrio Albertino and Luigi di Biagio were the Italian scapegoats. Denmark gave Brazil a scare, with Martin Jorgensen giving them a second minute lead, before eventually losing 3-2. Rivaldo scored twice for the World Champions. The most exciting game in the quarters, however, was Holland against Argentina. The Dutch took an early lead with Patrick Kluivert scoring a clever goal with the outside of his foot, before Claudio Lopez equalised six minutes later. The advantage seemed to have switched firmly towards the Dutch when Arthur Numan received a second yellow card for a tackle on Simeone (yes, him again!) However, Holland were to have the last laugh. Ariel Ortega ruined his good tournament, a needless headbutt on keeper Edwin van der Sar meaning he followed Numan into an early bath. And 60 seconds later, it was game, set and match. Ronald de Boer launched a hopeful long ball forward from his own half, with the game seemingly destined for extra-time. Dennis Bergkamp made the run, with the ball coming over his shoulder. Roberto Ayala was covering, and what happened next was sensational. Bergkamp killed the ball with his right foot, studded it between Ayala's legs before curling the ball into the top corner with the outside of said right foot. Three great consecutive touches you are unlikely to see. In the final quarter-final, Germany were the latest to be shocked by Croatia. Christian Worns ensured him a welcome similar to that of David Beckham in England when he was sent-off for a professional foul, and when Robert Jarni fired in from the edge of the area in first half stoppage time, this German side had no reply. Goran Vlaovic and Suker put some gloss on the win. The semi-finals saw two keenly fought, immensely competitive game. Holland again fell just short, losing to Brazil on penalties. After Ronaldo scored just after half-time, but Kluivert kept the Dutch alive with an 87th minute equaliser. However, Philip Cocu and Ronald de Boer missed their penalties to consign their country to be the nearly men again. In the second semi, Croatia looked like causing a major upset when Suker raced clear of the French defence to give them the lead. However, right-back Lilian Thuram was the unlikely French hero, his two goals turning the game around, and qualifying France for their first World Cup final. Those were Thuram's only two goals in 142 international caps. Croatia, though, would end their tournament on a high note, taking the bronze medal by beating Holland 2-1. The final, however, was overshadowed by the comings and goings over Ronaldo's selection in the hours leading up to the game. Withdrawn from the teamsheet just over an hour before kick-off following rumours he'd had a fit in his hotel room. He was promptly reinstated, however, before kick-off. I understand this was quite a confusion for the commentators who were handed two or three different sheets. Zinedine Zidance was the hero for the hosts, scoring two first-half headers, and there was no way back for Brazil. This was despite Marcel Desailly's sending-off halway through the second-half, and Emmanuel Petit put the finishing touch on their win having been set up by Arsenal colleague Patrick Vieira. So France won the World Cup for the first time, becoming the seventh country to claim the title, and the first new winners since Argentina, also at home, in 1978. They were not one of the favourites from the outset, but gathered momentum as the tournament progressed, and reached their peak in the final. The likes of Argentina, Brazil and Holland peaked too early. This would spark four years of dominance for thIS French generation, which would be ended, dramatically, in the opening game of the next World Cup against Senegal.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - LAURENT BLANC
A rarity where the stand out player was a defender. France conceded just two goals in their home World Cup, and this was largely thanks to Blanc. He was strong and domineering, proving a great leader when required. Who knows how important the ritual of kissing keeper Fabian Barthez's bald head. He may not have got the plaudits of Zinedine Zidane, and honourable mentions have to go to Davor Suker, Michael Owen, Ronaldo, Gabriel Batistuta and Dennis Bergkamp. But Blanc was the figurehead behind France's success, and that, coupled with his crucial winner against Paraguay in the second round, mean he should be lauded for his inspiration alone.
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - MICHAEL OWEN
The moment when Michael Owen really introduced himself to the football world. And in some respects, he has struggled to set the standards he reached in that glorious summer in France ever since. He picked the ball up just inside Argentina's half, and set himself away with an excellent first touch. He sprinted towards and beyond the experienced duo of Javier Zanetti and Roberto Ayala, before finishing with a tremendous angled drive into the opposite corner to which he was running. It was a seminal moment in his career, and to some extent, his life. Argentina were on the receiving end of the only real contender for goal of the tournament, from Dennis Bergkamp which knocked them out in the quarter-finals, but he is pipped by Owen.
GAFFE OF THE TOURNAMENT - KIM MILTON NIELSEN
England, more than any other country, are adept at finding a scapegoat when things go pear-shaped in a major tournament. Think Chris Waddle and Stuart Pearce, Gareth Southgate, Phil Neville, David Seamen, Darius Vassell, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. But in referee Nielsen, they had a worthy villain. He was naive in his treatment of the tension between Beckham and Simeone, and he was probably wrong to disallow Campbell's late winner. But that's football, and he didn't take the penalties.
CONTROVERSY - RONALDO ON THE DAY OF THE FINAL
Brazil looked to be heading towards the defence of the title, and this was largely thanks to the form of Ronaldo. The young Inter Milan striker had dazzled fans with his pace, power and goalscoring ability. But during the night before the final, he suffered a convulsive fit. His roommate Roberto Carlos stated that he thought Ronaldo was going to die. To this day, the public doesn't know the true story. He was withdrawn from the team-sheet 72 minutes before the match, before being re-instated as the kick-off approached. Some say this was due to the influence of Ronaldo's sponsor's Nike on the football world. But we'll probably never really know. What we do know is Ronaldo never got near to his top form, likewise his teammates, and they were thrashed 3-0 by the hosts.
MASCOT - FOOTIX
This was another mascot which wasn't at all stereotypical. A cockerel with the words 'France 98' across its chest. Its colours are blue, like the French kit, and the -ix on the end is a reference to the popular French comic Asterix. As you do!
Monday, May 31, 2010
GROUP H REVIEW
The final group in the 2010 World Cup sees one of the favourites for the tournament, the multi-talented European Champions Spain, pitted with three teams who will most likely be battling it out for second spot. That battle, from first viewing, looks a tough one to call.
CHILE
Over a decade after a team spear-headed by the star players Ivan Zamorano and Marcelo Salas, Chile have another team they should be proud of. There might not be the same kind of stars, but this team is more than the sum of its parts. Top scorers in qualifying in South America with 32 goals, experienced Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa has fostered a brilliant team spirit and got his country playing his exciting brand of attacking football. In goal will be Claudio Bravo, who plays regularly in Europe, albeit at Spainsh second division side Real Sociedad. In defence, Bielsa will stick with his adventurous three at the back system. This will be Waldo Ponce, Gary Medel, and West Brom's Gonzalo Jara. However, there were form and fitness worries over all three, and this will worry Bielsa. Mauricio Isla, the young Udinese defender, offers versatility and can play in a number of different positions, and Pablo Contreras's experience will come in handy in South Africa. In midfield, there will be three in conventional positions and one behind the striker and position on. The brilliantly named Jean Beausejour will be on the right, offering plenty of pace and width; Rodrigo Millar will be in the engine room, and Arturo Vidal, an impressive presence in Bayer Leverkusen's impressive form this season, will provide width on the right. He is also very versatile, and can be a useful defensive player as well. Matias Fernandez, the Sporting Lisbon playmaker, will be expected to provide a lot of the creativity behind the front three. A brilliant dribbler, he also strikes a mean free-kick. Jorge Valdivia and Rodrigo Tello provide other options. The front three, though, are where the real quality in this Chilean team lies. On the right, there is the very highly rated Alexis Sanchez, the Udinese winger. Speedy and skillful, he also provides a goal threat and seems to have a bright future ahead of him. The spearhead of the time, though, is striker Humberto Suazo. He scored ten goals in qualifying, finishing as joint top scorer with Brzail's Luis Fabiano, and earnt himself a loan move to La Liga side Real Zaragoza in the process. Something of a late developer, moving to Europe for the first time at 29, he is nevertheless big, strong and powerful, and will be Chile's main goal threat in South Africa. He will be flanked on the left by Mark Gonzalez, and it will be an intriguing prospect to see if he's got over his Liverpool nightmare. Nicknamed 'speedy' for a reason, once he's gone he's hard to catch. He also delviers a good cross, and is a real goal threat from long range. He will be especially keen to impress, due to the fact he was born in South Africa and lived there until he was ten. His dad Raul was playing football in South Africa. Two of his teammates were Mark Tovey and Dennis Wicks, which is how Gonzalez got his first and middle names. He will be disappointed Chile won't be playing in Durban in their group matches, the city he gre up in. There is undoubted ability in this Chile squad, and Bielsa may be the man to bring it out of them. They qualified comfortably, finishing second only to Brazil. The Chileans will hope there is not a repeat of Bielsa's last foray into a World Cup in 2002, where his Argentina team breezed through qualifying but were dumped out in the first round in the 'Group of Death'. Defence will be the main concern, but there may be enough goals and creativity in attack to render this immaterial, in the group phase at least.
STAR PLAYER - HUMBERTO SUAZO
If Chile are to progress to the next round, the goals of Suazo are going to be crucial to this aim. The star player in qualifying, he looks like being the long awaited succesor to the great Marcelo Salas, albeit late in his career. Having impressed sporadically in a half-season loan deal at Real Zaragoza, he will be looking for a good performance to increase his chances of securing a permanent move to a top European club.
MANAGER - MARCELO BIELSA
The driving force behinf the revival of the Chilean national team. As experienced and hard-nosed a campaigner as they come, this will be crucial to an inexperienced Chilean team, all of whom will be playing in their first World Cup. His attacking philosophy should be applauded, but he will hope his team is not naive with it, or they could be dangerously exposed.
HONDURAS
Not known for their footballing ability, in a continent dominated by Mexico and USA, Honduras qualified for their third World Cup, and first since 1982, in dramatic fashion. An equaliser in the 94th minute by USA's Jonathon Bornstein prevented Costa Rica, dumping them into a play-off with Uruguay which they lost. Expectations of Honduran success will not be high. Having struggled to get out of a meagre qualifying group (and only just for that matter), they will need something special to get the better of Spain, Chile and Switzerland. Noel Valladares, for local club Olimpia, will be the first choice keeper. Mauricio Sabillion, who plays his club football in China, Anderlecht's Victor Bernandez, Osman Chavez and Wigan Athletic's Maynor Figueroa will comprise the rest of the defence. The latter is one of the stars of this Honduran team, the left-back having a fine season at the JJB, including a sparkling goal from his own half against Stoke City. His pace and energy will be vital. In midfield, the experienced Julio Cesar de Leon, will be on the right, and the Torino player's creativity will be important. Premier League duo Hendry Thomas and Wilson Palacios will be in the middle of the park. Thomas will do the majority of the forward work, while Palacios will be expected to break up the play. and provide a platform for his teammates to perform, as he has do so well at Spurs in the last season. Captain Edgar Guevara will be on the left-wing, and at 34 and with 133 international caps to his name, his team-mates will be looking at him to be a fig~{~}
STAR PLAYER - WILSON PALACIOS
One of the few stars of this Honduran team, he will be looking to continue his excellent form from last season which helped Spurs qualify for the Champions League for the first time. Brilliant at breaking up the play and providing more attacking players with the platform to perform, he has great energy and can get forward when required. The one area of his game he can improve on is his shooting, but he rarely gets into positions where he has to use this skill.
MANAGER - REINALDO RUEDA
The Colombian will have his work cut out to help Honduras progress. Having coached his native Colombia in their unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, he was appointed manager of Honduras, and helped mould a successful team for his adopted country. Although they only just scrapped into South Africa, Rueda became just the third manager in history to take Honduras to the World Cup, and this has afforded an iconic status in Honduras.
SPAIN
There is not much that can really be said about the current European Champions. But let's talk about them anyway. Their win in Austria and Switzerland means they have the ditched the tag of perennial underachievers, and they are likely to be hard to stop in South Africa. Even a probable second round clash with Brazil, Portugal or the Ivory Coast won't phase them. The defeat in the Confederations Cup semi-final against the USA ended a world record equalling 35 matches. But that defeat may be a blessing in disguise for Vincente del Bosque and his men, and will mean they guard against any form of complacency this summer. The squad has remarkable ability, and there are practically two world class for every position, meaning some quality players didn't even make the final cut. None more so than between the sticks. It is almost ten years to the day since Iker Casillas made his national team debut, having just turned 19. He has since established himself as one of the best keeper's in the world, if not the best, with superb decision making and unmatchable reflexes. To be fair, the man nicknamed 'Saint Iker' gets lots of chances to hone behind Real Madrid's shaky defence. His greatness means the best keeper in the Premier League, Pepe Reina, never gets a look in as his back-up, despite the fact the Liverpool keeper would walk into most national teams. Victor Valdes, as the number three, is more than adequate. The fullbacks perhaps offer the only potential weakness in this awesome team. On the right, Sergio Ramos is an expert at getting forward from the back, and offers a goal threat. But he can be prone to errors and his positional sense isn't always the best. Alvaro Arbeloa can offer an alternative, his Real Madrid colleage being slightly stronger defensively if not as flashy. On the left, Joan Capdevilla is limited, and has enjoyed a poor since at Villarreal. The Barcelona partnership of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol will be one of the strongest at the World Cup. Puyol has the experience and leadership ability which will help drive Spain forward. Alongside him, though, Pique is fast developing into one of the finest defenders in World football. Which certainly begs two questions - why Barcelona let him go in the first place, and more pertinently, why Sir Alex Ferguson did likewise two years ago. He was never really given a real go at Old Trafford, and to be to the great man, he wasn't to know Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic would be beset by injury problems. But surely Pique would have been better back-up than Jonny Evans and Wes Brown. Quick, strong and agile, he is also excellent on the ball - witness his goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final defeat. Carlos Marchena and Raul Albiol provide excellent cover. In midfield, though, there ia wealth of talent. So much talent, in fact, that when the oft-injured Fernando Torres is unavailable, del Bosque usually switches to a five man midfield. The midfield triumvirate of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso is incomparable, definitely in South Africa and there won't have been many better in the history of the beautiful game. As Thierry Henry said when France lost at home to Spain in a friendly this year, 'you just can't get the ball off them,' with a Gallic shrug. But he's right, and that's mainly down to these three. They can get stuck in when needed, but there abilities lie with being brilliant passers, both short and long, creating plenty of chances for the strike force. They're so good, that the brilliat Cesc Fabregas rarely gets a game. The talented David Silva will play slightly further forward, and will provide more of a goal threat. A talented dribbler and with an excellent long range shot, he can also play anywhere across the forward line. He is likely to follow his former teammate David Villa out of Valencia this summer, and a good World Cup will help with that. Jesus Navas, the Seville winger, provides greater width and crossing ability if it's required, as does Juan Mata, the Valencia winger. Sergio Busquets has had a sparkling breakthrough season at Barcelona, giving del Bosque yet more options in the middle of the park. Which leaves us with the strike force. David Villa and Fernando Torres will be perhaps the best strike partnership in South Africa. And if they click as they did in Euro 2008, and Torres can recover his fitness, they will be devestating. Torres will be higher up the pitch, using his pace to play off the shoulder of the last defender and taking any chances that come his way. Villa, having just signed for Barcelona, will drop off slightly, as he is adept at finding the space created by the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso. Pedro is another who has had an excellent debut season at Barca, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, and Fernando Llorente is another who has broken into the squad late, offering more of a physical presence, very much in the Peter Crouch mould. So, overall, it is hard to find weaknesses in this Spain squad. They are well stocked in practically every position, with some talented back-up. If they were a playing in a World League, I would not bet against them. But when it gets to the knock-out stages, anything can happen. Just ask the Spanish class of 2006. Superb in the group phase, they surprisingly lost to France in the second round, who were coming good at the right time. In some ways, it seems Spain's worst enemies may be themselves.
STAR PLAYER - FERNANDO TORRES
One of the hardest decisions when it came to choosing the star player - as they were at least half a dozen candidates. But if Torres is firing and on form, the Spain will be a better team for it. Devilishly quick and deadly in front of goal, he is a big game player - witness numerous goals in the latter stages of the Champions League, and a regular scorer against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton in the Merseyside derby. As the scorer of the Euro 2008 winner, he will be key to Spain's success.
MANAGER - VINCENTE DEL BOSQUE
Since taking over from the somewhat unpopular Luis Aragones, he has not changed a great deal. After all, he hasn't needed to. His team had a 100% record in qualifying, and only the excellent Gerard Pique, of those who will be in the probable starting eleven, was not in Austria and Switzerland. Well respected of in Spain, he is best remembered for two spells in charge of Real Madrid, the second being moderately successful, before ending acrimoniously. But his brief in South Africa will be simple - bring the World Cup back to Spain for the first time.
SWITZELRAND
You know what you get with this Swiss team - they are well organised and hard to beat, with a strong defence and midfield. This was very much the case in 2006, when they exited in the second round, being the first team ever to be eliminated without conceding a goal (being defeated on penalties by Ukraine after a 0-0 draw). But they will have been disappointed with a first round exit in their home European Championships, and after qualifying easily from a modest qualifying group which included Greece and Israel, for what will be their fourth straight major championships, the experienced Ottmar Hitzveld will be looking to progress this time. Having taken over from legend Kobi Kuhn after Euro 2008, the campaign started in shambolic circumstances, with a home defeat to minnows Luxemborg, but five straight wins follwed that to turn their form around. The keeper will be Diego Benaglio, of Wolfsburg. Highly rated and key in the Wolves title win in 2009, his form and fitness will be key, as his deputies are untried and untested. Stephen Liechsteiner, of Lazio, is a talented right-back, good at getting forward and providing chances for the strikers. This has even earnt him the nickname 'Forrest Gump!' Ludovic Magnin brings plenty of experience to the table on the other flank - eight years in the Bundesliga to be precise, before he returned to Switzerland with FC Zurich in January. But Reto Ziegler, formerly of Spurs and Wigan Athletic, is an alternative on the left, and has the same kind of footballing outlook at Liechsteiner! The centre of defence, however, offers some problems for Hitzveld. Phillipe Senderos was a lynchpin of the successful defence in Germany, but has been woefully short of match fitness after a season which has seen him have loan spells at AC Milan and Everton, but fail to make any impression at either. Fortunately, the experience Stephane Grichting, of Auxerre, will be alongisde him. Steve von Bergen and Mario Eggimann, both with Bundesliga experience, offer reliable back up. The Swiss midfield will probably be their pride and joy in South Africa. West Ham's Valon Behrami has a great engine on the right, and can help out in defence when needed. Marco Padalino, Ziegler's club mate at Sampdoria, offers adequate back-up. In the centre, Udinese's Goklan Inler and Gelson Fernandes, formerly of Man City, provide plenty of bite and will provide a platform for the more talented players to perform. Inler, especially, provides a brilliant range of passing. On the left, is probably the most talented player of this Swiss generation - the brilliantly named Tanquillo Barnetta. He provides a goal threat, gets forward well, and is the creative hub of this team. A lot, though, will come down to the form and goalscoring prowess of Alexander Frei. With a goals record of 43 in 80 caps, he will be the main goal threat. He will come into the World Cup in good form, following a good debut season at Basel, and his instincts around the penalty area will be crucial to Hitzveld's men. He will probably be partnered by the veteran Blaise NKufo. He only made his debut in 2002 at the age of 27, and has become a fixture in the squad, if not a regular in the team. After a nomadic career, he settled at FC Twente in 2003, and parted on the best possible terms after the end of the season just gone, helping Steve McClaren's men to win the first Dutch title in their history. Another option is the young Eren Derdiyok of Bayer Leverkusen. After a promising debut season in Germany, his youth and pace will offer an antidote to the age and tiring legs of Frei and Nkufo. And at 33, Hakan Yakin is still going strong! They may not be flashy and adventurous, and might be the perfect remedy to insomnia. But they are well organised, have a settled first eleven, and their coach is experienced as they come, so they will fancy their chance of reaching the last 16.
STAR PLAYER - ALEXANDER FREI
If the Swiss are to pregress, Frei's goals will be crucial, as they were in Germany. He may not be the easiest on they eye - like his team in general - but his goalscoring recoird is almost unrivalled in the modern game, and he will need to bring his A game to the table Besides him, Switzerland look woefully short on goals
As his country's captain, his leadership of a young squad will be just as important.
MANAGER - OTTMAR HITZVELD
One of only three managers to win the European Cup with two different clubs, his experience will be important in a somewhat young and inexperienced squad. New to international football following his unsuccessful, short second spell at Bayern Munich, he helped the country recover well after a slow start to qualify easily. He has fostered a tremendous team spirit which could just be the key to their success.
VERDICT
It is hard to bet against European champions Spain as group winners, with the astonishing talent at their disposal. The runners-up spot will probably be taken by eith Switzerland or Chile, so their meeting in the secind match will be crucial. My money is on Chile pipping the dour Swiss, with their refreshing brand of attacking football likely to catch the eye. This will probably leave a weak Honduras bringing up the rear.
CHILE
Over a decade after a team spear-headed by the star players Ivan Zamorano and Marcelo Salas, Chile have another team they should be proud of. There might not be the same kind of stars, but this team is more than the sum of its parts. Top scorers in qualifying in South America with 32 goals, experienced Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa has fostered a brilliant team spirit and got his country playing his exciting brand of attacking football. In goal will be Claudio Bravo, who plays regularly in Europe, albeit at Spainsh second division side Real Sociedad. In defence, Bielsa will stick with his adventurous three at the back system. This will be Waldo Ponce, Gary Medel, and West Brom's Gonzalo Jara. However, there were form and fitness worries over all three, and this will worry Bielsa. Mauricio Isla, the young Udinese defender, offers versatility and can play in a number of different positions, and Pablo Contreras's experience will come in handy in South Africa. In midfield, there will be three in conventional positions and one behind the striker and position on. The brilliantly named Jean Beausejour will be on the right, offering plenty of pace and width; Rodrigo Millar will be in the engine room, and Arturo Vidal, an impressive presence in Bayer Leverkusen's impressive form this season, will provide width on the right. He is also very versatile, and can be a useful defensive player as well. Matias Fernandez, the Sporting Lisbon playmaker, will be expected to provide a lot of the creativity behind the front three. A brilliant dribbler, he also strikes a mean free-kick. Jorge Valdivia and Rodrigo Tello provide other options. The front three, though, are where the real quality in this Chilean team lies. On the right, there is the very highly rated Alexis Sanchez, the Udinese winger. Speedy and skillful, he also provides a goal threat and seems to have a bright future ahead of him. The spearhead of the time, though, is striker Humberto Suazo. He scored ten goals in qualifying, finishing as joint top scorer with Brzail's Luis Fabiano, and earnt himself a loan move to La Liga side Real Zaragoza in the process. Something of a late developer, moving to Europe for the first time at 29, he is nevertheless big, strong and powerful, and will be Chile's main goal threat in South Africa. He will be flanked on the left by Mark Gonzalez, and it will be an intriguing prospect to see if he's got over his Liverpool nightmare. Nicknamed 'speedy' for a reason, once he's gone he's hard to catch. He also delviers a good cross, and is a real goal threat from long range. He will be especially keen to impress, due to the fact he was born in South Africa and lived there until he was ten. His dad Raul was playing football in South Africa. Two of his teammates were Mark Tovey and Dennis Wicks, which is how Gonzalez got his first and middle names. He will be disappointed Chile won't be playing in Durban in their group matches, the city he gre up in. There is undoubted ability in this Chile squad, and Bielsa may be the man to bring it out of them. They qualified comfortably, finishing second only to Brazil. The Chileans will hope there is not a repeat of Bielsa's last foray into a World Cup in 2002, where his Argentina team breezed through qualifying but were dumped out in the first round in the 'Group of Death'. Defence will be the main concern, but there may be enough goals and creativity in attack to render this immaterial, in the group phase at least.
STAR PLAYER - HUMBERTO SUAZO
If Chile are to progress to the next round, the goals of Suazo are going to be crucial to this aim. The star player in qualifying, he looks like being the long awaited succesor to the great Marcelo Salas, albeit late in his career. Having impressed sporadically in a half-season loan deal at Real Zaragoza, he will be looking for a good performance to increase his chances of securing a permanent move to a top European club.
MANAGER - MARCELO BIELSA
The driving force behinf the revival of the Chilean national team. As experienced and hard-nosed a campaigner as they come, this will be crucial to an inexperienced Chilean team, all of whom will be playing in their first World Cup. His attacking philosophy should be applauded, but he will hope his team is not naive with it, or they could be dangerously exposed.
HONDURAS
Not known for their footballing ability, in a continent dominated by Mexico and USA, Honduras qualified for their third World Cup, and first since 1982, in dramatic fashion. An equaliser in the 94th minute by USA's Jonathon Bornstein prevented Costa Rica, dumping them into a play-off with Uruguay which they lost. Expectations of Honduran success will not be high. Having struggled to get out of a meagre qualifying group (and only just for that matter), they will need something special to get the better of Spain, Chile and Switzerland. Noel Valladares, for local club Olimpia, will be the first choice keeper. Mauricio Sabillion, who plays his club football in China, Anderlecht's Victor Bernandez, Osman Chavez and Wigan Athletic's Maynor Figueroa will comprise the rest of the defence. The latter is one of the stars of this Honduran team, the left-back having a fine season at the JJB, including a sparkling goal from his own half against Stoke City. His pace and energy will be vital. In midfield, the experienced Julio Cesar de Leon, will be on the right, and the Torino player's creativity will be important. Premier League duo Hendry Thomas and Wilson Palacios will be in the middle of the park. Thomas will do the majority of the forward work, while Palacios will be expected to break up the play. and provide a platform for his teammates to perform, as he has do so well at Spurs in the last season. Captain Edgar Guevara will be on the left-wing, and at 34 and with 133 international caps to his name, his team-mates will be looking at him to be a fig~{~}
STAR PLAYER - WILSON PALACIOS
One of the few stars of this Honduran team, he will be looking to continue his excellent form from last season which helped Spurs qualify for the Champions League for the first time. Brilliant at breaking up the play and providing more attacking players with the platform to perform, he has great energy and can get forward when required. The one area of his game he can improve on is his shooting, but he rarely gets into positions where he has to use this skill.
MANAGER - REINALDO RUEDA
The Colombian will have his work cut out to help Honduras progress. Having coached his native Colombia in their unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, he was appointed manager of Honduras, and helped mould a successful team for his adopted country. Although they only just scrapped into South Africa, Rueda became just the third manager in history to take Honduras to the World Cup, and this has afforded an iconic status in Honduras.
SPAIN
There is not much that can really be said about the current European Champions. But let's talk about them anyway. Their win in Austria and Switzerland means they have the ditched the tag of perennial underachievers, and they are likely to be hard to stop in South Africa. Even a probable second round clash with Brazil, Portugal or the Ivory Coast won't phase them. The defeat in the Confederations Cup semi-final against the USA ended a world record equalling 35 matches. But that defeat may be a blessing in disguise for Vincente del Bosque and his men, and will mean they guard against any form of complacency this summer. The squad has remarkable ability, and there are practically two world class for every position, meaning some quality players didn't even make the final cut. None more so than between the sticks. It is almost ten years to the day since Iker Casillas made his national team debut, having just turned 19. He has since established himself as one of the best keeper's in the world, if not the best, with superb decision making and unmatchable reflexes. To be fair, the man nicknamed 'Saint Iker' gets lots of chances to hone behind Real Madrid's shaky defence. His greatness means the best keeper in the Premier League, Pepe Reina, never gets a look in as his back-up, despite the fact the Liverpool keeper would walk into most national teams. Victor Valdes, as the number three, is more than adequate. The fullbacks perhaps offer the only potential weakness in this awesome team. On the right, Sergio Ramos is an expert at getting forward from the back, and offers a goal threat. But he can be prone to errors and his positional sense isn't always the best. Alvaro Arbeloa can offer an alternative, his Real Madrid colleage being slightly stronger defensively if not as flashy. On the left, Joan Capdevilla is limited, and has enjoyed a poor since at Villarreal. The Barcelona partnership of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol will be one of the strongest at the World Cup. Puyol has the experience and leadership ability which will help drive Spain forward. Alongside him, though, Pique is fast developing into one of the finest defenders in World football. Which certainly begs two questions - why Barcelona let him go in the first place, and more pertinently, why Sir Alex Ferguson did likewise two years ago. He was never really given a real go at Old Trafford, and to be to the great man, he wasn't to know Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic would be beset by injury problems. But surely Pique would have been better back-up than Jonny Evans and Wes Brown. Quick, strong and agile, he is also excellent on the ball - witness his goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final defeat. Carlos Marchena and Raul Albiol provide excellent cover. In midfield, though, there ia wealth of talent. So much talent, in fact, that when the oft-injured Fernando Torres is unavailable, del Bosque usually switches to a five man midfield. The midfield triumvirate of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso is incomparable, definitely in South Africa and there won't have been many better in the history of the beautiful game. As Thierry Henry said when France lost at home to Spain in a friendly this year, 'you just can't get the ball off them,' with a Gallic shrug. But he's right, and that's mainly down to these three. They can get stuck in when needed, but there abilities lie with being brilliant passers, both short and long, creating plenty of chances for the strike force. They're so good, that the brilliat Cesc Fabregas rarely gets a game. The talented David Silva will play slightly further forward, and will provide more of a goal threat. A talented dribbler and with an excellent long range shot, he can also play anywhere across the forward line. He is likely to follow his former teammate David Villa out of Valencia this summer, and a good World Cup will help with that. Jesus Navas, the Seville winger, provides greater width and crossing ability if it's required, as does Juan Mata, the Valencia winger. Sergio Busquets has had a sparkling breakthrough season at Barcelona, giving del Bosque yet more options in the middle of the park. Which leaves us with the strike force. David Villa and Fernando Torres will be perhaps the best strike partnership in South Africa. And if they click as they did in Euro 2008, and Torres can recover his fitness, they will be devestating. Torres will be higher up the pitch, using his pace to play off the shoulder of the last defender and taking any chances that come his way. Villa, having just signed for Barcelona, will drop off slightly, as he is adept at finding the space created by the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso. Pedro is another who has had an excellent debut season at Barca, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, and Fernando Llorente is another who has broken into the squad late, offering more of a physical presence, very much in the Peter Crouch mould. So, overall, it is hard to find weaknesses in this Spain squad. They are well stocked in practically every position, with some talented back-up. If they were a playing in a World League, I would not bet against them. But when it gets to the knock-out stages, anything can happen. Just ask the Spanish class of 2006. Superb in the group phase, they surprisingly lost to France in the second round, who were coming good at the right time. In some ways, it seems Spain's worst enemies may be themselves.
STAR PLAYER - FERNANDO TORRES
One of the hardest decisions when it came to choosing the star player - as they were at least half a dozen candidates. But if Torres is firing and on form, the Spain will be a better team for it. Devilishly quick and deadly in front of goal, he is a big game player - witness numerous goals in the latter stages of the Champions League, and a regular scorer against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton in the Merseyside derby. As the scorer of the Euro 2008 winner, he will be key to Spain's success.
MANAGER - VINCENTE DEL BOSQUE
Since taking over from the somewhat unpopular Luis Aragones, he has not changed a great deal. After all, he hasn't needed to. His team had a 100% record in qualifying, and only the excellent Gerard Pique, of those who will be in the probable starting eleven, was not in Austria and Switzerland. Well respected of in Spain, he is best remembered for two spells in charge of Real Madrid, the second being moderately successful, before ending acrimoniously. But his brief in South Africa will be simple - bring the World Cup back to Spain for the first time.
SWITZELRAND
You know what you get with this Swiss team - they are well organised and hard to beat, with a strong defence and midfield. This was very much the case in 2006, when they exited in the second round, being the first team ever to be eliminated without conceding a goal (being defeated on penalties by Ukraine after a 0-0 draw). But they will have been disappointed with a first round exit in their home European Championships, and after qualifying easily from a modest qualifying group which included Greece and Israel, for what will be their fourth straight major championships, the experienced Ottmar Hitzveld will be looking to progress this time. Having taken over from legend Kobi Kuhn after Euro 2008, the campaign started in shambolic circumstances, with a home defeat to minnows Luxemborg, but five straight wins follwed that to turn their form around. The keeper will be Diego Benaglio, of Wolfsburg. Highly rated and key in the Wolves title win in 2009, his form and fitness will be key, as his deputies are untried and untested. Stephen Liechsteiner, of Lazio, is a talented right-back, good at getting forward and providing chances for the strikers. This has even earnt him the nickname 'Forrest Gump!' Ludovic Magnin brings plenty of experience to the table on the other flank - eight years in the Bundesliga to be precise, before he returned to Switzerland with FC Zurich in January. But Reto Ziegler, formerly of Spurs and Wigan Athletic, is an alternative on the left, and has the same kind of footballing outlook at Liechsteiner! The centre of defence, however, offers some problems for Hitzveld. Phillipe Senderos was a lynchpin of the successful defence in Germany, but has been woefully short of match fitness after a season which has seen him have loan spells at AC Milan and Everton, but fail to make any impression at either. Fortunately, the experience Stephane Grichting, of Auxerre, will be alongisde him. Steve von Bergen and Mario Eggimann, both with Bundesliga experience, offer reliable back up. The Swiss midfield will probably be their pride and joy in South Africa. West Ham's Valon Behrami has a great engine on the right, and can help out in defence when needed. Marco Padalino, Ziegler's club mate at Sampdoria, offers adequate back-up. In the centre, Udinese's Goklan Inler and Gelson Fernandes, formerly of Man City, provide plenty of bite and will provide a platform for the more talented players to perform. Inler, especially, provides a brilliant range of passing. On the left, is probably the most talented player of this Swiss generation - the brilliantly named Tanquillo Barnetta. He provides a goal threat, gets forward well, and is the creative hub of this team. A lot, though, will come down to the form and goalscoring prowess of Alexander Frei. With a goals record of 43 in 80 caps, he will be the main goal threat. He will come into the World Cup in good form, following a good debut season at Basel, and his instincts around the penalty area will be crucial to Hitzveld's men. He will probably be partnered by the veteran Blaise NKufo. He only made his debut in 2002 at the age of 27, and has become a fixture in the squad, if not a regular in the team. After a nomadic career, he settled at FC Twente in 2003, and parted on the best possible terms after the end of the season just gone, helping Steve McClaren's men to win the first Dutch title in their history. Another option is the young Eren Derdiyok of Bayer Leverkusen. After a promising debut season in Germany, his youth and pace will offer an antidote to the age and tiring legs of Frei and Nkufo. And at 33, Hakan Yakin is still going strong! They may not be flashy and adventurous, and might be the perfect remedy to insomnia. But they are well organised, have a settled first eleven, and their coach is experienced as they come, so they will fancy their chance of reaching the last 16.
STAR PLAYER - ALEXANDER FREI
If the Swiss are to pregress, Frei's goals will be crucial, as they were in Germany. He may not be the easiest on they eye - like his team in general - but his goalscoring recoird is almost unrivalled in the modern game, and he will need to bring his A game to the table Besides him, Switzerland look woefully short on goals
As his country's captain, his leadership of a young squad will be just as important.
MANAGER - OTTMAR HITZVELD
One of only three managers to win the European Cup with two different clubs, his experience will be important in a somewhat young and inexperienced squad. New to international football following his unsuccessful, short second spell at Bayern Munich, he helped the country recover well after a slow start to qualify easily. He has fostered a tremendous team spirit which could just be the key to their success.
VERDICT
It is hard to bet against European champions Spain as group winners, with the astonishing talent at their disposal. The runners-up spot will probably be taken by eith Switzerland or Chile, so their meeting in the secind match will be crucial. My money is on Chile pipping the dour Swiss, with their refreshing brand of attacking football likely to catch the eye. This will probably leave a weak Honduras bringing up the rear.
Friday, May 28, 2010
WORLD CUP 1994 REVIEW
USA 1994
The World Cup in 1994 penetrated the United States of America for the first time - so maybe we should call it the soccer World Cup. But to be fair, the locals really got into it. It did help that the home team had a good tournament. It was also the last time the World Cup featured 24 teams, before it expanded to its current bloated number of 32! The tournament started in farcical. In a lavish opneing ceremony, soul diva Diana Ross took a penalty towards a mini goal from just a few yards out. She missed comfortably, but the goal still broke and fell apart - I don't think that was part of the script! There were three newcomers in the World Cup - Greece, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. The latter two will definitely have been pleased with their performance. Due to the political upheaval in Europe, and the fall of Communism in the East, there were technically two new countries involved - the Soviet Union became plain old Russia (having been CIS in Euro 92) and West Germany merged with East Germany to become Germany for the first time since before World War Two. This was definitely more beneficial to the East Germans, as they didn't bring much to the table other than Matthias Sammer. And for the first time since they started competing in the World Cup back in 1950, no British teams qualified, so had to look on longingly as the Republic of Ireland too their place in the finals for the second successive tournament. England, under Graham 'Turnip' Taylor, were especially disappointing, losing out to Norway and Holland, Scotland were never close to qualifying behind Italy and Switzerland, while Northern Ireland finished behind their neighbours to the South and Spain. But Wales were perhaps the closest in this instance, to reaching their first finals since 1958. A win in their last game against Romania would have sent Wales to the States. But Paul Bodin missed a penalty when it was 1-1, and the Welsh eventually lost to come so close, yet so far. In the first group, the United States certainly didn't embarass themselves, finsihing as one of the best third place teams. They beat the highly fancied Colombia, who had thrashed Argentina in qualifying. This was to prove especially costly for Andreas Escobar, who had scored a crucial own goal in the game with the States. The Romanians looked good, orchestrated by the great Gheorghe Hagi, even though they lost 4-1 to Switzelrand, managed by the Englishman Roy Hodgson. Dan Petrescu scored against the States to clinch their place in the last 16. Group B was fairly comprehensively dominated by Brazil and Sweden. 1990 surprise package Cameroon almost shocked the Swedes, having come from behind to lead 2-1. But the impressive Martin Dahlin secured a draw. Brazil won their first two games easily, and a 1-1 draw was enough for both to qualify. The dead rubber between Russia and Cameroon was quite extraordinary, however. Russian striker Oleg Slaenko scored five goals in their 6-1 win, and Roger Milla, who scored Cameroon's consolation, became by the far the oldest scorer in World Cup history, at the age of 42! In group C, champions Germany were joined by Spain in the last 16. Jurgen Klinsmann gave them a 1-0 win over Bolivia in the opening game. Only South Korea, who scored two late goals to draw 2-2 with Spain. Group D was incredibly well matched between three of the teams - Argentina, and surprise packages Bulgaria and Nigeria, while Greece were the whipping boys. All three beat the Greeks and one of th other two teams once, meaning they all qualified by finishing level on six points. Argentina started well, beating Greece 4-0 thanks to a Gabriel Batistuta hat-trick and one from Diego Maradona, while two Claudio Cannigia goals helped to beat the Nigerians. But it was Maradona's goal in the first game which would catch the headlines, for all the wrong reasons. His celebration, where he went up to one of the cameras and shook his head in a crazed fashion, seemed a little odd. It seemed even more strange when he failed a drugs test days later and was sent home in disgrace, his World Cup career over. Bulgaria lost 3-0 to Nigeria in their opening game, but the goals of Hristo Stoichov fired them into the last 16. They would go on to be the surprise package of USA '94. In the next group, it was even closer - all four teams won one, drew one and lost one, finishing on four points. The group was mostly memorable for a fantastic goal by Republic of Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton, firing over Italian keeper Gianluca Pagliuca from the edge of the area. Norway beat Mexico 1-0 with a late Kjetil Rekdal goal, while Italy beat Norway 1-0, and Mexico beat the Irish 2-1. The latter was noted for a disagreement on the touchline between Irish manager Jack Charlton and the match officials, as he was anxious to introduce substitute John Aldridge when his team were 2-0 down. He eventually got Aldridge on, who reduced the arrears to 2-1. This proved a crucial goal, as both the final matches ended in draws, meaning Ireland qualified ahead of Norway courtesy of socring one more goal. In the final group, neighbours Holland and Belgium both qualified, with the surprise team Saudi Arabia sandwiched between them, all finsihing on six points. Morocoo didn't disgrace themselves in losing all the games, with the deficit being just one in each game. This group was most memorable for a stupendous goal from Saeed Al-Owairan, a solo run from his own half which was enough for the Saudis to qualify for the next round. In the last 16, Germany beat Belgium 3-2 in an entertaining game, with goals from Kilinsmann and Rudi Voller, despite some quesitonable refereeing. They were joined by Spain, who surprinsgly thrashed a talented Switzerland side 3-0, including goals from legends Fernando Hierro and Luis Enrique. Sweden continued their good form, putting paid to a spirit Saudi Arabia team thanks to their talented strike-force of Dahlin and Kennet Andersson. Argentina showed they were not the team of old. Having reached the last two World Cup finals, they well at the first knock-out stage in 1994, against an underrated Romanian team where Gheorghe Hagi was showcasing his talents on the World stage. Ilie Dumitrescu also scored twice, and a late Abel Balbo goal was not enough to prevent the giants slipping to a 3-2 defeat. The Republic slipped to a comprehensive 2-0 defeat against the Dutch, thanks in part to a bad mistake from keeper Packie Bonner, which gave Wim Jonk the second Dutch goal. The favourites Brazil beat the hosts USA 1-0 to end their fairytale run, but not beofr a bit of controversy. Brazil midfielder Leonardo struck USA's Tab Ramos with a vicuous elbow and was promptly sent-off. However, this wasn't to prove terminal, as Brazil still won 1-0 with ten men thanks to Bebeto's goal. In the last match, Bulgaria continued their remarkable run, with Stoichkov again on the scoresheet. Garcia Aspe equalised with a penalty, but he would be one of three Mexicans to miss in the shoot-out, the Bulgarians prevailing 3-1. The action really stepped up a notch in the quarter-finals, with shocks, great goals, late goals, comebacks, and an innovative celebration which has now been over-used! Italy really showed they were getting up ahead of steam by knocking out Spain, Roberto Baggio scoring a fantastic late winner from a tight angle, after his namesake Dino's goal had been cancelled out by Jose Caminero. Dallas saw a superb game between Brazil and Holland, which swung back and forth. Brazil raced into a 2-0 lead early in the second-half, through goals from Romario and Bebeto. The latter's goal was followed by an arm rocking celebration, with a team-mate either side, to pay tribute to Bebeto's new-born child. But Holland came storming back, with goals from Dennis Bergkamp and Aron Winter. But their joy was to prove short-lived - left-back Branco drilled in a long range free-kick, and the Dutch fell short yet again. The biggest shock, however, came from Bulgaria again. They sensationally knocked out the world champions Germany. Lothar Matthaus gave the Germans the lead with a penalty just after half-time. However, in the space of three minutes towards the end, Stoichkov fired in a long-range free-kick before the bald head of Yordan Letchkov scored a diving header to shock the Germans, who found no way back. In the last quarter-final, there was an exciting game between two of the up-and-coming new footballing nations, Romania and Sweden. Thomas Brolin, of later Leeds and Crystal Palace infamy, gave the Swedes the lead with just over ten minutes remaining. However, with two minutes to go Florin Raducioiu equalised. He scored again in the first period of extra-time, and he looked like he had sent Romania into their first World Cup semi-final. But Kennet Andersson continued his good tournament with a leveller in the 115th minute, and the Swedes won 5-4 on penalties. In the last four, both of the games went to the script. Italy brought to an end the gallant form of Bulgaria. Roberto Baggio scored another two brilliant goals, meaning Stoichkov's penalty just before half-time was in vain. In the other semi, Romario scored a late goal to end the resistance of Sweden, in a repeat of the group match which had finished 1-1. The third/fourth place play-off was only really notable for a crushing win for Sweden, winning 4-0, and a first glimpse of a young, dreadlocked, Henrik Larsson, after he'd played second fiddle to established strikers like Andersson, Brolin and Dahlin. But other than that, in the second half, Bulgaria's players were trying to get the ball to Stoichkov at every opportunity - one more goal would make the striker outright top scorer, one ahead of Oleg Salenko. Alas, it was not to be. The final definitely let downb the rest of the tournament, where faith in World football had been restored after the bore-fest of Italy in 1990. The final was a poor, dour affair, where Italy's catenaccio prevailed over Brazil's total football. The match, inevitably went to penalties. Brazil's Marcio Santos saw the first spot-kick saved by Pagliuca, but that was as good as it got for the Italians. Captain Franco Baresi saw Claudio Taffarel repeat that feat, and when Daniele Massaro missed for Italy, their hero of the tournament, Roberto Baggio, was left needing to convert his penalty to keep the hopes of his nation alive. Of course, we all know what happened next. The ball sailed into the crowd, and 'The Divinie Ponytail' became the scapegoat. This, despite the great playmaker virtually carrying Italy to the final on his shoulders. And with that, Brazil clinched their fourth World Cup, one more than their vanquished opponents. This was probably their worst team to win the big prize, and it's hard to suggest the 1994 vintage was better than their 1982 or 1986 counterparts. But, as they say, it's the final result that counts! Football's a funny old game, isn't it? When the greatest show on earth would pitch up in France in 1998, the format would have expanded even more, to the 32 teams we will see in South Africa. But, more teams from more different places over the world were becoming more competitive - seen by the likes of Bulgaria and Sweden reaching the semis, not forgetting the performances of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. It really was a world game now.
CONTROVERSY - DIEGO MARADONA
You can't really be surprised at this can you? Having scored in Argentina's 4-0 win over Greece, and helped them defeat Nigeria to clinch their passage into the second round, Maradona failed a drugs test, for the banned substance ephedrine. Maradona argued he failed the test because his personal trainer had given him the power drink Rip Fuel. He claimed that the US version, unlike the Argentinian, contained the chemical, and having run out of his supply, his trainer bought him the US version. He also claimed that he had an agreement with FIFA to take the drug to help him lose weight so he could play and the competition didn't lose prestige. FIFA apparently reneged on this, but this allegation has never been proven. Not too paranoid then!
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - HRISTRO STOICHOV
Bulgaria were undoubtedly the surprise package of this tournament, spurred on by the greatest player in the country's footballing history - Hristo Stoichkov. His six goals were the impetus behind them surpassing anything they've achieved in international football, before or since, by some distance. There were other talented players in the squad, like Yordan Letchkov and Krasimir Balakov, but the pace, power, attitude and finsihing ability of Stoichkov were crucial. He scored three goals in the group games, before important goals against Mexico and Germany. He was a key player in a talented Barcelona side when USA '94 came about, but his form was still astounding.
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - SAEED EL-OWAIRAN
This goal against Belgium, which sealed Saudi Arabia's place in the last 16 on their World Cup debut. He picked up the ball inside his own half, and just waltzed past the Belgian defence before slotting past keeper Michel Preud'homme. And there were only five minutes on the clock!
GAFFE OF THE TOURNAMENT - OFFICIALS AT MEXICO VS REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
The Republic of Ireland, having surprisingly beaten one of the favourites Italy in their first game, found themselves 2-0 down against Mexico in their second game. That's when it started to get tetchy, though. In some misguided show of power, the linesman refused to allow Ireland manager Jack Charlton to bring on John Aldridge as substitute. The reasons still remain unclear, but the argument got so ferocious that Charlton was sent to the stand, fined, and banned from the touchline for the next match. Charlton eventually got his wish, and Aldridge joined the fray with 23 minutes remaining. Although he couldn't prevent his country slipping to defeat, Aldridge's consolation proved crucial in the Irish qualifying on goals scored.
TRAGEDY - ANDREAS ESCOBAR
No matter what this World Cup is remembered for, it will always be tinged with the tragedy of Andreas Escobar. He scored an unfortunate own goal, stretching to cut out a cross from John Harkes, but instead diverting the ball into his own net. This, apparently, wrote his fate. Colombia were eliminated in the first round, and days after his return to Colombia, Escobar was shot dead outside a bar in his home town of Medellin. It is thought that the own goal contributed to many powerful drug lords losing money, who had bet money on Colombia reaching the second round. Legend has it the killer shouted 'goal' after each of the 12 bullets he fired into Escobar, mimicking South American sports commentators. Humberto Munoz Castro, a teacher at a local school was found guilty of murder in June 1995 and sentenced to serve 43 years in prison. This was reduced to 26, and he was released on good behaviour in 2005. There really is no justice in the world.
MASCOT - STRYKER
The official mascot for USA '94 was Stryker, a dog wearing a red, white and blue football kit(the American colours), while kicking a football. The spelling of the name is as confusing to me as you!
The World Cup in 1994 penetrated the United States of America for the first time - so maybe we should call it the soccer World Cup. But to be fair, the locals really got into it. It did help that the home team had a good tournament. It was also the last time the World Cup featured 24 teams, before it expanded to its current bloated number of 32! The tournament started in farcical. In a lavish opneing ceremony, soul diva Diana Ross took a penalty towards a mini goal from just a few yards out. She missed comfortably, but the goal still broke and fell apart - I don't think that was part of the script! There were three newcomers in the World Cup - Greece, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. The latter two will definitely have been pleased with their performance. Due to the political upheaval in Europe, and the fall of Communism in the East, there were technically two new countries involved - the Soviet Union became plain old Russia (having been CIS in Euro 92) and West Germany merged with East Germany to become Germany for the first time since before World War Two. This was definitely more beneficial to the East Germans, as they didn't bring much to the table other than Matthias Sammer. And for the first time since they started competing in the World Cup back in 1950, no British teams qualified, so had to look on longingly as the Republic of Ireland too their place in the finals for the second successive tournament. England, under Graham 'Turnip' Taylor, were especially disappointing, losing out to Norway and Holland, Scotland were never close to qualifying behind Italy and Switzerland, while Northern Ireland finished behind their neighbours to the South and Spain. But Wales were perhaps the closest in this instance, to reaching their first finals since 1958. A win in their last game against Romania would have sent Wales to the States. But Paul Bodin missed a penalty when it was 1-1, and the Welsh eventually lost to come so close, yet so far. In the first group, the United States certainly didn't embarass themselves, finsihing as one of the best third place teams. They beat the highly fancied Colombia, who had thrashed Argentina in qualifying. This was to prove especially costly for Andreas Escobar, who had scored a crucial own goal in the game with the States. The Romanians looked good, orchestrated by the great Gheorghe Hagi, even though they lost 4-1 to Switzelrand, managed by the Englishman Roy Hodgson. Dan Petrescu scored against the States to clinch their place in the last 16. Group B was fairly comprehensively dominated by Brazil and Sweden. 1990 surprise package Cameroon almost shocked the Swedes, having come from behind to lead 2-1. But the impressive Martin Dahlin secured a draw. Brazil won their first two games easily, and a 1-1 draw was enough for both to qualify. The dead rubber between Russia and Cameroon was quite extraordinary, however. Russian striker Oleg Slaenko scored five goals in their 6-1 win, and Roger Milla, who scored Cameroon's consolation, became by the far the oldest scorer in World Cup history, at the age of 42! In group C, champions Germany were joined by Spain in the last 16. Jurgen Klinsmann gave them a 1-0 win over Bolivia in the opening game. Only South Korea, who scored two late goals to draw 2-2 with Spain. Group D was incredibly well matched between three of the teams - Argentina, and surprise packages Bulgaria and Nigeria, while Greece were the whipping boys. All three beat the Greeks and one of th other two teams once, meaning they all qualified by finishing level on six points. Argentina started well, beating Greece 4-0 thanks to a Gabriel Batistuta hat-trick and one from Diego Maradona, while two Claudio Cannigia goals helped to beat the Nigerians. But it was Maradona's goal in the first game which would catch the headlines, for all the wrong reasons. His celebration, where he went up to one of the cameras and shook his head in a crazed fashion, seemed a little odd. It seemed even more strange when he failed a drugs test days later and was sent home in disgrace, his World Cup career over. Bulgaria lost 3-0 to Nigeria in their opening game, but the goals of Hristo Stoichov fired them into the last 16. They would go on to be the surprise package of USA '94. In the next group, it was even closer - all four teams won one, drew one and lost one, finishing on four points. The group was mostly memorable for a fantastic goal by Republic of Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton, firing over Italian keeper Gianluca Pagliuca from the edge of the area. Norway beat Mexico 1-0 with a late Kjetil Rekdal goal, while Italy beat Norway 1-0, and Mexico beat the Irish 2-1. The latter was noted for a disagreement on the touchline between Irish manager Jack Charlton and the match officials, as he was anxious to introduce substitute John Aldridge when his team were 2-0 down. He eventually got Aldridge on, who reduced the arrears to 2-1. This proved a crucial goal, as both the final matches ended in draws, meaning Ireland qualified ahead of Norway courtesy of socring one more goal. In the final group, neighbours Holland and Belgium both qualified, with the surprise team Saudi Arabia sandwiched between them, all finsihing on six points. Morocoo didn't disgrace themselves in losing all the games, with the deficit being just one in each game. This group was most memorable for a stupendous goal from Saeed Al-Owairan, a solo run from his own half which was enough for the Saudis to qualify for the next round. In the last 16, Germany beat Belgium 3-2 in an entertaining game, with goals from Kilinsmann and Rudi Voller, despite some quesitonable refereeing. They were joined by Spain, who surprinsgly thrashed a talented Switzerland side 3-0, including goals from legends Fernando Hierro and Luis Enrique. Sweden continued their good form, putting paid to a spirit Saudi Arabia team thanks to their talented strike-force of Dahlin and Kennet Andersson. Argentina showed they were not the team of old. Having reached the last two World Cup finals, they well at the first knock-out stage in 1994, against an underrated Romanian team where Gheorghe Hagi was showcasing his talents on the World stage. Ilie Dumitrescu also scored twice, and a late Abel Balbo goal was not enough to prevent the giants slipping to a 3-2 defeat. The Republic slipped to a comprehensive 2-0 defeat against the Dutch, thanks in part to a bad mistake from keeper Packie Bonner, which gave Wim Jonk the second Dutch goal. The favourites Brazil beat the hosts USA 1-0 to end their fairytale run, but not beofr a bit of controversy. Brazil midfielder Leonardo struck USA's Tab Ramos with a vicuous elbow and was promptly sent-off. However, this wasn't to prove terminal, as Brazil still won 1-0 with ten men thanks to Bebeto's goal. In the last match, Bulgaria continued their remarkable run, with Stoichkov again on the scoresheet. Garcia Aspe equalised with a penalty, but he would be one of three Mexicans to miss in the shoot-out, the Bulgarians prevailing 3-1. The action really stepped up a notch in the quarter-finals, with shocks, great goals, late goals, comebacks, and an innovative celebration which has now been over-used! Italy really showed they were getting up ahead of steam by knocking out Spain, Roberto Baggio scoring a fantastic late winner from a tight angle, after his namesake Dino's goal had been cancelled out by Jose Caminero. Dallas saw a superb game between Brazil and Holland, which swung back and forth. Brazil raced into a 2-0 lead early in the second-half, through goals from Romario and Bebeto. The latter's goal was followed by an arm rocking celebration, with a team-mate either side, to pay tribute to Bebeto's new-born child. But Holland came storming back, with goals from Dennis Bergkamp and Aron Winter. But their joy was to prove short-lived - left-back Branco drilled in a long range free-kick, and the Dutch fell short yet again. The biggest shock, however, came from Bulgaria again. They sensationally knocked out the world champions Germany. Lothar Matthaus gave the Germans the lead with a penalty just after half-time. However, in the space of three minutes towards the end, Stoichkov fired in a long-range free-kick before the bald head of Yordan Letchkov scored a diving header to shock the Germans, who found no way back. In the last quarter-final, there was an exciting game between two of the up-and-coming new footballing nations, Romania and Sweden. Thomas Brolin, of later Leeds and Crystal Palace infamy, gave the Swedes the lead with just over ten minutes remaining. However, with two minutes to go Florin Raducioiu equalised. He scored again in the first period of extra-time, and he looked like he had sent Romania into their first World Cup semi-final. But Kennet Andersson continued his good tournament with a leveller in the 115th minute, and the Swedes won 5-4 on penalties. In the last four, both of the games went to the script. Italy brought to an end the gallant form of Bulgaria. Roberto Baggio scored another two brilliant goals, meaning Stoichkov's penalty just before half-time was in vain. In the other semi, Romario scored a late goal to end the resistance of Sweden, in a repeat of the group match which had finished 1-1. The third/fourth place play-off was only really notable for a crushing win for Sweden, winning 4-0, and a first glimpse of a young, dreadlocked, Henrik Larsson, after he'd played second fiddle to established strikers like Andersson, Brolin and Dahlin. But other than that, in the second half, Bulgaria's players were trying to get the ball to Stoichkov at every opportunity - one more goal would make the striker outright top scorer, one ahead of Oleg Salenko. Alas, it was not to be. The final definitely let downb the rest of the tournament, where faith in World football had been restored after the bore-fest of Italy in 1990. The final was a poor, dour affair, where Italy's catenaccio prevailed over Brazil's total football. The match, inevitably went to penalties. Brazil's Marcio Santos saw the first spot-kick saved by Pagliuca, but that was as good as it got for the Italians. Captain Franco Baresi saw Claudio Taffarel repeat that feat, and when Daniele Massaro missed for Italy, their hero of the tournament, Roberto Baggio, was left needing to convert his penalty to keep the hopes of his nation alive. Of course, we all know what happened next. The ball sailed into the crowd, and 'The Divinie Ponytail' became the scapegoat. This, despite the great playmaker virtually carrying Italy to the final on his shoulders. And with that, Brazil clinched their fourth World Cup, one more than their vanquished opponents. This was probably their worst team to win the big prize, and it's hard to suggest the 1994 vintage was better than their 1982 or 1986 counterparts. But, as they say, it's the final result that counts! Football's a funny old game, isn't it? When the greatest show on earth would pitch up in France in 1998, the format would have expanded even more, to the 32 teams we will see in South Africa. But, more teams from more different places over the world were becoming more competitive - seen by the likes of Bulgaria and Sweden reaching the semis, not forgetting the performances of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. It really was a world game now.
CONTROVERSY - DIEGO MARADONA
You can't really be surprised at this can you? Having scored in Argentina's 4-0 win over Greece, and helped them defeat Nigeria to clinch their passage into the second round, Maradona failed a drugs test, for the banned substance ephedrine. Maradona argued he failed the test because his personal trainer had given him the power drink Rip Fuel. He claimed that the US version, unlike the Argentinian, contained the chemical, and having run out of his supply, his trainer bought him the US version. He also claimed that he had an agreement with FIFA to take the drug to help him lose weight so he could play and the competition didn't lose prestige. FIFA apparently reneged on this, but this allegation has never been proven. Not too paranoid then!
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - HRISTRO STOICHOV
Bulgaria were undoubtedly the surprise package of this tournament, spurred on by the greatest player in the country's footballing history - Hristo Stoichkov. His six goals were the impetus behind them surpassing anything they've achieved in international football, before or since, by some distance. There were other talented players in the squad, like Yordan Letchkov and Krasimir Balakov, but the pace, power, attitude and finsihing ability of Stoichkov were crucial. He scored three goals in the group games, before important goals against Mexico and Germany. He was a key player in a talented Barcelona side when USA '94 came about, but his form was still astounding.
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - SAEED EL-OWAIRAN
This goal against Belgium, which sealed Saudi Arabia's place in the last 16 on their World Cup debut. He picked up the ball inside his own half, and just waltzed past the Belgian defence before slotting past keeper Michel Preud'homme. And there were only five minutes on the clock!
GAFFE OF THE TOURNAMENT - OFFICIALS AT MEXICO VS REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
The Republic of Ireland, having surprisingly beaten one of the favourites Italy in their first game, found themselves 2-0 down against Mexico in their second game. That's when it started to get tetchy, though. In some misguided show of power, the linesman refused to allow Ireland manager Jack Charlton to bring on John Aldridge as substitute. The reasons still remain unclear, but the argument got so ferocious that Charlton was sent to the stand, fined, and banned from the touchline for the next match. Charlton eventually got his wish, and Aldridge joined the fray with 23 minutes remaining. Although he couldn't prevent his country slipping to defeat, Aldridge's consolation proved crucial in the Irish qualifying on goals scored.
TRAGEDY - ANDREAS ESCOBAR
No matter what this World Cup is remembered for, it will always be tinged with the tragedy of Andreas Escobar. He scored an unfortunate own goal, stretching to cut out a cross from John Harkes, but instead diverting the ball into his own net. This, apparently, wrote his fate. Colombia were eliminated in the first round, and days after his return to Colombia, Escobar was shot dead outside a bar in his home town of Medellin. It is thought that the own goal contributed to many powerful drug lords losing money, who had bet money on Colombia reaching the second round. Legend has it the killer shouted 'goal' after each of the 12 bullets he fired into Escobar, mimicking South American sports commentators. Humberto Munoz Castro, a teacher at a local school was found guilty of murder in June 1995 and sentenced to serve 43 years in prison. This was reduced to 26, and he was released on good behaviour in 2005. There really is no justice in the world.
MASCOT - STRYKER
The official mascot for USA '94 was Stryker, a dog wearing a red, white and blue football kit(the American colours), while kicking a football. The spelling of the name is as confusing to me as you!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
MEXICO 1986
The 1986 World Cup in Mexico, 16 years after the first tournament held in the Central American country, was all about one man - Diego Armando Maradona. mMostly for good reasons, but also for one bad - the infamous 'Hand of God' goal, five minutes before his astonishing second goal. Mexico was the second choice venue, after the original choice, Colombia, had to withdraw in 1982 due to economic reasons. There were again 16 teams, but the second group phase was done away with. There were six groups of four teams each, and the top two went through, as well as the best four third place teams into a straight knock-out last 16. So still fairly complicated. Maradona stamped his mark on this World Cup like no-one else had ever done before, or since for that matter. There were three newcomers in Mexico 1986 - Canada, Denmark and Iraq. Denmark were defintely the most competent of that trio. In group A, Argentina started off in awesome form, with Maradona unsurprisingly to the fore. World champions Italy also joined them in the next round, thanks to three goals from Alessandro Altobelli, and minnows Bulgaria surprsingly sneaked through in third place, despite only gaining two points and two goals. Mexico went through easily in group B, and were joined by Belgium and Paraguay, who both drew with each other and beat Iraq. Belgium in particular started to look goods, with a talented generation including Enzo Scifo and Jan Ceulemans. Iraq, in the midst of a devestating war with Iran, did not disgrace themselves in what has been their only finals appearance to date. In group C, the group was dominated by European Champions (and one of the favourites France) and a strong Soviet Union side, with Communist war coming to an end. Hungary showed the world they were no longer the force they once were, losing 3-0 to France and 6-0 to the Soviets. The two giants drew 1-1- with each other in a superb match. In the next group, Brazil, not surprisingly, looked strong. Brazil won all their matches, including the crucial one against Spain 1-0. The Spanish followed them into the last 16. This group was notably for a sparkling goal by Josimar in Brazil's 3-0 win over Northern Ireland. It was also the great Pat Jennings last appearance in goal for the Irish. Group D is widely considered as the toughest group in the 1986 tournamant. Denmark were the star team, with the goals if Preben Elkjaer and creativity of Soren Lerby, Jan Molby, Michael Laudrup and Jesper Olsen among others, and they beat Uruguay 6-1 and 1982 runners-up West Germany 2-0. The West Germans went through, having beaten Scotland 2-1, despite Gordon Strachan giving the Scots the lead. This time, the Scots didn't even come close to qualifying. This group was also notable for the fastest sending off in World Cup history, Uruguay's Jose Batista after 56 seconds in their final game against the Scotland. But they held on to draw 0-0, which was enough to send them through as one of the best third place teams. In the final group, England started off abysmally, losing to an underrated Portugal 1-0. Manager Bobby Robson was under pressure, and this didn't improve with a 0-0 draw against Morocco, with Ray Wilkins being sent-off for England. Something had to change - and Peter Beardsley was introduced to partner Gary Lineker. It worked - Liniker scored a first half hat-trick, largely thanks to the role of Beardsley, and England finsihed second, sandwiched between Morocco (showing the growing ability of African football) and Poland, who also qualified. So in the second round, there was a straight knock-out format for the first time. And this certainly added to the excitement. Mexico matched their performance when they hosted the 1970 tournament, beating Bulgaria 2-0 to reach the last eight. The next game saw one of the best games of the 1986 tournament. And in something of a shock, the highly fancied Soviet Union, who had finished ahead of France in their group, lost 4-3 after extra-time, to a talented Belgium, despite Igor Belanov scoring a hat-trick. The Soviets were 1-0 and 2-1 up, but Ceulemans took the game into extra-time, where goals from Stephane Demol and Nico Claesen clinched the win before Belanov completed his hat-trick. Brazil continued their good form by beating Poland 4-0, who had finished thrid in 1982. In a repeat of the 1930 final, Argentina narrowly defeated an unadventurous Uruguay 1-0. France defeated Italy to end their reign as World Champions, thanks to goals from Michel Platini and Yannick Stopyra. There was almost a huge upset between West Germany and Morocco. The Africans kept out their illustrious neighbours until the 87th minute, when the great sweeper Lothar Matthaus finally broke their resistance. Goalkeeper Badou Zaki was almost the hero for Morocco. Gary Lineker and Peter Beardsley continued their fruitful partnership, scoring the goals in a 3-0 win over Paraguay. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the second round, though, came in the final match. Denmark had been perhaps the best team in the group phase, while Spain were unimpressive in finishing behind Brazil in their group. And when Jesper Olsen scored a penalty, it looked like the script was being followed. But Emilio Butragueno scored just before half-time, and the tide turned. He added another three second-half goals, and Andoni Goikoetxea added a penalty to cap an extraordinary turnaround. Of the quarter-finals, three of them went to penalties, starting with France and Brazil. This was a special match, and in another tournament, would have been the game of the finals. Careca gave Brazil the lead, before the great Michel Platini scored on his final World Cup. Joel Bats saved a Zico penalty in the second-half, to send the game to penalties. Socrates missed for Brazil, before, against all odds, Platini fired over to level the scores again. The decisive miss came from Julio Cesar, leaving Luis Fernandez to put the French through to their second successive semi-final. West Germany played out a dour 0-0 draw with the hosts Mexico and won 4-1 to end home hopes. After all, the Germans never lose on penalties do they! Belgium continued their excellent run. The brilliant Ceulemans gave them the lead, before the brilliantly named Senor equalised with five minutes left. So, another game went to penalties, and Belgium progressed 5-4 on penalties, Eloy with the crucial miss. But, the stand-out quarter-final was the old grudge match between Argentina and England. There was some bad blood here - there was still some bad feeling over the 1966 World Cup quarter-final, and obviously the more recent, hostile, Falklands War. The first-half was pretty uneventful, but the secind wasn't. Maradona scored a goal by cheating, and then the 'goal of the century.' England seemed spent, but then John Barned entered the fray with 16 minutes to go. He created a goal for Lineker with a magnificent cross, and performed the same trick minutes later. However, with the goal at his mercy, the ball was just nipped off Lineker's feet by a last-gasp touch from an Argentine defender. After the match, Maradona described his first goal as 'a little bit of my head and a little bit of the hand of God.' English manager Bobby Robson said 'it was the hand of a rascal.' It was clear there was a difference of opinion here! In the semis, they were both fairly clear cut. The Germans beat France 2-0 in a repeat of the 1982 semi-final, with the scoreline far more comprehensive. Andreas Brehme and Rudi Voller did the damage. Maradona continued his sparkling form against Belgium, with another brilliant two goals to defeat the tournament's surprise package. The great man put the crowning glory on his tournament by leading Argentina to their second World Cup. Jose Brown and Jorge Valdano put them 2-0 up. This looked like it was game over, but Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Voller brought it back to 2-2 within minutes. However, Maradona would save his best until last. With seven minutes remaining, Maradona played a glorious pass from his own half, enabling Jorge Burruchaga to win the cup for the Argentines. Never has a player made his mark on a single tournament as Maradona. He won the quart-finals and semis single handedly, and his influence won the final for Argentina. They weren't a bad team - but Maradona made them a great team.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - DIEGO MARADONA
After a fairly tame group phase, where his only goal was an equaliser against World Champions Italy. But, in the game against England, he really sprung to life. Never has a player provided so many memorable different moments in a single tournament, mostly for the right reason, and once for the wrong reason. As they say, the greatest players in the world will always stamp their mark on the biggest stage of all.
CONTROVERSY - DIEGO MARADONA
Who else, in the tournament he dominated. He may have lit up the world, with some sparkling goals and performances, but this may not have been possible without 'The Hand of God'. The ball was pinging around the English area, when Steve Hodge thumped a clearance up in the air. The ball flew back towards his own goal, and keeper Peter Shilton seemed to have the ball covered. But somehow, little Diego Maradona outjumped to beat the giant Shilton to the ball and head it in to the net. Except he didn't. The English players immediately started protesting to the referee, and it was hard to see where originally. Until you saw the replays, and Maradona clearly punched the ball into the net. But their protests fell on deaf ears, and this laid the foundations for something truly memorable (but for completely different reasons) just five minutes later.
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - DIEGO MARADONA
Five minutes after one of the greatest controversy in football history, came arguably the greatest goal in football history. And again, Maradona was in the centre of the action. Maradona received the ball in his own half, and set out towards goal. He passed Hodge, Beardsley, Terry Butcher and Terry Fenwick. No-one could get near him, and dribbled around Shilton and shot into the empty net. It was quite extraordinary, and left England with too much to do. It was later voted goal of the century.
GAFFE OF THE TOURNAMENT - BOBBY ROBSON
This was probably the best English performance at the World Cup other than the 1966 win at home. It got started slowly, but it gathered speed with thrashings of Poland and Portugal, after Lineker was paired with Beardsley. They came unstuck, with the good and the bad of Diego Maradona, and it could all have been so different. There is no question that Robson waited too long to introduce John Barnes to the fray. When he did, the winger created a goal and came so close to creating another for Lineker. Instead, it was a question of what might have been.
HOME NATIONS
England were undoubtedly the best performing nation from the home nations. They reached their first quarter-finals since 1970, and it could all have been very different had it not been for a certain Diego Maradona, in the famous and infamous game in the Azteca.
MASCOT - PIQUE
Pique was a jalapeno pepper (obviously!) It was characteristic of Mexican cuisine, and had a moustache, a sombrero, and wore Mexico's team colours.
ITALY 1990
After a brilliant tournament in the heat of Mexico in 1986, the 1990 edition in Italy is widely regarded as the most dour and negative tournament ever. Goals were a rarity, defences were fierce and hard and attacking quality was at a premium. There were three new qualifiers - Costa Rica, Republic of Ireland and the UAE. The first two definitely overperformed and made their mark on the world occasion. There were, as always, some talented absentees - Denmark, Poland, and most surprisingly, 1982 and 1986 semi-finalists France. USA also qualified for the first time since 1950, and they have appeared in every tournament since. There was controversy before the tournament even started, with Mexico and Chile disqualified from the qualification process - the former for fielding an overage player in a youth tournament, and the latter because their keeper, Roberto Rojas, faked an injury in a qualifier to get a match abandoned! The format was unchanged from four years previously, and this seems to have been the one FIFA had settled on. Until the number of qualifiers was expanded in 1998, that is! The star of the tournament hosts, was undoubtedly Salvatore 'Toto' Schillaci. That is why we all love the World Cup so much. A player can be completely unheralded, but breakthrough at the right time and right their name into World Cup history. That's what happened with Toto. In his Italian career, he won 16 caps and scored seven goals. Seven of these caps and six of these goals came in Italia '90. Italy qualified comfortably, largely thanks to Schillaci and Roberto Baggio, and they were joined by Czechoslovakia, in their last tournament before the country split up. Tomas Skuhravy was particularly impressive for the Czechs. In group B, we saw one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Cameroon sprang the shock of the tournament by beating champions Argentina in the opneing game. This despite being reduced to nine men. Francois Oman Biyik's goal was enough. A win against Romania, courtesy of two goals from substitute Roger Milla, was enough for them to progress. Argentina and Romania played out a 1-1 draw to ensure both went through, at the expense of the soon to be defunct Soviet Union. With the Berlin Wall having been torn down less than a year before the tournament, this was a strange time historically for football. Diego Maradona was not the same influence he had been in Mexico. Scotland suffered yet more World Cup disappointment. They lost to Costa Rica in a huge upset in their opening game - Juan Cayasso was the hero. Ally McCoist and a Mo Johnston penalty clinched a win over Sweden, but this still left them needing a point against Brazil in their last game to become one of the best third placed teams. In an agonising twist of fate, substitute Muller sent the Scots crashing out with eight minutes remaining. In group D, UAE were certainly the whipping boys, losing 2-0, 5-1 and 4-1 to Colombia, West Germany and Yugoslavia respectively. West Germany, in their last tournament before unification, went through comfortably, thanks to another big win, 4-1 against Yugoslavia. The Yugoslavs also progressed, as did the Colombians, thanks to a 1-1 draw in their final game against the Germans, a last minute Freddy Rincon goal proving the decisive one. The Germans looked impressive, with Matthaus, Klinsmann and Voller to the fore. Belgium and Spain qualified comfortably from group E - the latter with help of a Michel hat-trick in beating South Korea. But two time champions Uruguay only qualified thanks to a last gasp Daniel Fonseca winner against the Koreans - meaning they were the worst performing of the third placed sides who remained in the tournament. England's group was one of the tighest in World Cup history. It included the European Champions Holland as well as the Republic of Ireland on their World Cup debut - the Irish had of course beaten England famously in said Euro 88 championships. England started well against the Irish, Gary Lineker continuing his great World Cup form with an eight minute striker. But Everton striker Kevin Sheedy spoilt the party with a late equaliser. Egypt surprisingly held the Dutch and the Irish, while England and Holland fought out a dour 0-0 draw. The decisive reult came in the final set of matches - in fact, it was the only decisive result! Mark Wright's header gave England a 1-0 win over Egypt, while Niall Quinn's goal against Holland earned the Republic a second round berth. In the second round, defences and discipline again prevailed. Roger Milla got the knock out stages under way by continuing his heroics against Colombia. Milla clinched the win with his second in extra-time, disposseing the mad Colombian keeper Rene Higuita who had ventured forward, and racing through to slot into an empty net. Czechoslovakia prolonged their final tournament, easily dismantling Costa Rica 4-1 thanks largely to a hat-trick from the impresseive Tomas Skuhravy. Groans were heard around the world everywhere when Argentina beat Brazil in the all South American affair. Brazil wasted chance after chance, with keeper Sergio Goycochea in inspired form, and Maradona went on a magical solo run to set up the winner for Claudio Cannigia. In an intriguing bit of controversy, it was claimed water offered to Brazilian player Branco by the Argentinian defence contained a tranquilisier! However, nothing was ever proven. The game between two of the favourites, West Germany and Holland, was mostly remembered for being an ugly affair. In the 22nd minute, Rudi Voller and Frank Rijkaard clashed in the Dutch half. Voller launched spit in Rijkaard's direction, and Voller reacted. Both were sent off. Jurgen Klinsmann and Andreas Brehme put the Germans in charge on the pitch, and Ronald Koeman's penalty was too little, too late. Italy did for a dour Uruguay side 2-0, with 'Toto' Schillaci again on the scoresheet. The Republic of Ireland continued their remarkable progress, drawing 0-0 with Romania before defeating them 5-4 on penalties, legend David O'Leary scoring the decisive kick. Dragan Stojkovic was the hero for Yugoslavia, his two goals defeating a talented Spain team, the winner coming in extra-time. England were the last nation to book their quarter-final place. Belgium were on top for large parts of a game devoid of incident, but the decisive moment came with just a minute remaining in extra-time. Paul Gascoigne took over a free-kick midway inside the Belgian half, and, with quick thinking, dinked a quickly taken free-kick into David Platt. The substitute, with the ball coming over his shoulder, swivelled and volleyed the ball into the far corner, in one of the most iconic moments in England's World Cup history. The quarter-finals were again, more or less, dominated by defences. None more so than the first encounter - Yugoslavia and Argentina drew 0-0, and Goycochea was again the Argentine hero, saving three penalties. He was only playing because the first choice, Pumpido, had gotten injured during the group stages. The gallant effort of Ireland was brought to an end, with another goal from Schillaci putting the host through, and a penalty from Matthaus was enough for West Germany to see off Czechoslovakia, in yet another game almost devoid of quality. So, all the quarter-final action came in the last game, between England and surprise package Cameroon. The English were very cocky pre-match, writing off the chances of their opponents, and this seemed justified when Platt continued his good form by heading England into a half-time lead. But the introduction in the interval of Milla, one of the original super-subs, changed the complexion of a game. In the 61st minute, Milla won a penalty which Emmanuel Kunde converted, and within five minutes, the Africans had taken a shock lead, when a brilliant Milla pass released Eugene Ekeke to score. But, just as it seemed England were going to be humiliated, they were awarded a penalty of their own, which Lineker converted. Another penalty, in extra-time, prevented embarassment and set up a semi-final with old foes West Germany. In the first semi-final, 'Toto' Schillaci scored again, but a Cannigia equaliser was enough to take the match into extra-time and penalties. Goycochea was again the hero, saving two Italian penalties, leaving Maradona with the chance to put Argentina into their second successive final. Which they took, off course. The second semi also finished 1-1, but was a far better game. There was emotion, controversy and near misses. But it started with a fortuitous goal for Germany, a long-range free-kick from Brehme taking a huge deflection off the on-rushing Paul Parker, and looping into the net. To this day, there are question marks about the role of the 40-year-old keeper Peter Shilton in the goal. Gary Lineker scored a goal so typical of him, opportunistically firing into the corner from the edge of the area, to take the match into extra-time. The game went back and forth, this way and that. Both sides came close, most notably when England winger Chris Waddle fired against the bar from almost 40 yards. There were tears, as well, as Gascoigne received a booking for a needless foul, meaning he would miss the final should England reach out. Then there was the iconic signal from Lineker to the England bench, signalling they needed to watch Gazze. But there were no more goals, and penalties it was. Stuart Pearce, and more famously Waddle, were the guilty parties. This would give them the opportunity to star in a Pizza Hut advert alongside fellow penalty shoot-out culprit Gareth Southgate, though. It was agonising for England, the closest they had come to reaching a World Cup final in any tournament apart from 1966. The final is generally regarded as the worst of all time. Argentina were reduced to ten men, not surprising considering their attitude to the tournament. Chances were pretty much non-existent, until Gustavo Dezotti hauled Jurgen Kohler to the ground with five minutes remaining. Brehme converted the penalty, and there was no way this awful Argentina team would find a way back, especially as Maradona was no longer inspiring them. And so, the poorest World Cup in history came to an end. West Germany won their thrid title, equalling the achievements of Brazil and Italy. But no-one really cared. Italy 1990 had the lowest goals per game ratio of any tournament ever. There were also an asotnishing four penalty shoot-outs. But another four games went to extra-time, with another two containing just one goal, the goal being a penalty. The world prayed we'd never experience such a defence minded, negative and cynical tournament again. And thankfully, in the USA in 1994, our faith in beautiful football was restored and we remembered the tournament for the righ reasons (except the final again!) It's just a pity England weren't there to enjoy the party!
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT -ROGER MILLA
Never has a player so old lit up a World Cup. I mean, how old was he really?! Cameroon's quarter-final appearance in 1990 remains the best performance by an African nation to date, and this was largely thanks to Milla. All of his four goals were topped off by an extravagant celebration, performing a tribal dance around the corner flag! He scored crucial goals against Romania and Colombia, but he was at his best against England. Bobby Robson and his men were disparaging in the warm-up, but Milla almost made them eat their words. A superb pass brought them level having gone behind, before winning a penalty, which was converted to give Cameroon a lead they held on to until the 82nd minute. The archetypal super-sub, the general consensus is that he had just turned 38 when he boarded the plane to Italy!
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - ROBERTO BAGGIO
Baggio scored the greatest individual goal of his home World Cup. It didn't quite match up with Maradona's effort in terms of importance and quality, but it didn't come far short of the latter. He went on a superb individual run, waltzing in and out of Czech defenders, before lifting the ball over the onrushing keeper. However, for the majority of the tournament, he was overshadowed by the previously unheralded 'Toto' Schillaci.
GAFFE OF THE TOURNAMENT - ARGENTINA IN THE OPENING GAME
This has to rank as the biggest opening game upset of all time - that is, until the then World Champions France ran into the brick wall that was Senegal. This was the first indication that his class of Argentinian football was not comparable to the great effort we'd seen four years previously. Yes, they'd reached the final, but that was more by luck than judgment. They lost 1-0 in the tournament's opening game against a Cameroon we would soon find out were rather good. And this was despite the Africans being reduced to nine men, displaying some rather rough tactics!
FLASH IN THE PAN - 'TOTO' SCHILLACI
You get these sometimes in major tournaments, where they are in the right place at the right time. Paolo Rossi came good at the right time to help Italy win the World Cup in 1982. But his Italy career spanned three World Cups, and he won over 50 caps with a goals to games ratio of almost one in two. The same could not be said of Schillaci. His Italy career spanned from 1990 to 1991. He scored just one more goal for Italy after the end of the tournament, against Norway in 1991, and within four years he was playing in Japan. But he is still revered in Italy to this day!
HOME NATIONS
The England team which travelled to Italy in 1990 is widely regarded as second to only the 1966 World Cup winners. And this team, after a slow start, got into their rythym, with stars like Gary Lineker, David Platt, Chris Waddle, and the introduction onto the world stage of Paul Gascoigne. After some dour performances in the group phase, they scraped past Belgium thanks to some quick thinking from Gascoigne and a tremendous Platt volley in the 199th minute of their second round encounter. Having enjoyed an element of luck and yet more extra-time to edge past the unfancied Cameroon, they came up against old enemies Germany. And what a game it turned out to be. Ebbing backwards and forwards, goals, controversy, near misses and eventually another peanlty shoot-out defeat. It was a case of so close, yet so far. Scotland disappointed again as is their want, failing to make it past the first round. But Ireland were a pleasant surprise on their World Cup debut, playing with great fight and spirit and only losing narrowly in the quarter-finals to the hosts
MASCOT - CIAO
Slang for 'goodbye' in Italian, Ciao was a stick figure player with a football for a head, and an Italian tricolor body. Well, why wouldn't it be?!
The 1986 World Cup in Mexico, 16 years after the first tournament held in the Central American country, was all about one man - Diego Armando Maradona. mMostly for good reasons, but also for one bad - the infamous 'Hand of God' goal, five minutes before his astonishing second goal. Mexico was the second choice venue, after the original choice, Colombia, had to withdraw in 1982 due to economic reasons. There were again 16 teams, but the second group phase was done away with. There were six groups of four teams each, and the top two went through, as well as the best four third place teams into a straight knock-out last 16. So still fairly complicated. Maradona stamped his mark on this World Cup like no-one else had ever done before, or since for that matter. There were three newcomers in Mexico 1986 - Canada, Denmark and Iraq. Denmark were defintely the most competent of that trio. In group A, Argentina started off in awesome form, with Maradona unsurprisingly to the fore. World champions Italy also joined them in the next round, thanks to three goals from Alessandro Altobelli, and minnows Bulgaria surprsingly sneaked through in third place, despite only gaining two points and two goals. Mexico went through easily in group B, and were joined by Belgium and Paraguay, who both drew with each other and beat Iraq. Belgium in particular started to look goods, with a talented generation including Enzo Scifo and Jan Ceulemans. Iraq, in the midst of a devestating war with Iran, did not disgrace themselves in what has been their only finals appearance to date. In group C, the group was dominated by European Champions (and one of the favourites France) and a strong Soviet Union side, with Communist war coming to an end. Hungary showed the world they were no longer the force they once were, losing 3-0 to France and 6-0 to the Soviets. The two giants drew 1-1- with each other in a superb match. In the next group, Brazil, not surprisingly, looked strong. Brazil won all their matches, including the crucial one against Spain 1-0. The Spanish followed them into the last 16. This group was notably for a sparkling goal by Josimar in Brazil's 3-0 win over Northern Ireland. It was also the great Pat Jennings last appearance in goal for the Irish. Group D is widely considered as the toughest group in the 1986 tournamant. Denmark were the star team, with the goals if Preben Elkjaer and creativity of Soren Lerby, Jan Molby, Michael Laudrup and Jesper Olsen among others, and they beat Uruguay 6-1 and 1982 runners-up West Germany 2-0. The West Germans went through, having beaten Scotland 2-1, despite Gordon Strachan giving the Scots the lead. This time, the Scots didn't even come close to qualifying. This group was also notable for the fastest sending off in World Cup history, Uruguay's Jose Batista after 56 seconds in their final game against the Scotland. But they held on to draw 0-0, which was enough to send them through as one of the best third place teams. In the final group, England started off abysmally, losing to an underrated Portugal 1-0. Manager Bobby Robson was under pressure, and this didn't improve with a 0-0 draw against Morocco, with Ray Wilkins being sent-off for England. Something had to change - and Peter Beardsley was introduced to partner Gary Lineker. It worked - Liniker scored a first half hat-trick, largely thanks to the role of Beardsley, and England finsihed second, sandwiched between Morocco (showing the growing ability of African football) and Poland, who also qualified. So in the second round, there was a straight knock-out format for the first time. And this certainly added to the excitement. Mexico matched their performance when they hosted the 1970 tournament, beating Bulgaria 2-0 to reach the last eight. The next game saw one of the best games of the 1986 tournament. And in something of a shock, the highly fancied Soviet Union, who had finished ahead of France in their group, lost 4-3 after extra-time, to a talented Belgium, despite Igor Belanov scoring a hat-trick. The Soviets were 1-0 and 2-1 up, but Ceulemans took the game into extra-time, where goals from Stephane Demol and Nico Claesen clinched the win before Belanov completed his hat-trick. Brazil continued their good form by beating Poland 4-0, who had finished thrid in 1982. In a repeat of the 1930 final, Argentina narrowly defeated an unadventurous Uruguay 1-0. France defeated Italy to end their reign as World Champions, thanks to goals from Michel Platini and Yannick Stopyra. There was almost a huge upset between West Germany and Morocco. The Africans kept out their illustrious neighbours until the 87th minute, when the great sweeper Lothar Matthaus finally broke their resistance. Goalkeeper Badou Zaki was almost the hero for Morocco. Gary Lineker and Peter Beardsley continued their fruitful partnership, scoring the goals in a 3-0 win over Paraguay. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the second round, though, came in the final match. Denmark had been perhaps the best team in the group phase, while Spain were unimpressive in finishing behind Brazil in their group. And when Jesper Olsen scored a penalty, it looked like the script was being followed. But Emilio Butragueno scored just before half-time, and the tide turned. He added another three second-half goals, and Andoni Goikoetxea added a penalty to cap an extraordinary turnaround. Of the quarter-finals, three of them went to penalties, starting with France and Brazil. This was a special match, and in another tournament, would have been the game of the finals. Careca gave Brazil the lead, before the great Michel Platini scored on his final World Cup. Joel Bats saved a Zico penalty in the second-half, to send the game to penalties. Socrates missed for Brazil, before, against all odds, Platini fired over to level the scores again. The decisive miss came from Julio Cesar, leaving Luis Fernandez to put the French through to their second successive semi-final. West Germany played out a dour 0-0 draw with the hosts Mexico and won 4-1 to end home hopes. After all, the Germans never lose on penalties do they! Belgium continued their excellent run. The brilliant Ceulemans gave them the lead, before the brilliantly named Senor equalised with five minutes left. So, another game went to penalties, and Belgium progressed 5-4 on penalties, Eloy with the crucial miss. But, the stand-out quarter-final was the old grudge match between Argentina and England. There was some bad blood here - there was still some bad feeling over the 1966 World Cup quarter-final, and obviously the more recent, hostile, Falklands War. The first-half was pretty uneventful, but the secind wasn't. Maradona scored a goal by cheating, and then the 'goal of the century.' England seemed spent, but then John Barned entered the fray with 16 minutes to go. He created a goal for Lineker with a magnificent cross, and performed the same trick minutes later. However, with the goal at his mercy, the ball was just nipped off Lineker's feet by a last-gasp touch from an Argentine defender. After the match, Maradona described his first goal as 'a little bit of my head and a little bit of the hand of God.' English manager Bobby Robson said 'it was the hand of a rascal.' It was clear there was a difference of opinion here! In the semis, they were both fairly clear cut. The Germans beat France 2-0 in a repeat of the 1982 semi-final, with the scoreline far more comprehensive. Andreas Brehme and Rudi Voller did the damage. Maradona continued his sparkling form against Belgium, with another brilliant two goals to defeat the tournament's surprise package. The great man put the crowning glory on his tournament by leading Argentina to their second World Cup. Jose Brown and Jorge Valdano put them 2-0 up. This looked like it was game over, but Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Voller brought it back to 2-2 within minutes. However, Maradona would save his best until last. With seven minutes remaining, Maradona played a glorious pass from his own half, enabling Jorge Burruchaga to win the cup for the Argentines. Never has a player made his mark on a single tournament as Maradona. He won the quart-finals and semis single handedly, and his influence won the final for Argentina. They weren't a bad team - but Maradona made them a great team.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - DIEGO MARADONA
After a fairly tame group phase, where his only goal was an equaliser against World Champions Italy. But, in the game against England, he really sprung to life. Never has a player provided so many memorable different moments in a single tournament, mostly for the right reason, and once for the wrong reason. As they say, the greatest players in the world will always stamp their mark on the biggest stage of all.
CONTROVERSY - DIEGO MARADONA
Who else, in the tournament he dominated. He may have lit up the world, with some sparkling goals and performances, but this may not have been possible without 'The Hand of God'. The ball was pinging around the English area, when Steve Hodge thumped a clearance up in the air. The ball flew back towards his own goal, and keeper Peter Shilton seemed to have the ball covered. But somehow, little Diego Maradona outjumped to beat the giant Shilton to the ball and head it in to the net. Except he didn't. The English players immediately started protesting to the referee, and it was hard to see where originally. Until you saw the replays, and Maradona clearly punched the ball into the net. But their protests fell on deaf ears, and this laid the foundations for something truly memorable (but for completely different reasons) just five minutes later.
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - DIEGO MARADONA
Five minutes after one of the greatest controversy in football history, came arguably the greatest goal in football history. And again, Maradona was in the centre of the action. Maradona received the ball in his own half, and set out towards goal. He passed Hodge, Beardsley, Terry Butcher and Terry Fenwick. No-one could get near him, and dribbled around Shilton and shot into the empty net. It was quite extraordinary, and left England with too much to do. It was later voted goal of the century.
GAFFE OF THE TOURNAMENT - BOBBY ROBSON
This was probably the best English performance at the World Cup other than the 1966 win at home. It got started slowly, but it gathered speed with thrashings of Poland and Portugal, after Lineker was paired with Beardsley. They came unstuck, with the good and the bad of Diego Maradona, and it could all have been so different. There is no question that Robson waited too long to introduce John Barnes to the fray. When he did, the winger created a goal and came so close to creating another for Lineker. Instead, it was a question of what might have been.
HOME NATIONS
England were undoubtedly the best performing nation from the home nations. They reached their first quarter-finals since 1970, and it could all have been very different had it not been for a certain Diego Maradona, in the famous and infamous game in the Azteca.
MASCOT - PIQUE
Pique was a jalapeno pepper (obviously!) It was characteristic of Mexican cuisine, and had a moustache, a sombrero, and wore Mexico's team colours.
ITALY 1990
After a brilliant tournament in the heat of Mexico in 1986, the 1990 edition in Italy is widely regarded as the most dour and negative tournament ever. Goals were a rarity, defences were fierce and hard and attacking quality was at a premium. There were three new qualifiers - Costa Rica, Republic of Ireland and the UAE. The first two definitely overperformed and made their mark on the world occasion. There were, as always, some talented absentees - Denmark, Poland, and most surprisingly, 1982 and 1986 semi-finalists France. USA also qualified for the first time since 1950, and they have appeared in every tournament since. There was controversy before the tournament even started, with Mexico and Chile disqualified from the qualification process - the former for fielding an overage player in a youth tournament, and the latter because their keeper, Roberto Rojas, faked an injury in a qualifier to get a match abandoned! The format was unchanged from four years previously, and this seems to have been the one FIFA had settled on. Until the number of qualifiers was expanded in 1998, that is! The star of the tournament hosts, was undoubtedly Salvatore 'Toto' Schillaci. That is why we all love the World Cup so much. A player can be completely unheralded, but breakthrough at the right time and right their name into World Cup history. That's what happened with Toto. In his Italian career, he won 16 caps and scored seven goals. Seven of these caps and six of these goals came in Italia '90. Italy qualified comfortably, largely thanks to Schillaci and Roberto Baggio, and they were joined by Czechoslovakia, in their last tournament before the country split up. Tomas Skuhravy was particularly impressive for the Czechs. In group B, we saw one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Cameroon sprang the shock of the tournament by beating champions Argentina in the opneing game. This despite being reduced to nine men. Francois Oman Biyik's goal was enough. A win against Romania, courtesy of two goals from substitute Roger Milla, was enough for them to progress. Argentina and Romania played out a 1-1 draw to ensure both went through, at the expense of the soon to be defunct Soviet Union. With the Berlin Wall having been torn down less than a year before the tournament, this was a strange time historically for football. Diego Maradona was not the same influence he had been in Mexico. Scotland suffered yet more World Cup disappointment. They lost to Costa Rica in a huge upset in their opening game - Juan Cayasso was the hero. Ally McCoist and a Mo Johnston penalty clinched a win over Sweden, but this still left them needing a point against Brazil in their last game to become one of the best third placed teams. In an agonising twist of fate, substitute Muller sent the Scots crashing out with eight minutes remaining. In group D, UAE were certainly the whipping boys, losing 2-0, 5-1 and 4-1 to Colombia, West Germany and Yugoslavia respectively. West Germany, in their last tournament before unification, went through comfortably, thanks to another big win, 4-1 against Yugoslavia. The Yugoslavs also progressed, as did the Colombians, thanks to a 1-1 draw in their final game against the Germans, a last minute Freddy Rincon goal proving the decisive one. The Germans looked impressive, with Matthaus, Klinsmann and Voller to the fore. Belgium and Spain qualified comfortably from group E - the latter with help of a Michel hat-trick in beating South Korea. But two time champions Uruguay only qualified thanks to a last gasp Daniel Fonseca winner against the Koreans - meaning they were the worst performing of the third placed sides who remained in the tournament. England's group was one of the tighest in World Cup history. It included the European Champions Holland as well as the Republic of Ireland on their World Cup debut - the Irish had of course beaten England famously in said Euro 88 championships. England started well against the Irish, Gary Lineker continuing his great World Cup form with an eight minute striker. But Everton striker Kevin Sheedy spoilt the party with a late equaliser. Egypt surprisingly held the Dutch and the Irish, while England and Holland fought out a dour 0-0 draw. The decisive reult came in the final set of matches - in fact, it was the only decisive result! Mark Wright's header gave England a 1-0 win over Egypt, while Niall Quinn's goal against Holland earned the Republic a second round berth. In the second round, defences and discipline again prevailed. Roger Milla got the knock out stages under way by continuing his heroics against Colombia. Milla clinched the win with his second in extra-time, disposseing the mad Colombian keeper Rene Higuita who had ventured forward, and racing through to slot into an empty net. Czechoslovakia prolonged their final tournament, easily dismantling Costa Rica 4-1 thanks largely to a hat-trick from the impresseive Tomas Skuhravy. Groans were heard around the world everywhere when Argentina beat Brazil in the all South American affair. Brazil wasted chance after chance, with keeper Sergio Goycochea in inspired form, and Maradona went on a magical solo run to set up the winner for Claudio Cannigia. In an intriguing bit of controversy, it was claimed water offered to Brazilian player Branco by the Argentinian defence contained a tranquilisier! However, nothing was ever proven. The game between two of the favourites, West Germany and Holland, was mostly remembered for being an ugly affair. In the 22nd minute, Rudi Voller and Frank Rijkaard clashed in the Dutch half. Voller launched spit in Rijkaard's direction, and Voller reacted. Both were sent off. Jurgen Klinsmann and Andreas Brehme put the Germans in charge on the pitch, and Ronald Koeman's penalty was too little, too late. Italy did for a dour Uruguay side 2-0, with 'Toto' Schillaci again on the scoresheet. The Republic of Ireland continued their remarkable progress, drawing 0-0 with Romania before defeating them 5-4 on penalties, legend David O'Leary scoring the decisive kick. Dragan Stojkovic was the hero for Yugoslavia, his two goals defeating a talented Spain team, the winner coming in extra-time. England were the last nation to book their quarter-final place. Belgium were on top for large parts of a game devoid of incident, but the decisive moment came with just a minute remaining in extra-time. Paul Gascoigne took over a free-kick midway inside the Belgian half, and, with quick thinking, dinked a quickly taken free-kick into David Platt. The substitute, with the ball coming over his shoulder, swivelled and volleyed the ball into the far corner, in one of the most iconic moments in England's World Cup history. The quarter-finals were again, more or less, dominated by defences. None more so than the first encounter - Yugoslavia and Argentina drew 0-0, and Goycochea was again the Argentine hero, saving three penalties. He was only playing because the first choice, Pumpido, had gotten injured during the group stages. The gallant effort of Ireland was brought to an end, with another goal from Schillaci putting the host through, and a penalty from Matthaus was enough for West Germany to see off Czechoslovakia, in yet another game almost devoid of quality. So, all the quarter-final action came in the last game, between England and surprise package Cameroon. The English were very cocky pre-match, writing off the chances of their opponents, and this seemed justified when Platt continued his good form by heading England into a half-time lead. But the introduction in the interval of Milla, one of the original super-subs, changed the complexion of a game. In the 61st minute, Milla won a penalty which Emmanuel Kunde converted, and within five minutes, the Africans had taken a shock lead, when a brilliant Milla pass released Eugene Ekeke to score. But, just as it seemed England were going to be humiliated, they were awarded a penalty of their own, which Lineker converted. Another penalty, in extra-time, prevented embarassment and set up a semi-final with old foes West Germany. In the first semi-final, 'Toto' Schillaci scored again, but a Cannigia equaliser was enough to take the match into extra-time and penalties. Goycochea was again the hero, saving two Italian penalties, leaving Maradona with the chance to put Argentina into their second successive final. Which they took, off course. The second semi also finished 1-1, but was a far better game. There was emotion, controversy and near misses. But it started with a fortuitous goal for Germany, a long-range free-kick from Brehme taking a huge deflection off the on-rushing Paul Parker, and looping into the net. To this day, there are question marks about the role of the 40-year-old keeper Peter Shilton in the goal. Gary Lineker scored a goal so typical of him, opportunistically firing into the corner from the edge of the area, to take the match into extra-time. The game went back and forth, this way and that. Both sides came close, most notably when England winger Chris Waddle fired against the bar from almost 40 yards. There were tears, as well, as Gascoigne received a booking for a needless foul, meaning he would miss the final should England reach out. Then there was the iconic signal from Lineker to the England bench, signalling they needed to watch Gazze. But there were no more goals, and penalties it was. Stuart Pearce, and more famously Waddle, were the guilty parties. This would give them the opportunity to star in a Pizza Hut advert alongside fellow penalty shoot-out culprit Gareth Southgate, though. It was agonising for England, the closest they had come to reaching a World Cup final in any tournament apart from 1966. The final is generally regarded as the worst of all time. Argentina were reduced to ten men, not surprising considering their attitude to the tournament. Chances were pretty much non-existent, until Gustavo Dezotti hauled Jurgen Kohler to the ground with five minutes remaining. Brehme converted the penalty, and there was no way this awful Argentina team would find a way back, especially as Maradona was no longer inspiring them. And so, the poorest World Cup in history came to an end. West Germany won their thrid title, equalling the achievements of Brazil and Italy. But no-one really cared. Italy 1990 had the lowest goals per game ratio of any tournament ever. There were also an asotnishing four penalty shoot-outs. But another four games went to extra-time, with another two containing just one goal, the goal being a penalty. The world prayed we'd never experience such a defence minded, negative and cynical tournament again. And thankfully, in the USA in 1994, our faith in beautiful football was restored and we remembered the tournament for the righ reasons (except the final again!) It's just a pity England weren't there to enjoy the party!
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT -ROGER MILLA
Never has a player so old lit up a World Cup. I mean, how old was he really?! Cameroon's quarter-final appearance in 1990 remains the best performance by an African nation to date, and this was largely thanks to Milla. All of his four goals were topped off by an extravagant celebration, performing a tribal dance around the corner flag! He scored crucial goals against Romania and Colombia, but he was at his best against England. Bobby Robson and his men were disparaging in the warm-up, but Milla almost made them eat their words. A superb pass brought them level having gone behind, before winning a penalty, which was converted to give Cameroon a lead they held on to until the 82nd minute. The archetypal super-sub, the general consensus is that he had just turned 38 when he boarded the plane to Italy!
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - ROBERTO BAGGIO
Baggio scored the greatest individual goal of his home World Cup. It didn't quite match up with Maradona's effort in terms of importance and quality, but it didn't come far short of the latter. He went on a superb individual run, waltzing in and out of Czech defenders, before lifting the ball over the onrushing keeper. However, for the majority of the tournament, he was overshadowed by the previously unheralded 'Toto' Schillaci.
GAFFE OF THE TOURNAMENT - ARGENTINA IN THE OPENING GAME
This has to rank as the biggest opening game upset of all time - that is, until the then World Champions France ran into the brick wall that was Senegal. This was the first indication that his class of Argentinian football was not comparable to the great effort we'd seen four years previously. Yes, they'd reached the final, but that was more by luck than judgment. They lost 1-0 in the tournament's opening game against a Cameroon we would soon find out were rather good. And this was despite the Africans being reduced to nine men, displaying some rather rough tactics!
FLASH IN THE PAN - 'TOTO' SCHILLACI
You get these sometimes in major tournaments, where they are in the right place at the right time. Paolo Rossi came good at the right time to help Italy win the World Cup in 1982. But his Italy career spanned three World Cups, and he won over 50 caps with a goals to games ratio of almost one in two. The same could not be said of Schillaci. His Italy career spanned from 1990 to 1991. He scored just one more goal for Italy after the end of the tournament, against Norway in 1991, and within four years he was playing in Japan. But he is still revered in Italy to this day!
HOME NATIONS
The England team which travelled to Italy in 1990 is widely regarded as second to only the 1966 World Cup winners. And this team, after a slow start, got into their rythym, with stars like Gary Lineker, David Platt, Chris Waddle, and the introduction onto the world stage of Paul Gascoigne. After some dour performances in the group phase, they scraped past Belgium thanks to some quick thinking from Gascoigne and a tremendous Platt volley in the 199th minute of their second round encounter. Having enjoyed an element of luck and yet more extra-time to edge past the unfancied Cameroon, they came up against old enemies Germany. And what a game it turned out to be. Ebbing backwards and forwards, goals, controversy, near misses and eventually another peanlty shoot-out defeat. It was a case of so close, yet so far. Scotland disappointed again as is their want, failing to make it past the first round. But Ireland were a pleasant surprise on their World Cup debut, playing with great fight and spirit and only losing narrowly in the quarter-finals to the hosts
MASCOT - CIAO
Slang for 'goodbye' in Italian, Ciao was a stick figure player with a football for a head, and an Italian tricolor body. Well, why wouldn't it be?!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
ARGENTINA 1978
In a remarkable comparison to West Germany four years earlier, a fantastic Dutch side lost in the final to the hosts. The only real difference was Johann Cruyff had retired in the build-up to the final. Who knows what would have happened if the great man had boarded the plane to Argentina. But that is another story, and what ifs are pointless in football. The tournament took on the same format as the 1974 tournament. Such giants as European champions Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union missed out, and the love was shared around the world with first appearances for Iran and Tunisia. And of course, England failed to qualify. Again! This time they were foiled by Italy. And the useless fact for this tournament - Coca Cola was a sponsor for the World Cup for the first time. And they still are today. As was its custom, the tournament switched back to South America after having been in Europe, and what was encountered was one of the most controversial spectacles of all time. Argentina had suffered a controversial military coup in 1976, and some countries, most notably Holland, considered whether to participate. In the end, all 16 countries turned up in Argentina. There would be more allegations of corruption later in the tournament, but more on that later. Group 1 was fairly comprehensive - Italy and the hosts easily qualified for the second stage ahead of France and Hungary, who were now very much the fallen power of European football. Paolo Rossi had his first brush with the World Cup in Argentina. Following a turbulent intervening four years, he would write a bigger chapter in World Cup history in 1982. Group 2 was notably for Tunisia beating Mexico 3-1 - the first win in the finals stages of a tournament for an African country. A big moment! A win against Germany in their final game would have taken them through, but they had to settle for a draw! The Germans qualified along with Poland, who had Zbiginew Boniek to add to the heroes of 1974 like Lato and Deyna. Group 3 was another which went down to the last game. Austria, hardly a footballing powerhouse, surprisingly topped a group containing Brazil, Sweden and Spain. This was largely thanks to the legend that was Hans Krankl. Brazil beat the Austrians in their last game to reach the second round, but the Austrians had already qualified thanks to wins over Sweden and Spain. In an extremely controversial moment, Welsh referee Clive Thomas disallowed a last minute Brazilian goal against Sweden, because he'd blown his whistle while the ball was still in the air. But more on that later. The last first round group was probably the most exciting of the lot. For the second tournament in a row, Scotland were flying the flag for the Home Nations. And for the second tournament in a row, they crashed out on goal difference. In a tournament which started off in disgrace, with star player Willie Johnston sent home from failing a drugs test, it almost turned into glory as they pushed favourites Holland all the way in their final game. The finals started in calamity for the Scots. Despite Leeds United striker Joe Jordan giving them the lead against Peru, the South Americans stormed back to show 1970 wasn't a flash in the pan to win 3-1, Teofilo Cubillas again their star player, scoring twice. Holland beat Iran 3-0, with Rob Rensenbrimk scoring a hat-trick, showing there was life after the great man. Then Johnson failed his test and was on the next plane home, and when Scotland could only draw with minnows Iran, they seemed doomed. When Rensenbrink scored a penalty to give Holland the lead, things seemed to be going from bad to worse. But either side of half-time, Kenny Dalglish and an Archie Gemmill penalty gave the Scots renewed hope. Then, we witnessed one of the greatest goals the World Cup has ever witnessed. Gemmill jinked through the Dutch defence, taking on anyone in his way, and dinked the ball over the keeper. Suddenly, Soctland were one goal away from qualifying. However, as soon as hope was restored, it was quickly blocked out again, as Johnny Rep scored three minutes later to end their hopes for good. In the first second round group, all of the participants were European. And as it worked out, the last match effectively turned out to be a semi-final. Both Italy and Holland had drawn with West Germany (the latter courtsey of a late Rene van der Kerkhof goal), ending the Germans reign as world champions. When both beat Austria, the winner of their final game would progress to the final. The Dutch held their nerve, despite an Erny Brandts own goal giving the Italians a half-time lead. But this Dutch team was made of strong stuff, and Brandts scored at the right end to level the match. With 15 minutes left, Arie Hann scored from a stupendous distance to ensure the Dutch would have the chance to make amends for 1974. To say group B was controversial was an understatement. And it also meant that, from now on, the crucial games final games in a group would kick-off at the same time. And rightly so. The favourites in thsi group, Argentina and Brazil, had drawn 0-0. Brzail beat Peru 3-0 while Argentina beat Poland 2-0, going into the final games. Brazil played their game first, beating Poland 3-1, meaning Argentina, kicking-off later against Peru, would have to beat Peru by four clear goals. It was just the 2-0 at half-time, but two goals in the first six minutes of the second half gave them the four goals they required, and they went onto win 6-0. In a tournament surrounded by controversy due to the military coup two years earlier, rumours persisted that the Peruvians had been bribed to 'not play to the best of their ability' - especially as the Peru keeper, Ramon Quiroga, was a naturalised Peruvian, having been born where? Yes, you guessed it, Argentina. But nothing could be proved, and that gave us a final of the hosts against the favourites. Could Holland lay their ghosts from West Germany to rest? No they couldn't. There was yet more controversy, as the Dutch accused the Argentinians of stalling the match, questionning the legality of a plaster cast on Rene van der Kerkhof's arm, and they claimed this built tension in the hostile crowd. The tournament's eventual top scorer, Mario Kempes, gave the hosts the lead but Dirk Nanninga levelled the scores. In the defininig moment of the tournament, the star player of Argentina 1978, Rob Rensenbrink, saw his shot agonisingly hit the post in stoppage time. Kempes' second gave the hosts the lead again, and Daniel Bertoli clinched Argentina their first ever World Cup. And the rest, as they say, was history. Ticker taper poured onto the pitch, and the Argentines celebrated like never before. With all the controversy surrounding the final and before the Dutch refused to attend the post-match ceremonies. It is very hard to say that Argentina were the best team in the 1978 World Cup, but they definitely took advantage of some favourable decisions and circumstances. They would win again in 1986 - and that triumph would not be without its own controversies. And 1978 was also the last edition with 16 competing nations - the best was expanding.
CONTROVERSY - WILLIE JOHNSTON SENT HOME IN DISGRACE
The tournament started in disgrace for the only British representatives. Having lost to surprise package 3-1 despite having taken the lead. But things got worse after the match. Left-winger Willie Johnston failed a drugs test for taking a banned substance after the match, and he was sent home in disgrace. The West Brom player's international career was promptly ended at 22 caps, and manager Ally McLeod, who had predicted that Scotland would win the World Cup pre-tournament, was furious. Scotland seemed to be tainted!
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - ARCHIE GEMMILL VS HOLLAND
In what was widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history, it was not quite enough for the Scots to break their first round voodoo. In a career that included three English titles and a European cup, this is widely regarded as Gemmill's greatest moment of his career. Gemmill strode forward, played a delicate one-two with Kenny Dalglish before taking the return, waltzing past a few Dutch challenges before lifting the ball over the keeper Jongbloed. It wasn't enough for the Scots to progress, but what a goal.
GAFFE OF THE TOURNAMENT - CLIVE THOMAS, BRAZIL VS SWEDEN
While it did not matter to the eventual outcome of the group, this gaffe by Clive Thomas was certainly curious, and signalled the end of his international refereeing career. Going into injury-time, Thomas awarded a corner to Brazil. As the ball was swung over, Thomas surprsingly blew the whistle for full-time. So, despite Zico powering a header into the roof off the net, the goal was disallowed to much consternation. In my rudimentary knowledge of the game, I'm pretty sure the referee is meant to wait until the play is over (in this instance a corner) before ending the game!
UNFORTUNATE PREDICTION - ALLY MCLEOD
When McLeod became Scotland manager in 1977, he announced himself to the squad saying 'I am a winner,' and predicted Scotland would be back from Argentina with at least a medal. A defeat against a South American minnow, a star player sent home after failing a drugs test and a draw with World Cup debutants later and he was not quite so brash. He survived one game post-World Cup before resigning.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - ROB RENSENBRINK
It would be easy to give this award to six goal top scorer Mario Kempes, the only Argentine player plying his trade abroad and the star turn in the hosts and champions. But that would be wrong in light of the favourable conditions with which the Argentines won. So, the honour goes to Rensenbrink, who helped the Dutch realise there was hope after Cruyff. He scored five goals in their run to another final, and he could have written his name into history had his shot in injury-time in the final gone in rather than hit the post - he would have been the top scorer and scored the tournament winning goal. And the Anderlecht player wasn't even a striker - left-wing was his preferred position!
MASCOT - GAUCHITO
A boy wearing an Argentina kit. His hat, neckerchief and whip were typical of Gaucho's (kind of cowboys) found in Argentina
SPAIN 1982
The tournament expanded to 24 teams for the World Cup in Spain, reflecting how the global game of football was expanding. It also saw England make their first appearance since 1970, under Ron Greenwood. Northern Ireland and Scotland were also present in Spain, meaning Wales were the only home nation not to be represented. And if Wales had got a point against the Soviet Union in their last qualifier, they would have completed the quartet. Once more, there were surpises in qualifying, meaning some big names missed out - such as Holland, Sweden and Mexico, while Algeria, Honduras, Cameroon, Kuwait and New Zealand all participated for the first time. And as I said, England got the better of Romania, Switzerland and Norway to seal their return. Being that there were now 24 teams, this meant the format of the competition had to change slightly. The groups were divided into six groups of four teams, where the top two advanced to a second group phase, where they were divided into four groups of three teams, and the group winner would go to the semi-finals. This would be the last World Cup where there would be a second group phase. And that can only be classed as a good thing. This World Cup, probably for the first time, saw a consistent strong showing from the so called minnows. In group 1, Cameroon drew all their games on their debut, including a 1-1 draw in the final game with Italy. Another goal would have knocked out the eventual World Champions, who followed Poland in the second phase. Group 2 witnessed one of the greates upsets in World Cup history - and also one of the greatest carve-ups. Algeria, on their debut, beat European Champions West Germany 2-1. This meant the Germans were in danger of crashing out. They beat Chile, as did Austria, who also beat Algeria. When Algeria beat Chile 3-2, despite conceding what would prove to be two costly late goals, this meant the only score which could send both the Europeans through was a one goal win for the Germans. And what was the final score? West Germany 1-0 Austria. Horst Hrubesch scored in the tenth minute, and the rest of the match resembled a training match. Belgium and World Champions Argentina progressed from group 3, which showed that the World Cup could still have the odd thrashing - Hungary 10-1 El Salvador to be precise. England marked their return to the World Cup with the fastest goal in World Cup history against France in group 4, captain Bryan Robson scoring after 27 seconds. Greenwood's men breezed through thanks to the goals of Trevor Francis and Paul Mariner. France joined them in the second phase. Group 5 saw yet more surprises - Northern Ireland showed they were not there to just make up the numbers. In a close group, everyone took points off each other. Honduras held hosts Spain, and Northern Ireland did likewise to a strong Yugoslavia side. Spain practically secured their place in the next round thanks to a win against Yugoslavia, while Northern Ireland and Honduras drew. When Yugoslavia beat Honduras, this left Northern Ireland needing to beat Spain. Against all the odds, Northern Ireland defeated the hosts to qualify. In an iconic World Cup moment, Armstrong smashed in a low cross after a keeping mistake, a wrote himself into World Cup folklore. In group 6, the World saw possibly the greatest team in World Cup history. When it's referred to as the greatest Brazilian side of all time, you know they must have been good. Zico, Socrates, Junior, Falcao, Eder - the names just trip off the tongue. They qualified comfortably, despite going behind in their second game against Scotland, through a fantastic strike from David Narey. However, a lesson was learnt here - don't make the Brazilians angry. Goals from Zico, Oscar, Eder and Falcao later, and the Scots had learnt that lesson. For the third tournament in a row, Scotland missed out from qualifying on goal difference. Despite taking the lead in the final crucial game against the Soviets through Joe Jordan, they failed to qualify as Graeme Souness' late goal was in vain. Things might have been so different but for a superb save from Rinat Desaev from Jordan's header. In the second phase, it's fair to say the excitement stepped up a notch - this aspect of the tournament was enjoying a fantastic death. In the first group, Poland prevailed, thanks mainly to the goals of Zbigniew Boniek, knocking out the Soviets and Belgium. In group B, old rivals England and West Germany were drawn together again. They drew 0-0 in the opening game, before the Germans beat Spain 2-1. This left England needing to score at least two goals in the final game against the Spanish to progress. This never looked likely, especially as Greenwood left favourites Trevor Brooking and Kevin Keegan on the bench. He was not the first England manager to have key decisions criticised in the press, and he wasn't the last. The real action, however, happened in group C. Italy and Brazil both but World Champions Argentina to eliminate them. But, Brazil's 3-1 win over Italy's 2-1 success meant the Italians had to beat the widely-heralded 'best team ever' to qualify for the quarter-finals. Enter Paolo Rossi. The Italian striker was a surprise inclusion in the squad, having missed much of the previous season due to a match fixing ban, and he looked woefully short of match fitness. This had seemed the case in the first few games. However, he headed in a fifth minute cross, and he was up and running. Socrates equalised soon after, but, in the 25th minute, Rossi intercepted a pass across the Brazilian penalty area and drilled in a fantastic finish. With just over 20 minutes to go, Falcao scored a fantastic goal to put Brazil in the driving seat once more. But Rossi was to have the final saw, showing his predator's instinct to complete a remarkable hat-trick and herald one of the greatest upsets of all time. For much of the match the game had been played around the Italian penalty area, but their stoic attitude and Paolo Rossi turned out to be the difference. In the final group, France qualified comfortably ahead of Northern Ireland and Austria. This team proved they were a real threat, with the likes of Michel Platini, Jean Tigana, Alain Giresse and Dominique Rocheteau. The semi-finals were also racked with excitement. Paolo Rossi scored both goals as Italy comfortably defeated Poland. But the other semi, between France and Germany, was widely regarded as one of the best (snd most controversial games) in World Cup history. Pierre Littbarski drew first blood for the Germans, before the great Michel Platini equalised with a penalty in the 26th minute. The game ebbed back and forth, until the second half, when a long ball sent French substitute Patrick Battiston through on goal. What happened next was shocking, as Schumacher and Battiston came together. More on that later though, but the German keeper should not have been on the pitch. French defender Manuel Amoros hit the bar in the final minute, and so to extra-time. Within eight minutes of the start of extra-time, Maruis Tresor and Giresse scored fantastic goals to seemingly send France towards the final. However, this German team was nothing if not spirited. A goal by half-fit substitute Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reduced the arrears, before Klaus Fischer scored a superb overhead kick. Uli Stieleke was the first to miss in the subsequent shoot-out, until Schumacher went from French villain to German hero. He saved Didier Six, and the crucial one from Alain Bossis, to deny France a first final appearance. But what a game it was. In the final, Italy were the neutal's favourites due to the circumstances with which Germany reached the final. They were to get their wish. Rossi continued his superb form, beofr Tardelli doubled the lead with probably one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history. Altobelli made it 3-0 before Paul Breitner's goal meant the Germans gained a consolation. This World Cup, though belonged to Rossi. The two outstanding teams of the tournament, France and Brazil, failed to even make the final. But that, as they say, is football.
HOME PERFORMANCE
Their were three home nations participating for the first time since 1958. Scotland again flattered to deceive, having their moments before crashing out on goal difference for the third tournament in a row. Northern Ireland shocked everyone by knocking out the highly fancied Yugoslavia, so it was no surprise when a talented France side were too strong for them. England, on the other hand, may think what might have been on their first appearance in 12 years. Having breezed through a group including that French side, they went out with a bit of a damb squib against the Spanish, rarely threatening the goal when they needed at lease two.
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - DAVID NAREY
A fantastic goal in its own right, but all it preceeded to do was make the Brazilians angrym and Scotland were left on the wrong end of a 4-1 thrashing. The ball broke to the defender just outside the penalty area, and he just smashed it into the top corner to the astonishment of the world. The celebrations were memorable, but they would not last.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - PAOLO ROSSI
The only real candidate. There were some talented players, on the French and Brazilian teams especially, but Rossi was the impetus behind an Italian team which had looked poor in their first round group, and just edged past minnows Cameroon to reach the second phase. Something just clicked against Brazil, and from there, the ball seemed to fall to him in the box, and he didn't miss. Two goals in the semi-final against Poland and the opener in the final against West Germany later, and he had written his name into World Cup history and his name would always by linked to Spain 82.
ICONIC MOMENTS
The World Cup for me, is about the moments you remember. The great goals and the great players, yes, but here is an honourable mention for the great celebrations. Gerry Armstrong could not believe it when he shot Northern Ireland into the second phase, by surprisingly scoring the winner against hosts Spain. But it would be impossible to match the pure emotion on the face of Marco Tardelli as he scored the clinching goal in the final against Germany. His arm pumping celebration, as he ran to the Italian bench with tears streming down his face, is something that will never be forgotten. It was even replicated to a degree by Fabio Grosso when he scored the winner in Italy's World Cup semi-final against Germany in 2006. It is replayed every time the World Cup comes around.
CONTROVERSY - HARALD SCHUMACHER
The archetypal villain. He raced out of his goal, with the game delicately posed at 1-1, to intercept a long ball towards his penalty area. He then collided with Patrick Battiston, who got to the ball before him. He knocked the Frenchman out (as well as two of his teeth) and then walked away as if nothing happened. Amazingly, the referee did not even award a free-kick or a corner, let alone the red card Schumacher deserved. He would obviously go on to be the German hero in the penalty shoot-out!
GAFFE - RON GREENWOOD
The England manager's decision to not include Trevor Brooking and Kevin Keegan,and the not introduce them until it was too late, has to go down as an error of judgment. When Keegan missed a simple chance when he was thrown into the action, one only thought what might have been had the great man been given longer to get up to speed with the action.
MASCOT - NARANJITO
As the name suggests, Naranjito was an orange (the popular fruit of Spain), wearing the kit of the hosts national team.
In a remarkable comparison to West Germany four years earlier, a fantastic Dutch side lost in the final to the hosts. The only real difference was Johann Cruyff had retired in the build-up to the final. Who knows what would have happened if the great man had boarded the plane to Argentina. But that is another story, and what ifs are pointless in football. The tournament took on the same format as the 1974 tournament. Such giants as European champions Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union missed out, and the love was shared around the world with first appearances for Iran and Tunisia. And of course, England failed to qualify. Again! This time they were foiled by Italy. And the useless fact for this tournament - Coca Cola was a sponsor for the World Cup for the first time. And they still are today. As was its custom, the tournament switched back to South America after having been in Europe, and what was encountered was one of the most controversial spectacles of all time. Argentina had suffered a controversial military coup in 1976, and some countries, most notably Holland, considered whether to participate. In the end, all 16 countries turned up in Argentina. There would be more allegations of corruption later in the tournament, but more on that later. Group 1 was fairly comprehensive - Italy and the hosts easily qualified for the second stage ahead of France and Hungary, who were now very much the fallen power of European football. Paolo Rossi had his first brush with the World Cup in Argentina. Following a turbulent intervening four years, he would write a bigger chapter in World Cup history in 1982. Group 2 was notably for Tunisia beating Mexico 3-1 - the first win in the finals stages of a tournament for an African country. A big moment! A win against Germany in their final game would have taken them through, but they had to settle for a draw! The Germans qualified along with Poland, who had Zbiginew Boniek to add to the heroes of 1974 like Lato and Deyna. Group 3 was another which went down to the last game. Austria, hardly a footballing powerhouse, surprisingly topped a group containing Brazil, Sweden and Spain. This was largely thanks to the legend that was Hans Krankl. Brazil beat the Austrians in their last game to reach the second round, but the Austrians had already qualified thanks to wins over Sweden and Spain. In an extremely controversial moment, Welsh referee Clive Thomas disallowed a last minute Brazilian goal against Sweden, because he'd blown his whistle while the ball was still in the air. But more on that later. The last first round group was probably the most exciting of the lot. For the second tournament in a row, Scotland were flying the flag for the Home Nations. And for the second tournament in a row, they crashed out on goal difference. In a tournament which started off in disgrace, with star player Willie Johnston sent home from failing a drugs test, it almost turned into glory as they pushed favourites Holland all the way in their final game. The finals started in calamity for the Scots. Despite Leeds United striker Joe Jordan giving them the lead against Peru, the South Americans stormed back to show 1970 wasn't a flash in the pan to win 3-1, Teofilo Cubillas again their star player, scoring twice. Holland beat Iran 3-0, with Rob Rensenbrimk scoring a hat-trick, showing there was life after the great man. Then Johnson failed his test and was on the next plane home, and when Scotland could only draw with minnows Iran, they seemed doomed. When Rensenbrink scored a penalty to give Holland the lead, things seemed to be going from bad to worse. But either side of half-time, Kenny Dalglish and an Archie Gemmill penalty gave the Scots renewed hope. Then, we witnessed one of the greatest goals the World Cup has ever witnessed. Gemmill jinked through the Dutch defence, taking on anyone in his way, and dinked the ball over the keeper. Suddenly, Soctland were one goal away from qualifying. However, as soon as hope was restored, it was quickly blocked out again, as Johnny Rep scored three minutes later to end their hopes for good. In the first second round group, all of the participants were European. And as it worked out, the last match effectively turned out to be a semi-final. Both Italy and Holland had drawn with West Germany (the latter courtsey of a late Rene van der Kerkhof goal), ending the Germans reign as world champions. When both beat Austria, the winner of their final game would progress to the final. The Dutch held their nerve, despite an Erny Brandts own goal giving the Italians a half-time lead. But this Dutch team was made of strong stuff, and Brandts scored at the right end to level the match. With 15 minutes left, Arie Hann scored from a stupendous distance to ensure the Dutch would have the chance to make amends for 1974. To say group B was controversial was an understatement. And it also meant that, from now on, the crucial games final games in a group would kick-off at the same time. And rightly so. The favourites in thsi group, Argentina and Brazil, had drawn 0-0. Brzail beat Peru 3-0 while Argentina beat Poland 2-0, going into the final games. Brazil played their game first, beating Poland 3-1, meaning Argentina, kicking-off later against Peru, would have to beat Peru by four clear goals. It was just the 2-0 at half-time, but two goals in the first six minutes of the second half gave them the four goals they required, and they went onto win 6-0. In a tournament surrounded by controversy due to the military coup two years earlier, rumours persisted that the Peruvians had been bribed to 'not play to the best of their ability' - especially as the Peru keeper, Ramon Quiroga, was a naturalised Peruvian, having been born where? Yes, you guessed it, Argentina. But nothing could be proved, and that gave us a final of the hosts against the favourites. Could Holland lay their ghosts from West Germany to rest? No they couldn't. There was yet more controversy, as the Dutch accused the Argentinians of stalling the match, questionning the legality of a plaster cast on Rene van der Kerkhof's arm, and they claimed this built tension in the hostile crowd. The tournament's eventual top scorer, Mario Kempes, gave the hosts the lead but Dirk Nanninga levelled the scores. In the defininig moment of the tournament, the star player of Argentina 1978, Rob Rensenbrink, saw his shot agonisingly hit the post in stoppage time. Kempes' second gave the hosts the lead again, and Daniel Bertoli clinched Argentina their first ever World Cup. And the rest, as they say, was history. Ticker taper poured onto the pitch, and the Argentines celebrated like never before. With all the controversy surrounding the final and before the Dutch refused to attend the post-match ceremonies. It is very hard to say that Argentina were the best team in the 1978 World Cup, but they definitely took advantage of some favourable decisions and circumstances. They would win again in 1986 - and that triumph would not be without its own controversies. And 1978 was also the last edition with 16 competing nations - the best was expanding.
CONTROVERSY - WILLIE JOHNSTON SENT HOME IN DISGRACE
The tournament started in disgrace for the only British representatives. Having lost to surprise package 3-1 despite having taken the lead. But things got worse after the match. Left-winger Willie Johnston failed a drugs test for taking a banned substance after the match, and he was sent home in disgrace. The West Brom player's international career was promptly ended at 22 caps, and manager Ally McLeod, who had predicted that Scotland would win the World Cup pre-tournament, was furious. Scotland seemed to be tainted!
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - ARCHIE GEMMILL VS HOLLAND
In what was widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history, it was not quite enough for the Scots to break their first round voodoo. In a career that included three English titles and a European cup, this is widely regarded as Gemmill's greatest moment of his career. Gemmill strode forward, played a delicate one-two with Kenny Dalglish before taking the return, waltzing past a few Dutch challenges before lifting the ball over the keeper Jongbloed. It wasn't enough for the Scots to progress, but what a goal.
GAFFE OF THE TOURNAMENT - CLIVE THOMAS, BRAZIL VS SWEDEN
While it did not matter to the eventual outcome of the group, this gaffe by Clive Thomas was certainly curious, and signalled the end of his international refereeing career. Going into injury-time, Thomas awarded a corner to Brazil. As the ball was swung over, Thomas surprsingly blew the whistle for full-time. So, despite Zico powering a header into the roof off the net, the goal was disallowed to much consternation. In my rudimentary knowledge of the game, I'm pretty sure the referee is meant to wait until the play is over (in this instance a corner) before ending the game!
UNFORTUNATE PREDICTION - ALLY MCLEOD
When McLeod became Scotland manager in 1977, he announced himself to the squad saying 'I am a winner,' and predicted Scotland would be back from Argentina with at least a medal. A defeat against a South American minnow, a star player sent home after failing a drugs test and a draw with World Cup debutants later and he was not quite so brash. He survived one game post-World Cup before resigning.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - ROB RENSENBRINK
It would be easy to give this award to six goal top scorer Mario Kempes, the only Argentine player plying his trade abroad and the star turn in the hosts and champions. But that would be wrong in light of the favourable conditions with which the Argentines won. So, the honour goes to Rensenbrink, who helped the Dutch realise there was hope after Cruyff. He scored five goals in their run to another final, and he could have written his name into history had his shot in injury-time in the final gone in rather than hit the post - he would have been the top scorer and scored the tournament winning goal. And the Anderlecht player wasn't even a striker - left-wing was his preferred position!
MASCOT - GAUCHITO
A boy wearing an Argentina kit. His hat, neckerchief and whip were typical of Gaucho's (kind of cowboys) found in Argentina
SPAIN 1982
The tournament expanded to 24 teams for the World Cup in Spain, reflecting how the global game of football was expanding. It also saw England make their first appearance since 1970, under Ron Greenwood. Northern Ireland and Scotland were also present in Spain, meaning Wales were the only home nation not to be represented. And if Wales had got a point against the Soviet Union in their last qualifier, they would have completed the quartet. Once more, there were surpises in qualifying, meaning some big names missed out - such as Holland, Sweden and Mexico, while Algeria, Honduras, Cameroon, Kuwait and New Zealand all participated for the first time. And as I said, England got the better of Romania, Switzerland and Norway to seal their return. Being that there were now 24 teams, this meant the format of the competition had to change slightly. The groups were divided into six groups of four teams, where the top two advanced to a second group phase, where they were divided into four groups of three teams, and the group winner would go to the semi-finals. This would be the last World Cup where there would be a second group phase. And that can only be classed as a good thing. This World Cup, probably for the first time, saw a consistent strong showing from the so called minnows. In group 1, Cameroon drew all their games on their debut, including a 1-1 draw in the final game with Italy. Another goal would have knocked out the eventual World Champions, who followed Poland in the second phase. Group 2 witnessed one of the greates upsets in World Cup history - and also one of the greatest carve-ups. Algeria, on their debut, beat European Champions West Germany 2-1. This meant the Germans were in danger of crashing out. They beat Chile, as did Austria, who also beat Algeria. When Algeria beat Chile 3-2, despite conceding what would prove to be two costly late goals, this meant the only score which could send both the Europeans through was a one goal win for the Germans. And what was the final score? West Germany 1-0 Austria. Horst Hrubesch scored in the tenth minute, and the rest of the match resembled a training match. Belgium and World Champions Argentina progressed from group 3, which showed that the World Cup could still have the odd thrashing - Hungary 10-1 El Salvador to be precise. England marked their return to the World Cup with the fastest goal in World Cup history against France in group 4, captain Bryan Robson scoring after 27 seconds. Greenwood's men breezed through thanks to the goals of Trevor Francis and Paul Mariner. France joined them in the second phase. Group 5 saw yet more surprises - Northern Ireland showed they were not there to just make up the numbers. In a close group, everyone took points off each other. Honduras held hosts Spain, and Northern Ireland did likewise to a strong Yugoslavia side. Spain practically secured their place in the next round thanks to a win against Yugoslavia, while Northern Ireland and Honduras drew. When Yugoslavia beat Honduras, this left Northern Ireland needing to beat Spain. Against all the odds, Northern Ireland defeated the hosts to qualify. In an iconic World Cup moment, Armstrong smashed in a low cross after a keeping mistake, a wrote himself into World Cup folklore. In group 6, the World saw possibly the greatest team in World Cup history. When it's referred to as the greatest Brazilian side of all time, you know they must have been good. Zico, Socrates, Junior, Falcao, Eder - the names just trip off the tongue. They qualified comfortably, despite going behind in their second game against Scotland, through a fantastic strike from David Narey. However, a lesson was learnt here - don't make the Brazilians angry. Goals from Zico, Oscar, Eder and Falcao later, and the Scots had learnt that lesson. For the third tournament in a row, Scotland missed out from qualifying on goal difference. Despite taking the lead in the final crucial game against the Soviets through Joe Jordan, they failed to qualify as Graeme Souness' late goal was in vain. Things might have been so different but for a superb save from Rinat Desaev from Jordan's header. In the second phase, it's fair to say the excitement stepped up a notch - this aspect of the tournament was enjoying a fantastic death. In the first group, Poland prevailed, thanks mainly to the goals of Zbigniew Boniek, knocking out the Soviets and Belgium. In group B, old rivals England and West Germany were drawn together again. They drew 0-0 in the opening game, before the Germans beat Spain 2-1. This left England needing to score at least two goals in the final game against the Spanish to progress. This never looked likely, especially as Greenwood left favourites Trevor Brooking and Kevin Keegan on the bench. He was not the first England manager to have key decisions criticised in the press, and he wasn't the last. The real action, however, happened in group C. Italy and Brazil both but World Champions Argentina to eliminate them. But, Brazil's 3-1 win over Italy's 2-1 success meant the Italians had to beat the widely-heralded 'best team ever' to qualify for the quarter-finals. Enter Paolo Rossi. The Italian striker was a surprise inclusion in the squad, having missed much of the previous season due to a match fixing ban, and he looked woefully short of match fitness. This had seemed the case in the first few games. However, he headed in a fifth minute cross, and he was up and running. Socrates equalised soon after, but, in the 25th minute, Rossi intercepted a pass across the Brazilian penalty area and drilled in a fantastic finish. With just over 20 minutes to go, Falcao scored a fantastic goal to put Brazil in the driving seat once more. But Rossi was to have the final saw, showing his predator's instinct to complete a remarkable hat-trick and herald one of the greatest upsets of all time. For much of the match the game had been played around the Italian penalty area, but their stoic attitude and Paolo Rossi turned out to be the difference. In the final group, France qualified comfortably ahead of Northern Ireland and Austria. This team proved they were a real threat, with the likes of Michel Platini, Jean Tigana, Alain Giresse and Dominique Rocheteau. The semi-finals were also racked with excitement. Paolo Rossi scored both goals as Italy comfortably defeated Poland. But the other semi, between France and Germany, was widely regarded as one of the best (snd most controversial games) in World Cup history. Pierre Littbarski drew first blood for the Germans, before the great Michel Platini equalised with a penalty in the 26th minute. The game ebbed back and forth, until the second half, when a long ball sent French substitute Patrick Battiston through on goal. What happened next was shocking, as Schumacher and Battiston came together. More on that later though, but the German keeper should not have been on the pitch. French defender Manuel Amoros hit the bar in the final minute, and so to extra-time. Within eight minutes of the start of extra-time, Maruis Tresor and Giresse scored fantastic goals to seemingly send France towards the final. However, this German team was nothing if not spirited. A goal by half-fit substitute Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reduced the arrears, before Klaus Fischer scored a superb overhead kick. Uli Stieleke was the first to miss in the subsequent shoot-out, until Schumacher went from French villain to German hero. He saved Didier Six, and the crucial one from Alain Bossis, to deny France a first final appearance. But what a game it was. In the final, Italy were the neutal's favourites due to the circumstances with which Germany reached the final. They were to get their wish. Rossi continued his superb form, beofr Tardelli doubled the lead with probably one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history. Altobelli made it 3-0 before Paul Breitner's goal meant the Germans gained a consolation. This World Cup, though belonged to Rossi. The two outstanding teams of the tournament, France and Brazil, failed to even make the final. But that, as they say, is football.
HOME PERFORMANCE
Their were three home nations participating for the first time since 1958. Scotland again flattered to deceive, having their moments before crashing out on goal difference for the third tournament in a row. Northern Ireland shocked everyone by knocking out the highly fancied Yugoslavia, so it was no surprise when a talented France side were too strong for them. England, on the other hand, may think what might have been on their first appearance in 12 years. Having breezed through a group including that French side, they went out with a bit of a damb squib against the Spanish, rarely threatening the goal when they needed at lease two.
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - DAVID NAREY
A fantastic goal in its own right, but all it preceeded to do was make the Brazilians angrym and Scotland were left on the wrong end of a 4-1 thrashing. The ball broke to the defender just outside the penalty area, and he just smashed it into the top corner to the astonishment of the world. The celebrations were memorable, but they would not last.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - PAOLO ROSSI
The only real candidate. There were some talented players, on the French and Brazilian teams especially, but Rossi was the impetus behind an Italian team which had looked poor in their first round group, and just edged past minnows Cameroon to reach the second phase. Something just clicked against Brazil, and from there, the ball seemed to fall to him in the box, and he didn't miss. Two goals in the semi-final against Poland and the opener in the final against West Germany later, and he had written his name into World Cup history and his name would always by linked to Spain 82.
ICONIC MOMENTS
The World Cup for me, is about the moments you remember. The great goals and the great players, yes, but here is an honourable mention for the great celebrations. Gerry Armstrong could not believe it when he shot Northern Ireland into the second phase, by surprisingly scoring the winner against hosts Spain. But it would be impossible to match the pure emotion on the face of Marco Tardelli as he scored the clinching goal in the final against Germany. His arm pumping celebration, as he ran to the Italian bench with tears streming down his face, is something that will never be forgotten. It was even replicated to a degree by Fabio Grosso when he scored the winner in Italy's World Cup semi-final against Germany in 2006. It is replayed every time the World Cup comes around.
CONTROVERSY - HARALD SCHUMACHER
The archetypal villain. He raced out of his goal, with the game delicately posed at 1-1, to intercept a long ball towards his penalty area. He then collided with Patrick Battiston, who got to the ball before him. He knocked the Frenchman out (as well as two of his teeth) and then walked away as if nothing happened. Amazingly, the referee did not even award a free-kick or a corner, let alone the red card Schumacher deserved. He would obviously go on to be the German hero in the penalty shoot-out!
GAFFE - RON GREENWOOD
The England manager's decision to not include Trevor Brooking and Kevin Keegan,and the not introduce them until it was too late, has to go down as an error of judgment. When Keegan missed a simple chance when he was thrown into the action, one only thought what might have been had the great man been given longer to get up to speed with the action.
MASCOT - NARANJITO
As the name suggests, Naranjito was an orange (the popular fruit of Spain), wearing the kit of the hosts national team.
Five years on from Istanbul - a club in crisis
THE GLORY
Five years ago yesterday, the world witnessed one of the greatest miracles in sporting history. Five years ago today, the then Liverpool chairman David Moores woke up in his hotel room in Istanbul with Old Big Ears as a bedfellow. From a personal point of view, it ranks as one of the best days of my life. May 25 2005 ranks only behind the birth of my daughter in the terms of the single most memorable days. I can still remember the key moments play for play. The shock when Paolo Maldini headed in a first minute free-kick. The despair when Hernan Crespo scored two quick goals before half-time. The desolation during the interval, as I (along with many other Liverpool fans) contemplated whether watching the second period or not. Some even left the Attaturk. Those that didn't sang their hearts out and pushed their heroes on. For me, loyalty and pride won out over reason. I sat down to watch the second-half with no hope or expectation, just looking for respectibility. In either a stoke of luck or superb tactical move, right-back Steve Finnan had picked up an ankle injury. From there, as they say, the rest is history. On came Dietmar Hamann, to sit in front of the back four and look after Kaka, who had run rings around Liverpool in the first 45. Liverpool switched to 3-5-2, with Vladimir Smicer and John Arne Riise as auxiliary wing-backs. Just into the second-half, keeper Jerzy Dudek made a fabulous save from Andriy Shevchenko. There was the feeling of 'here we go again' among the fans. But for the players, this gave them renewed believe. There was a shift in momentum. Minutes later, Riise's cross at the second attempt was headed powerful in by captain Steven Gerrard. A consolation? Most thought so but the look of sheer determination on Gerrard's face suggested otherwise. Four minutes later, and it was on. There seemed no danger midway inside the AC Milan half. But sub Smicer capitalised on some space to fire in a harmless looking shot, but Milan keeper Dida could only palm it into his net. There was hope, and the believe was back. 'Hang on' we though. 'This could happen.' Within two minutes, a remarkable six minutes was complete. Gerrard (who else) stormed into the box and Gennaro Gattuso could only bring him down. It may have been a red card foul, but Liverpool didn't mind. Xabi Alonso stepped up, and his penalty was saved by Dida. Disaster. Not so, though. Alonso was quickest to react and fired the ball into the roof of the net. Astounding, astonishing, call it what you will. Despair had been replaced with delight in the space of six minutes, such a remarkable change in emotions over such a short period of time I had never experienced before, or since. From there, the action died off a little. Liverpool were content with the turnaround, while Milan were so shellshocked they struggled to retain the initiative. So into extra-time, and penalties seemed the likely outcome. Liverpool were getting penned back, and Milan could find no way through. In the 117th minute though, Milan sub Serginho crossed for Shevchenko. The great Ukrainian headed goalwards, and Dudek saved his shot. But it rebounded into the six yard box, and Shevchenko reacted quickest. From there, time stood still. One of the greatest strikers in the world was a couple of yards out, with just the keeper to beat, to win the Champions League. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Then, the next thing I knew, the ball had sailed into the crowd behind the goal. Shevchenko's shot was, amazingly, saved by Dudek from a couple of yards, and we were going to penalties. There was belief when the spot kicks started. Jamie Carragher, an inspiration in the comeback, ran up to have a word with Dudek. As it transpired, he was telling the Pole all about Bruce Grobbelaar's tactics in Liverpool's last European Cup win, also won on penalties - 'The Spaghetti Legs.' It worked, too. Serginho fired over the crossbar, and Andrea Pirlo saw his shot saved. 'The Spaghetti Legs' were working. Hamann and Djibril Cisse made it 2-0 to Liverpool. Jon Dahl Tomasson reduced the arrears. Riise then saw his penalty saved by Dida, and then Kaka made it 2-2. Was it going to be so close but then so far. But Smicer, in his last kick in a Liverpool shirt, slotted in. 3-2. And the rest is written into folklore. Shevchenko came up against Dudek for the thrid time, and again he lost. The celebrations were something to behold, and carried on throughout the night in Istanbul. The next morning, five years ago today, we woke up as European Champions, amazingly, against the odds, one of the biggest shocks in sporting history. From that night, only Carragher, Gerrard and manager Rafael Benitez remain. Dudek, Finnan, Sami Hyypia, Djimi Traore, Alonso, Luis Garcia, Harry Kewell, Smicer, Milan Baros, Cisse and Hamann have all moved on. But we will never forget that night.
THE CRISIS
In this light, then, it is either a remarkable coincidence or a prescient piece of time that Moores has broken his silence to have his say on the turmoil surrounding his beloved club, on Tom Hicks and George Gillet, and on his role in the sale.
In a letter to The Times newspaper, he stated how long he, along with then Chief Executive Rick Parry and the rest of the board, had been looking for a buyer for Liverpool since 2003, when it became clear Moores could not match the deep pockets of the new wave of foreign owners like Roman Abramovich, and looked meticulously for the right candidate. Moores denies that the correct due diligence procedure was followed. However, he does admit that, while they were meticulous in looking into the finances and affairs of Gillett (who was the first to be approached by the club), the board pretty much took the word of Gillettt when it came to Hicks. Although Rothschild, one of the most respected names in world finance, vouched for both Hicks and Gillett, they were representing the Americans, so they partiality could be called into question.
Between 2003 and 2007, he considered Thai president Thaksin Shinawatra (question marks over his motives and reputation), the Dubai International Capital corporation (now ironically the ownners of megabucks Man City, and it's hard to know where the problems lay with DIC), shareholder (and Liverpool fan) Steve Morgan (although his hear was unquestionably in the right place, the concerns were over the depth of his pockets), and American tycoon Robert Kraft. All but the last were considered unsuitable, and Kraft and his associates backed out of a possible deal.
The length of time it took to find a buyer suggests the process was meticulous. The remit for Moores and Parry was to find someone with deep pockets and with the same passion for the club that they shared. Not too much to ask for, then? The most important question has to be asked though - surely, in this day and age, it would not have taken long to find out that Hicks and Gillett would not be able to follow through on their assurances? But, given the steps Moores and his colleagues went through, it's hard to know how the men behind the names weren't exposed. 'We went beyond a simple Google search. PricewaterhouseCoopers advised us on the fabric of the deal, and Rothchilds telephoned a non-executive director at Liverpool to assure us they were good for their money.' Who knows, maybe even Hicks and Gillett thought they were good for their money. That seemed to tick the deep pockets box. For the second box, the passion was there for Moores to see when he went to watch Montreal Canadiens in action, the ice hockey team owned by Gillett. No-one had a bad word to say about Gillett, and, apparently, the team was very similar in ethos and culture to Liverpool. This was enough to convince Moores and the board.
'After so many false starts, everyone was eager to sign on the dotted line,' Moores says in reflection. This appears at best hasty, and at worst completely irresponsible. Within months, Moores went from controlling the club to being giving the role of honourary president, in the spring of 2007. At the end of the 2008/09 season, he stepped down from that role, leaving himself with no direct role in the club. The preceding season had been an extremely successful one. But this merely papered over the cracks. The debts were mounting, key players were sold with inadequate replacements being signed, and there was significant stalling over the small matter of the new stadium. And the season just gone has been disastrous, both on and off the pitch. This means Moores has not returned to Anfield since last season. The turmoil surrounding the club has been too much for him to bear.
There is no question, in my opinion, that Moores has the best interests of the club at heart. He desperately wants the club to return to its glory days (that's why he was so keen to sell the club in the first place), and I think he genuinely belived Hicks and Gillett were the right men to achieve this. But his letter also seems almost like a defence in a court - as if he wants to be charged with manslaughter and not murder. Even through all he has done for the club, Moores has to take some of the blame for the state Liverpool now finds itself in. Even if it was unintentional and not motivated by self-interest, he is culpable to some degree. And this is probably what hurts the most - that he sold to Hicks and Gillett rather than to an Abramovich. He wants Hickas and Gillett to sell up, for the good of the club and the supporters. To be fair, he does admit that in hindsight, he made the wrong decision, even if it was for the right reasons. These feelings will certainly be echoed around Anfield and far beyond. This letter may have had the desired effect - today, Gillett released a statement giving assurances about the proposed new stadium, the futures of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, and, most importantly, that he and his associate hope to have sold the club by the end of 2010. The situation at Liverpool should serve as a timely reminder that you should be careful what you wish for. But whatever happens in the next few months and years, we will always have Istanbul.
Five years ago yesterday, the world witnessed one of the greatest miracles in sporting history. Five years ago today, the then Liverpool chairman David Moores woke up in his hotel room in Istanbul with Old Big Ears as a bedfellow. From a personal point of view, it ranks as one of the best days of my life. May 25 2005 ranks only behind the birth of my daughter in the terms of the single most memorable days. I can still remember the key moments play for play. The shock when Paolo Maldini headed in a first minute free-kick. The despair when Hernan Crespo scored two quick goals before half-time. The desolation during the interval, as I (along with many other Liverpool fans) contemplated whether watching the second period or not. Some even left the Attaturk. Those that didn't sang their hearts out and pushed their heroes on. For me, loyalty and pride won out over reason. I sat down to watch the second-half with no hope or expectation, just looking for respectibility. In either a stoke of luck or superb tactical move, right-back Steve Finnan had picked up an ankle injury. From there, as they say, the rest is history. On came Dietmar Hamann, to sit in front of the back four and look after Kaka, who had run rings around Liverpool in the first 45. Liverpool switched to 3-5-2, with Vladimir Smicer and John Arne Riise as auxiliary wing-backs. Just into the second-half, keeper Jerzy Dudek made a fabulous save from Andriy Shevchenko. There was the feeling of 'here we go again' among the fans. But for the players, this gave them renewed believe. There was a shift in momentum. Minutes later, Riise's cross at the second attempt was headed powerful in by captain Steven Gerrard. A consolation? Most thought so but the look of sheer determination on Gerrard's face suggested otherwise. Four minutes later, and it was on. There seemed no danger midway inside the AC Milan half. But sub Smicer capitalised on some space to fire in a harmless looking shot, but Milan keeper Dida could only palm it into his net. There was hope, and the believe was back. 'Hang on' we though. 'This could happen.' Within two minutes, a remarkable six minutes was complete. Gerrard (who else) stormed into the box and Gennaro Gattuso could only bring him down. It may have been a red card foul, but Liverpool didn't mind. Xabi Alonso stepped up, and his penalty was saved by Dida. Disaster. Not so, though. Alonso was quickest to react and fired the ball into the roof of the net. Astounding, astonishing, call it what you will. Despair had been replaced with delight in the space of six minutes, such a remarkable change in emotions over such a short period of time I had never experienced before, or since. From there, the action died off a little. Liverpool were content with the turnaround, while Milan were so shellshocked they struggled to retain the initiative. So into extra-time, and penalties seemed the likely outcome. Liverpool were getting penned back, and Milan could find no way through. In the 117th minute though, Milan sub Serginho crossed for Shevchenko. The great Ukrainian headed goalwards, and Dudek saved his shot. But it rebounded into the six yard box, and Shevchenko reacted quickest. From there, time stood still. One of the greatest strikers in the world was a couple of yards out, with just the keeper to beat, to win the Champions League. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Then, the next thing I knew, the ball had sailed into the crowd behind the goal. Shevchenko's shot was, amazingly, saved by Dudek from a couple of yards, and we were going to penalties. There was belief when the spot kicks started. Jamie Carragher, an inspiration in the comeback, ran up to have a word with Dudek. As it transpired, he was telling the Pole all about Bruce Grobbelaar's tactics in Liverpool's last European Cup win, also won on penalties - 'The Spaghetti Legs.' It worked, too. Serginho fired over the crossbar, and Andrea Pirlo saw his shot saved. 'The Spaghetti Legs' were working. Hamann and Djibril Cisse made it 2-0 to Liverpool. Jon Dahl Tomasson reduced the arrears. Riise then saw his penalty saved by Dida, and then Kaka made it 2-2. Was it going to be so close but then so far. But Smicer, in his last kick in a Liverpool shirt, slotted in. 3-2. And the rest is written into folklore. Shevchenko came up against Dudek for the thrid time, and again he lost. The celebrations were something to behold, and carried on throughout the night in Istanbul. The next morning, five years ago today, we woke up as European Champions, amazingly, against the odds, one of the biggest shocks in sporting history. From that night, only Carragher, Gerrard and manager Rafael Benitez remain. Dudek, Finnan, Sami Hyypia, Djimi Traore, Alonso, Luis Garcia, Harry Kewell, Smicer, Milan Baros, Cisse and Hamann have all moved on. But we will never forget that night.
THE CRISIS
In this light, then, it is either a remarkable coincidence or a prescient piece of time that Moores has broken his silence to have his say on the turmoil surrounding his beloved club, on Tom Hicks and George Gillet, and on his role in the sale.
In a letter to The Times newspaper, he stated how long he, along with then Chief Executive Rick Parry and the rest of the board, had been looking for a buyer for Liverpool since 2003, when it became clear Moores could not match the deep pockets of the new wave of foreign owners like Roman Abramovich, and looked meticulously for the right candidate. Moores denies that the correct due diligence procedure was followed. However, he does admit that, while they were meticulous in looking into the finances and affairs of Gillett (who was the first to be approached by the club), the board pretty much took the word of Gillettt when it came to Hicks. Although Rothschild, one of the most respected names in world finance, vouched for both Hicks and Gillett, they were representing the Americans, so they partiality could be called into question.
Between 2003 and 2007, he considered Thai president Thaksin Shinawatra (question marks over his motives and reputation), the Dubai International Capital corporation (now ironically the ownners of megabucks Man City, and it's hard to know where the problems lay with DIC), shareholder (and Liverpool fan) Steve Morgan (although his hear was unquestionably in the right place, the concerns were over the depth of his pockets), and American tycoon Robert Kraft. All but the last were considered unsuitable, and Kraft and his associates backed out of a possible deal.
The length of time it took to find a buyer suggests the process was meticulous. The remit for Moores and Parry was to find someone with deep pockets and with the same passion for the club that they shared. Not too much to ask for, then? The most important question has to be asked though - surely, in this day and age, it would not have taken long to find out that Hicks and Gillett would not be able to follow through on their assurances? But, given the steps Moores and his colleagues went through, it's hard to know how the men behind the names weren't exposed. 'We went beyond a simple Google search. PricewaterhouseCoopers advised us on the fabric of the deal, and Rothchilds telephoned a non-executive director at Liverpool to assure us they were good for their money.' Who knows, maybe even Hicks and Gillett thought they were good for their money. That seemed to tick the deep pockets box. For the second box, the passion was there for Moores to see when he went to watch Montreal Canadiens in action, the ice hockey team owned by Gillett. No-one had a bad word to say about Gillett, and, apparently, the team was very similar in ethos and culture to Liverpool. This was enough to convince Moores and the board.
'After so many false starts, everyone was eager to sign on the dotted line,' Moores says in reflection. This appears at best hasty, and at worst completely irresponsible. Within months, Moores went from controlling the club to being giving the role of honourary president, in the spring of 2007. At the end of the 2008/09 season, he stepped down from that role, leaving himself with no direct role in the club. The preceding season had been an extremely successful one. But this merely papered over the cracks. The debts were mounting, key players were sold with inadequate replacements being signed, and there was significant stalling over the small matter of the new stadium. And the season just gone has been disastrous, both on and off the pitch. This means Moores has not returned to Anfield since last season. The turmoil surrounding the club has been too much for him to bear.
There is no question, in my opinion, that Moores has the best interests of the club at heart. He desperately wants the club to return to its glory days (that's why he was so keen to sell the club in the first place), and I think he genuinely belived Hicks and Gillett were the right men to achieve this. But his letter also seems almost like a defence in a court - as if he wants to be charged with manslaughter and not murder. Even through all he has done for the club, Moores has to take some of the blame for the state Liverpool now finds itself in. Even if it was unintentional and not motivated by self-interest, he is culpable to some degree. And this is probably what hurts the most - that he sold to Hicks and Gillett rather than to an Abramovich. He wants Hickas and Gillett to sell up, for the good of the club and the supporters. To be fair, he does admit that in hindsight, he made the wrong decision, even if it was for the right reasons. These feelings will certainly be echoed around Anfield and far beyond. This letter may have had the desired effect - today, Gillett released a statement giving assurances about the proposed new stadium, the futures of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, and, most importantly, that he and his associate hope to have sold the club by the end of 2010. The situation at Liverpool should serve as a timely reminder that you should be careful what you wish for. But whatever happens in the next few months and years, we will always have Istanbul.
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