Italy 1990
Italy left nothing to chance as the World Cup returned to Italian soil after 56 long years. The tournament was a closely fought tournament in itself. Cameroon made history as the team inspired by their 38 year-old striker; Roger Milla became the first African team to make it to the quarter-finals stage. They met England there were Gary Linekar’s extra-time penalty ended Cameroon’s dream run. England progressed to the semis to face arch rivals Germany who had the trio of Matthaus, Brehme and Klinsmann. The match went to penalties where Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle failed attempts send Germany to the finals and left their playmaker Paul Gascoigne in tears. Their opponents Argentina meanwhile faced the hosts Italy in Naples- home to Maradona’s club Napoli. The Azzurris were having a wonderful tournament- their heroes were goalkeeper Walter Zenga who kept five clean sheets and Schillaci, an instant hit with his six goals. But in the end Maradona prevailed and his side met Franz Beckenbauer’s Germany for the final in Rome. Argentineans who missed their attacking weapon Claudio Cannigia deployed defensive tactics for the finals. An 85th minute penalty converted by Brehme and two red cards dashed Argentina’s hope of a third crown. Instead Germany captured their third World Cup win after the successes of 1954 and 1970.
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Winners: Germany
Runners -Up: Argentina
Golden Boot: Salvatore Schillaci (Ita)