XV WORLD
CUP (USA 1994)
FINAL STAGE
GAME DETAILS
(From 17-06-1994 to 17-07-1994)
STADIUM: Soldier Field (Chicago) DATE: 17-06-1994 (14:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 63.117 REFEREE: Arturo Brizio Carter (MEX) GOALS: 1-0 (Klinsmann 61’) [Incidents: Opening match of the World Cup, preceded by an inaugural ceremony. As in the rest of games, the actual kick-off time is delayed five minutes over the official “o’clock” time for TV purposes. Etcheverry was sent off (min. 82).] |
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Germany - Bolivia |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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GERMANY Illgner Häßler (Strunz 83’), Berthold, Matthäus (c), Kohler, Brehme Sammer, Effenberg, Möller Klinsmann, Riedle (Basler 60’) COACH: Berti Vogts |
BOLIVIA Trucco Borja, Rimba, Quinteros, Sandy, Cristaldo Soria, Melgar (c), Erwin Sánchez Baldivieso (Moreno 66’), Ramallo (Etcheverry 79’) COACH: Xabier Azkargorta |
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GAME SUMMARY In the opening game of the World Cup, Germany took the first victory as expected, but the team didn’t look as powerful and self-confident as the champions of 1990. Riedle missed chances, the whole team seemed reluctant to spend more energy than necessary and the only German goal came after a defensive mistake by Bolivia: a long pass bounced off Häßler, Trucco came out too far and Klinsmann rolled the ball into an empty net from the edge of the area. Bolivia, who’d qualified for the first time for the World Cup finals since 1950, might have done better if the long-haired Etcheverry, who played his first match in six months because of an injury, hadn’t been sent off a few minutes after he entered the pitch. |
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STADIUM: Cotton Bowl (Dallas) DATE: 17-06-1994 (18:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 56.247 REFEREE: Peter Mikkelsen (DEN) GOALS: 1-0 (Julio Salinas 51’); 2-0 (Goikoetxea 55’); 2-1 (Hong Myung-bo 85’); 2-2 (Su Jung-won 90’) [Incidents: Nadal was sent off (min. 25).] |
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Spain - South Korea |
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2-2 (0-0) |
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SPAIN Cañizares Ferrer, Alkorta, Nadal (c), Abelardo, Sergi Goikoetxea, Hierro, Guerrero (Caminero 46’), Luis Enrique Julio Salinas (Felipe 63’) COACH: Javier Clemente |
SOUTH KOREA Choi I.Y. (c) Kim P.K., Park J.B., Hong M.B., Shin H.G. Noh J.Y. (Ha S.J. 73’), Lee Y.J., Choi Y.I., Ko J.W. Kim J.S. (Su J.W. 59’), Hwang S.H. COACH: Kim Ho |
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GAME SUMMARY Despite Nadal’s early sending-off for a foul on Ko Jung-woon, Spain established a two-goal lead after halftime with a close-range shot by Julio Salinas and a header by Goikoetxea. But the extreme heat and humidity of Dallas was too much for the Spanish players. The South Koreans, fast and incrediby fit, pulled one back with a deflected free kick by Hong Myung-bo, and then equalized in the last minute when Su Jung-won colly drilled a shot in low at the near post. |
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STADIUM: Giants Stadium (New Jersey, New York) DATE: 18-06-1994 (16:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 74.826 REFEREE: Mario van der Ende (NED) GOALS: 0-1 (Houghton 11’) |
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Italy - Ireland |
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0-1 (0-1) |
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ITALY Pagliuca Tassotti, Costacurta, Baresi (c), Maldini Donadoni, Albertini, D. Baggio, Evani (Massaro 46’) R. Baggio, Signori (Berti 84’) COACH: Arrigo Sacchi |
IRELAND Bonner Irwin, McGrath, Babb, Phelan Houghton (McAteer 68’), Townsend (c), Keane, Sheridan, Staunton Coyne (Aldridge 90’) COACH: Jackie Charlton |
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GAME SUMMARY Sacchi packed the Italian midfield and stationed little Signori (Serie A’s leading scorer for the past two seasons) out on the left. As a result, Italy couldn’t find their way through a defense well guarded by McGrath and Babb. Besides, Ireland took an early lead when Houghton chested down Baresi’s weak header and hooked a long-range volley over Pagliuca. The move had started with a typical Irish mortar bomb, forcing Costacurta into an aerial duel with Coyne. Italy, not used to be one goal down so early into the game, was unable to overturn the score, and Ireland could have even made the second, but Sheridan hit the bar. |
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STADIUM: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Los Angeles) DATE: 18-06-1994 (16:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 91.865 REFEREE: Jamal al-Sharif (SYR) GOALS: 0-1 (Răducioiu 15’); 0-2 (Hagi 34’); 1-2 (Valencia 43’); 1-3 (Răducioiu 89’) |
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Colombia - Romania |
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1-3 (1-2) |
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COLOMBIA Córdoba Escobar, Perea, Wilson Pérez, Herrera Leonel Álvarez, Gabriel Gómez, Valderrama (c), Rincón Valencia, Asprilla COACH: Pacho Maturana |
ROMANIA Stelea Petrescu, Belodedici, Mihali, Munteanu, Prodan Popescu, Hagi (c), Lupescu Dumitrescu (Selymes 68’), Răducioiu (Papură 90’) COACH: Anghel lordănescu |
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GAME SUMMARY Colombia was considered as the favorites before the game, but Romania packed their midfield to smother the South American’s close-passing game and chanelled everything through Hagi, who finally lived up to everyone’s expectations. But the main difference in this game was that Romania took their chances. At the quarter, Hagi sent a pass to Răducioiu, who cut inside two defenders and whipped a shot across Córdoba. Then Hagi scored one of the best goals of the tournament when, from out near the left-hand touchline, he fired the ball in at the far post with his left foot. Near halftime, Valencia headed in a corner at the near post. But Colombia failed to equalized in the second half, as Valderrama and Asprilla were not as influential as usual, and near the end Răducioiu secured the Romanian victory when he was set by Hagi to run clear and resisted the keeper’s challenge before lashing the ball into an empty net. |
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STADIUM: Pontiac Silverdome (Detroit) DATE: 18-06-1994 (17:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 73.425 REFEREE: Francisco Óscar Lamolina (ARG) GOALS: 0-1 (Bregy 39’); 1-1 (Wynalda 44’) [Incidents: First game in the history of the World Cup played completely indoors.] |
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USA - Switzerland |
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1-1 (1-1) |
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USA Meola (c) Kooiman, Lalas, Dooley, Balboa, Caligiuri Tab Ramos, Harkes, Sorber Stewart (Cobi Jones 81’), Wynalda (Wegerle 58’) COACH: Bora Milutinović |
SWITZERLAND Pascolo Hottiger, Geiger, Herr, Quentin Ohrel, Bregy (c), Sforza (Wyss 77’), Sutter Chapuisat, Bickel (Subiat 72’) COACH: Roy Hodgson |
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GAME SUMMARY Switzerland’s first finals match since 1966 was also the first game played indoors, which had the players sweating like cheeses. Both goals came from well-taken free kicks, Bregy curling his shot round the wall, Wynalda in off the bar from thirty meters. Dooley and Sutter also had chances to score, but players were soon beginning to slip and slide on the damp grass, and everyone looked drained by the end. |
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STADIUM: Citrus Bowl (Orlando) DATE: 19-06-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 60.790 REFEREE: José Joaquín Torres (COL) GOALS: 1-0 (Degryse 11’) |
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Belgium - Morocco |
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1-0 (1-0) |
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BELGIUM Preud'homme Staelens, Smidts, Grün (c), De Wolf, Boffin (Borkelmans 85’) Nilis (Emmers 54’), Van der Elst, Scifo Weber, Degryse COACH: Paul van Himst |
MOROCCO Azmi (Alaoui 89’) Abdellah, Triki, Naybet, El-Hadrioui Azzouzi, El-Haddaoui (c) (Bahja 69’), Hababi, Daoudi Hadji, Chaouch (Samadi 82’) COACH: Abdellah Blinda |
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GAME SUMMARY Morocco seemed to be better acclimatized to the torrid conditions of Orlando, but they couldn’t quite make it count. Chaouch hit the bar twice, but Belgium stroke first when Azmi came out for a cross by Nilis and Degryse got his head to it before him. Under a new rule allowing goalkeepers to be replaced (in addition to the regular two substitutions for field players), Morocco became the first team to use three substitutes in a World Cup finals match. |
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STADIUM: RFK Memorial Stadium (Washington D.C.) DATE: 19-06-1994 (16:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 52.359 REFEREE: Sándor Puhl (HUN) GOALS: 1-0 (Rekdal 84’) |
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Norway - Mexico |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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NORWAY Thorstvedt Håland, Berg, Bratseth (c), Bjørnebye Mykland (Rekdal 78’), Leonhardsen, Bohinen, Jakobsen (Halle 46’) Flo, Fjørtoft COACH: Egil Olsen |
MEXICO Campos Gutiérrez (Bernal 71’), Suárez, Ramírez Perales, Ramírez Valdez (Galindo 46’), Luis García, Ambriz (c), Del Olmo Hugo Sánchez, Zague COACH: Miguel Mejía Barón |
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GAME SUMMARY Norway, who had surprisingly finished ahead of Holland and England in their qualifying group, used the same disciplined play in this match with optimal results. When Fjørtoft was fouled near the end, the ball ran on to Rekdal, who outpaced Suárez before scoring with a cross shot. In the last minute, Mexico were very unlucky not to equalize when Zague’s diving header came back off a post, the ball hit his head again as he lay on the ground, and was finally kicked clear by Berg. |
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STADIUM: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Los Angeles) DATE: 19-06-1994 (16:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 83.959 REFEREE: Alberto Tejada (PER) GOALS: 0-1 (Ljung 8’); 1-1 (Embé 31’); 2-1 (Omam-Biyik 47’); 2-2 (Dahlin 75’) |
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Cameroon - Sweden |
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2-2 (1-1) |
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CAMEROON Bell Tataw (c), Kalla, Song, Agbo Libiih, M'Bouh, M'Fédé (Maboang 88’), Foé Omam-Biyik, Embé (Mouyémé 81’) COACH: Henri Michel |
SWEDEN Ravelli R. Nilsson, P. Andersson, Björklund, Ljung Schwarz, Thern (c), Ingesson (K. Andersson 76’) Blomqvist (Larsson 61’), Brolin, Dahlin COACH: Tommy Svensson |
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GAME SUMMARY Interesting game between two teams representing completely different styles of play. Ljung, unmarked in the penalty area, headed in Thern’s free kick at the far post. Then Omam-Biyik blocked a clearance on the left before squaring the ball to Embé for the equalizer. Right after halftime, Omam-Biyik himself scored after Patrik Andersson misjudged Song’s long free kick. Sweden were saved when Larsson hit the bar from thirty meters and Dahlin let the ball bounce, chested it down, and half-volleyed past Bell. |
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STADIUM: RFK Memorial Stadium (Washington D.C.) DATE: 20-06-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 52.535 REFEREE: Manuel Díaz Vega (SPA) GOALS: 0-1 (Amin 18’); 1-1 (Jonk 50’); 2-1 (Taument 86’) |
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Netherlands - Saudi Arabia |
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2-1 (0-1) |
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NETHERLANDS De Goeij F. de Boer, Rijkaard, Koeman (c), Van Gobbel Overmars (Taument 58’), Wouters, Jonk, Bergkamp Roy (Van Vossen 81’), R. de Boer COACH: Dick Advocaat |
SAUDI ARABIA Al-Deayea Al-Dosari, Al-Khilaiwi, Madani, Al-Jawad Amin, Al-Bishi, Al-Jebreen, Al-Muwallid Abdullah (c) (Idris 46’), Al-Owairan (Saleh 69’) COACH: Jorge Solari |
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GAME SUMMARY Holland were given a scare by a talented and committed Saudi team, in their debut in the World Cup finals. Amin headed home from a free kick, and the Dutch had to wait until the second half to overturn the score. First it was Jonk, who lashed a long-range shot that went in past Al-Deayea’s left hand. Near the end, the Saudi goalkeeper came a long way off his line but missed his punch to a cross, and the ball bounced behind him for Taument to head in. |
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STADIUM: Stanford Stadium (Palo Alto, San Francisco) DATE: 20-06-1994 (13:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 81.061 REFEREE: An-Yan Lim Kee Chong (MAU) GOALS: 1-0 (Romário 26’); 2-0 (Raí [p.] 53’) |
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Brazil - Russia |
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2-0 (1-0) |
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BRAZIL Taffarel Jorginho, Ricardo Rocha (Aldair 74’), Márcio Santos, Leonardo Raí (c), Mauro Silva, Dunga (Mazinho 85’), Zinho Bebeto, Romário COACH: Carlos Alberto Parreira |
RUSSIA Kharin (c) Gorlukovich, Ternavskij, Nikiforov, Kuznetsov, Tsymbalar’ Karpin, Khlestov, Pjatnitskij Radchenko (Borodjuk 77’), Yuran (Salenko 55’) COACH: Pavel Sadyrin |
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GAME SUMMARY Russia, with some key players like Shalimov, Kanchel’skis, Kolyvanov, Kirjakov and Dobrovol’skij out of the team due to major discrepancies with the coach, didn’t really stand a chance against in-form Brazil. Without their most vital attacking players, Russia couldn’t break down the Brazilian strong defense, in which Jorginho had been world class for years and Leonardo looked a bright new wing-back. Romário won a push-and-shove with his marker to stab in Bebeto’s corner for the opener, and in the second half he was fouled by Ternavskij for the penalty, which was converted by Raí (younger brother of Sócrates, the Brazilian captain in 1982). |
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STADIUM: Foxboro Stadium (Foxboro, Boston) DATE: 21-06-1994 (12:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 53.486 REFEREE: Arturo Ángeles (USA) GOALS: 1-0 (Batistuta 2’); 2-0 (Batistuta 44’); 3-0 (Maradona 60’); 4-0 (Batistuta [p.] 89’) |
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Argentina - Greece |
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4-0 (2-0) |
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ARGENTINA Islas Sensini, Cáceres, Ruggeri, Chamot Simeone, Redondo, Maradona (c) (Ortega 83’), Balbo (Mancuso 80’) Batistuta, Caniggia COACH: Alfio Basile |
GREECE Minou Apostolakis, Kolitsidakis, Manolas, Kalitzakis Tsalouchidis, Nioplias, Kofidis, Tsiantakis (Marangos 46’) Saravakos (c), Machlas (Mitropoulos 59’) COACH: Alketas Panagoulias |
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GAME SUMMARY Argentina, uncertain about their form and still recovering from the painful 0-5 loss against Colombia in Buenos Aires during the qualifying stage, couldn’t have asked for an easier start. Greece didn’t look at all like a competitive team, and might not have qualified at all if Yugoslavia hadn’t been excluded from their European group due to UN sanctions in connection with the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Only two minutes after kick-off, Batistuta was allowed a long run from deep, and his eventual shot slipped past the keeper. Then he dummied a return pass to Chamot before smashing in a spectacular shot from the edge of the area. After halftime, Argentina scored the best goal of the game after two one-twos in the edge of the area followed by a flashing left-footer from Maradona, who celebrated with a defiant look at the camera on the touchline. Batistuta completed the thrashing with a penalty given after an accidental handball by Apostolakis. Suddenly rejuvenated and in-form after what seemed an early retirement due to drug abuse, Maradona became again the leader of Argentina, and left many wondering how he did it. Unfortunately for him, the mystery was solved in the next game of Argentina… |
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STADIUM: Soldier Field (Chicago) DATE: 21-06-1994 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 63.113 REFEREE: Ernesto Filippi (URU) GOALS: 0-1 (Goikoetxea 14’); 1-1 (Klinsmann 48’) |
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Germany - Spain |
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1-1 (0-1) |
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GERMANY Illgner Strunz, Berthold, Matthäus (c), Kohler, Brehme Häßler, Effenberg, Sammer, Möller (Völler 62’) Klinsmann COACH: Berti Vogts |
SPAIN Zubizarreta (c) Ferrer, Hierro, Alkorta, Abelardo, Sergi Goikoetxea (Bakero 64’), Caminero, Guardiola (Camarasa 77’) Julio Salinas, Luis Enrique COACH: Javier Clemente |
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GAME SUMMARY Spain had the better of the first half, when Germany left Klinsmann alone up front. The Spanish defense did well, with the powerful Hierro moving back to his natural position of sweeper, and scored a rather lucky goal when Goikoetxea’s cross from the right drifted over Illgner and went in off the far post. But Germany equalized soon after halftime after Klinsmann headed down an outswinging free kick by Häßler. The entry of Rudi Völler, still sharp at 34, improved the German balance up front, but Spain defended well till the end of the game. |
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STADIUM: Cotton Bowl (Dallas) DATE: 21-06-1994 (18:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 44.932 REFEREE: Rodrigo Badilla (CRC) GOALS: 1-0 (Yekini 21’); 2-0 (Amokachi 43’); 3-0 (Amuneke 55’) |
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Nigeria - Bulgaria |
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3-0 (2-0) |
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NIGERIA Rufai (c) Eguavoen, Uche, Nwanu, Iroha Oliseh, Siasia (Mutiu 69’), Amokachi Finidi (Ezeugo 77’), Yekini, Amuneke COACH: Clemens Westerhof |
BULGARIA Mikhajlov (c) Ivanov, Kremenliev, Tsvetanov, Khubchev Yankov, Lechkov (Sirakov 59’), Borimirov (Yordanov 73’), Balăkov Kostadinov, Stoichkov COACH: Dimităr Penev |
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GAME SUMMARY The fiery Stoichkov, one of the “bad boys” of European football, was unlucky to have a goal mysteriously disallowed from a free kick, but Nigeria was 2-0 by then and fulfilling all expectations. The current champions of the African Cup were a blend of skill and raw power which many had been expecting from the continent for years, and they were the biggest hope of Africa in the tournament. Midway the first half, Finidi drove a low cross into the small area and Yekini got there first to follow the ball into the net. Another cross from Finidi was met by Amokachi, who swept extravagantly round the keeper to make it 2-0 just before halftime. In the second half, Amuneke made the third with a diving header following yet another cross by Finidi. |
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STADIUM: Pontiac Silverdome (Detroit) DATE: 22-06-1994 (16:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 61.428 REFEREE: Neji Jouini (TUN) GOALS: 0-1 (Sutter 16’); 1-1 (Hagi 35’); 1-2 (Chapuisat 52’); 1-3 (Knup 65’); 1-4 (Knup 72’) [Incidents: Vlădoiu was sent off (min. 73).] |
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Romania - Switzerland |
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1-4 (1-1) |
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ROMANIA Stelea Petrescu, Mihali, Belodedici, Prodan Popescu, Lupescu (Panduru 85’), Hagi (c), Munteanu Răducioiu, Dumitrescu (Vlădoiu 70’) COACH: Anghel lordănescu |
SWITZERLAND Pascolo Hottiger, Herr, Geiger, Quentin Ohrel (Sylvestre 83’), Bregy (c), Sforza, Sutter (Bickel 71’) Knup, Chapuisat COACH: Roy Hodgson |
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GAME SUMMARY The Swiss victory was something of a shock, given the results of the first matches, but it might well be that Switzerland were already acclimatized to the “greenhouse effect” of playing indoors at Pontiac Silverdome. The return of Knup, and therefore a more attacking formation, was also a factor. Sutter opened the scoring when he cracked the ball in low from outside the area, but Hagi equalized before halftime with another good shot from twenty-five meters.
After halftime, Switzerland took the lead again when Chapuisat scored in a scramble. Sforza’s strong clever run made an open goal for Knup, who scored his second minutes later after netting a Bregy’s free kick which skimmed a defender’s head on its way in. To complete Romania’s disarray, Vlădoiu was sent off only three minutes after he entered the pitch for showing his studs to Ohrel. |
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STADIUM: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Los Angeles) DATE: 22-06-1994 (16:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 93.194 REFEREE: Fabio Baldas (ITA) GOALS: 1-0 (Escobar [o.g.] 35’); 2-0 (Stewart 52’); 2-1 (Valencia 90’) [Incidents: The game had a horrific postscript for Colombia when Andrés Escobar, their talented central defender, was later shot dead in Medellín because his own goal had apparently cost big gambling losses to several drug lords.] |
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USA - Colombia |
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2-1 (1-0) |
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USA Meola (c) Clavijo, Lalas, Balboa, Caligiuri Dooley, Sorber, Harkes, Tab Ramos Wynalda (Wegerle 61’), Stewart (Cobi Jones 66’) COACH: Bora Milutinović |
COLOMBIA Córdoba Herrera, Escobar, Perea, Wilson Pérez Gaviria, Leonel Álvarez, Valderrama (c), Rincón De Ávila (Valencia 46’), Asprilla (Valenciano 46’) COACH: Pacho Maturana |
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GAME SUMMARY Colombia, one of the group favorites before the beginning of the tournament, were eliminated after a poor game. Both teams hit the post before Escobar turned Harkes’ cross shot into his own net. Then Tab Ramos hit a through-ball, Córdoba rushed out too soon, and Stewart touched the ball past him and in off the near post. The towering Lalas, whose long red hair and goatee made him as recognizable as Valderrama, had a thumping goal wrongly disallowed for offside. Asprilla was playing at his worst and had to be substituted at halftime, and a very late Valencia’s goal, a rebound after a fine save by Meola, couldn’t stop the USA from winning their second finals match and reaching the next round. |
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STADIUM: Giants Stadium (New Jersey, New York) DATE: 23-06-1994 (16:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 74.624 REFEREE: Hellmut Krug (GER) GOALS: 1-0 (D. Baggio 69’) [Incidents: Pagliuca was sent off (min. 21).] |
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Italy - Norway |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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ITALY Pagliuca Benarrivo, Costacurta, Baresi (c) (Apolloni 49’), Maldini Berti, D. Baggio, Albertini, Signori R. Baggio (Marchegiani 22’), Casiraghi (Massaro 69’) COACH: Arrigo Sacchi |
NORWAY Thorstvedt Håland, Bratseth (c), Berg, Bjørnebye Mykland (Rekdal 81’), Bohinen, Leonhardsen, Fjørtoft Flo, Rushfeldt (Jakobsen 46’) COACH: Egil Olsen |
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GAME SUMMARY A match to enter the Italian folklore (together with the eight-final game later on against Nigeria). When Pagliuca’s handball outside the area made him the first goalkeeper ever sent off in the finals (after the introduction of red cards), Italy were not only left with ten men for most of the match, but Sacchi decided to take off Roberto Baggio (current European Footballer of the Year and FIFA Player of the Year) to make way for the substitute goalkeeper, to the amazement of the Italian fans and the abiding disgust of the player himself. To make things even worse, Baresi was injured and Maldini finished the match limping on the wing. But Norway seemed to play for a point instead of taking advantage of the adverse situation of their rivals. Italy too would probably have settled for a draw, but Dino Baggio scored with a powerful header after leading the charge to attack Signori’s free kick from the left. Bratseth had a goal disallowed with eight minutes left, but Italy wouldn’t lose their narrow advantage in the game. |
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STADIUM: Foxboro Stadium (Foxboro, Boston) DATE: 23-06-1994 (19:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 53.456 REFEREE: Leslie Mottram (SCO) GOALS: - [Incidents: Cristaldo was sent off (min. 82).] |
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South Korea - Bolivia |
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0-0 (0-0) |
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SOUTH KOREA Choi I.Y. (c) Kim P.K., Park J.B., Lee Y.J., Hong M.B., Shin H.G. Noh J.Y. (Choi Y.I. 71’), Ko J.W., Su J.W. (Ha S.J. 65’) Kim J.S., Hwang S.H. COACH: Kim Ho |
BOLIVIA Trucco Soria, Sandy, Quinteros, Rimba Borja, Baldivieso, Melgar (c), Cristaldo Ramallo (Á. Peña 67’), Erwin Sánchez COACH: Xabier Azkargorta |
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GAME SUMMARY Although South Korea had high hopes of winning their first match in a World Cup finals and Bolivia wanted to score their first goal, neither one achieved their object in a scrappy match. Again, the South Koreans didn’t stop running for all the game, but this time their shooting was also hurried. Near the end, Cristaldo was controversially sent off for a challenge on Kim Pan-keun. |
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STADIUM: Citrus Bowl (Orlando) DATE: 24-06-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 61.219 REFEREE: Kurt Röthlisberger (SWI) GOALS: 1-0 (Luis García 42’); 2-0 (Luis García 65’); 2-1 (Aldridge 84’) [Incidents: The Irish manager Jackie Charlton had a series of altercations with FIFA officials as he tried to ensure his dehydrated players were receiving water. After the game, Charlton was fined and banned for one game.] |
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Mexico - Ireland |
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2-1 (1-0) |
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MEXICO Campos Rodríguez (Gutiérrez 80’), Ramírez Perales, Suárez, Del Olmo García Aspe, Ambriz (c), Luis García, Bernal Hermosillo (Salvador 80’), Zague COACH: Miguel Mejía Barón |
IRELAND Bonner Irwin, McGrath, Babb, Phelan Staunton (McAteer 69’), Keane, Sheridan, Houghton, Townsend (c) Coyne (Aldridge 67’) COACH: Jackie Charlton |
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GAME SUMMARY Under a scorching midday sun in Orlando, Mexico acclimatized much better to the severe heat conditions than Ireland. Luis García scored the first Mexican goal near halftime with a sharp ground shot from the edge of the penalty area, and midway the second period doubled the advantage with another similar shot. Near the end, McAteer cut back a good cross from the right for the veteran Aldridge to score with a downward header (the colorful Campos should have done better), but it was too late then for Ireland. |
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STADIUM: Stanford Stadium (Palo Alto, San Francisco) DATE: 24-06-1994 (13:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 83.401 REFEREE: Arturo Brizio Carter (MEX) GOALS: 1-0 (Romário 39’); 2-0 (Márcio Santos 66’); 3-0 (Bebeto 73’) [Incidents: Song was sent off (min. 63).] |
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Brazil - Cameroon |
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3-0 (1-0) |
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BRAZIL Taffarel Jorginho, Aldair, Márcio Santos, Leonardo Raí (c) (Müller 81’), Mauro Silva, Dunga, Zinho (Paulo Sérgio 75’) Bebeto, Romário COACH: Carlos Alberto Parreira |
CAMEROON Bell Tataw (c), Kalla, Song, Agbo Libiih, M'Bouh, M'Fédé (Maboang 71’), Foé Omam-Biyik, Embé (Milla 64’) COACH: Henri Michel |
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GAME SUMMARY Cameroon’s players—who had threatened to boycott the game unless they were paid bonuses from the qualifying competition—were no match for Brazil’s solidity and Romário’s sheer genius. The FC Barcelona attacker outran three defenders before toe-poking the ball past a hesitant keeper for the opener. In the second half, Márcio Santos came in umarked to make it 2-0 with a plunging header, and Bebeto turned in a loose ball from a narrow angle after Romário’s shot had been saved by Bell. Cameroon’s main contribution to the game was setting two new World Cup age records: Milla as the oldest player (42) and Song as the youngest to be sent off (17 years and 358 days). |
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STADIUM: Pontiac Silverdome (Detroit) DATE: 24-06-1994 (19:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 71.528 REFEREE: Joël Quiniou (FRA) GOALS: 0-1 (Salenko [p.] 4’); 1-1 (Brolin [p.] 37’); 2-1 (Dahlin 59’); 3-1 (Dahlin 81’) [Incidents: Gorlukovich was sent off (min. 49).] |
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Sweden - Russia |
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3-1 (1-1) |
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SWEDEN Ravelli R. Nilsson, P. Andersson, Björklund (Erlingmark 89’), Ljung Schwarz, Brolin, Thern (c), Ingesson K. Andersson (Larsson 84’), Dahlin COACH: Tommy Svensson |
RUSSIA Kharin (c) Gorlukovich, Onopko, Nikiforov, Kuznetsov, Khlestov Popov (Karpin 41’), Mostovoj, Borodjuk (Galjamin 52’) Salenko, Radchenko COACH: Pavel Sadyrin |
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GAME SUMMARY Russia took an early lead after Salenko converted a penalty, but Brolin equalized for Sweden also from the spot when the sharp and athletic Dahlin was fouled by Gorlukovich. In the second half, Dahlin took over and scored twice with two marvellous headers. Russia, who suffered the sending-off of Gorlukovich after a foul on the mobile Dahlin, were on their way out by then. |
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STADIUM: Giants Stadium (New Jersey, New York) DATE: 25-06-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 72.404 REFEREE: Philip Don (ENG) GOALS: 1-0 (Al-Jaber [p.] 7’); 1-1 (Chaouch 26’); 2-1 (Amin 45’) |
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Saudi Arabia - Morocco |
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2-1 (2-1) |
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SAUDI ARABIA Al-Deayea Amin, Madani, Al-Jawad (c), Al-Anazi (Zubromawi 30’), Al-Khilaiwi Al-Bishi, Al-Muwallid, Al-Jebreen Al-Owairan, Al-Jaber (Al-Ghesheyan 80’) COACH: Jorge Solari |
MOROCCO Azmi (c) Abdellah (El-Ghrissi 57’), Triki, El-Khalej, El-Hadrioui Naybet, Azzouzi, Hababi (Hadji 73’), Daoudi Bahja, Chaouch COACH: Abdellah Blinda |
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GAME SUMMARY In the first finals game between two Arabic countries, Saudi Arabia became only the second Asian team to win a match (after North Korea in 1966). Naybet fouled Al-Jaber for a penalty converted by himself, then Chaouch equalized with a simple tap-in after some brilliant work by Bahja on the left-hand goal line. However, an error by Azmi gave away the winning goal for Saudi Arabia, as Amin’s long shot bounced in off the goalkeeper’s hands. |
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STADIUM: Citrus Bowl (Orlando) DATE: 25-06-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 62.387 REFEREE: Renato Marsiglia (BRA) GOALS: 1-0 (Albert 65’) |
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Belgium - Netherlands |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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BELGIUM Preud'homme Emmers (Medved 78’), Albert, De Wolf, Borkelmans (Smidts 61’) Scifo, Grün (c), Van der Elst, Staelens Degryse, Weber COACH: Paul van Himst |
NETHERLANDS De Goeij Valckx, Koeman (c), F. de Boer Rijkaard, Jonk, Bergkamp, Wouters Taument (Overmars 64’), R. de Boer (Witschge 46’), Roy COACH: Dick Advocaat |
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GAME SUMMARY A surprise victory of Belgium over group favorites Holland. Albert, a classy attacking defender, shot in off the near post from a corner, and Scifo had a goal disallowed. But Belgium owed much of their victory to the 35-year-old Preud'homme, who had the goalkeeping performance of the tournament, saving from Koeman, Bergkamp, Rijkaard and even deflecting a shot from Overmars onto the bar in the last minute. |
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STADIUM: Foxboro Stadium (Foxboro, Boston) DATE: 25-06-1994 (16:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 54.453 REFEREE: Bo Karlsson (SWE) GOALS: 0-1 (Siasia 8’); 1-1 (Caniggia 21’); 2-1 (Caniggia 28’) [Incidents: After the game, Maradona was tested positive in the antidope control (ephedrine, a stimulant substance, was found in his blood) and was expelled from the tournament. Hadn’t he been suspended, he would have broken the “Żmuda haunting”, which seems to prevent anyone from playing more than 21 games in the final stage of the World Cup.] |
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Argentina - Nigeria |
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2-1 (2-1) |
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ARGENTINA Islas Sensini (Hernán Díaz 88’), Cáceres, Ruggeri, Chamot Simeone, Redondo, Maradona (c), Balbo (Mancuso 72’) Caniggia, Batistuta COACH: Alfio Basile |
NIGERIA Rufai (c) Eguavoen, Uche, Emenalo, Nwanu Finidi, Oliseh (Okocha 88’), Siasia (Mutiu 57’), Amuneke Amokachi, Yekini COACH: Clemens Westerhof |
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GAME SUMMARY Nigeria scored a splendid opener when Siasia stepped inside a defender before chipping the ball over Islas as the Argentinian keeper rushed out to the edge of the penalty area. But the Nigerian defense lacked concentration when Maradona quickly took a free kick and Caniggia curled the ball beyond Rufai. The second Argentinian goal also followed a free kick: Maradona backheeled the ball for Batistuta to shoot low round the wall, Rufai fumbled it and Caniggia kicked the ball into the roof of the net. Quite a comeback for Caniggia, whose ban for cocaine use had ended just a month before the tournament. But the big drugs story of the game was about Maradona who, in his eagerness to lose weight quickly, had taken a cocktail of ephedrine and other illegal substances, and was expelled from the tournament following a positive in the post-match drug control. |
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STADIUM: Soldier Field (Chicago) DATE: 26-06-1994 (11:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 63.160 REFEREE: Ali Mohammed Bujsaim (UAE) GOALS: 1-0 (Stoichkov [p.] 5’); 2-0 (Stoichkov [p.] 55’); 3-0 (Lechkov 65’); 4-0 (Borimirov 90’) |
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Bulgaria - Greece |
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4-0 (1-0) |
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BULGARIA Mikhajlov (c) Ivanov, Kremenliev, Khubchev, Tsvetanov (Kirjakov 77’) Balăkov, Sirakov, Lechkov, Yankov Stoichkov, Kostadinov (Borimirov 82’) COACH: Dimităr Penev |
GREECE Atmatzidis Apostolakis (c), Kalitzakis, Karagiannis, Karataidis Kofidis, Nioplias, Chatzidis (Mitropoulos 46’), Marangos Alexoudis (Dimitriadis 58’), Machlas COACH: Alketas Panagoulias |
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GAME SUMMARY Bulgaria won their first match in the World Cup finals against a very soft opposition. Stoichkov put away two penalties and brought a good save from Atmatzidis with a free kick in the last minute, but Borimirov stabbed in the rebound to score the fourth Bulgarian goal. Before, Lechkov played a delayed one-two with Kostadinov and ran on to shoot in off a post. |
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STADIUM: Stanford Stadium (Palo Alto, San Francisco) DATE: 26-06-1994 (13:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 83.769 REFEREE: Peter Mikkelsen (DEN) GOALS: 0-1 (Gaviria 44’); 0-2 (Lozano 90’) |
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Switzerland - Colombia |
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0-2 (0-1) |
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SWITZERLAND Pascolo Hottiger, Quentin, Herr, Geiger Bregy (c), Sutter (Grassi 82’), Ohrel, Sforza Knup (Subiat 82’), Chapuisat COACH: Roy Hodgson |
COLOMBIA Córdoba Escobar, Herrera, Wilson Pérez, Mendoza Valderrama (c), Leonel Álvarez, Gaviria (Lozano 79’) Rincón, Valencia (De Ávila 64’), Asprilla COACH: Pacho Maturana |
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GAME SUMMARY Colombia, already eliminated, finished their participation in the World Cup with a victory over Switzerland, who were already qualified. Just before halftime, the South Americans opened the score when Pascolo fumbled Gaviria’s leaping header, and near the end De Ávila slipped a ball inside to Lozano, who beat Herr and scored with a low cross shot. |
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STADIUM: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Los Angeles) DATE: 26-06-1994 (13:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 93.869 REFEREE: Mario van der Ende (NED) GOALS: 0-1 (Petrescu 18’) |
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USA - Romania |
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0-1 (0-1) |
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USA Meola (c) Clavijo, Dooley, Balboa, Lalas, Caligiuri Tab Ramos (Cobi Jones 64’), Sorber (Wegerle 75’), Harkes Wynalda, Stewart COACH: Bora Milutinović |
ROMANIA Prunea Petrescu, Belodedici (Mihali 89’), Selymes, Prodan Munteanu, Lupescu, Popescu, Hagi (c) Răducioiu (Gâlcă 84’), Dumitrescu COACH: Anghel lordănescu |
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GAME SUMMARY Romania, needing at least a draw to secure qualification, were relieved when Harkes hit a post early on. Then Răducioiu twisted away from a defender before pushing a short pass inside Caligiuri for Petrescu to shoot in low at the near post. The rest of the game was a constant attempt by the US team to equalize, but they lacked the experience to penetrate the Romanian defense. |
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STADIUM: Soldier Field (Chicago) DATE: 27-06-1994 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 63.089 REFEREE: Rodrigo Badilla (CRC) GOALS: 0-1 (Guardiola [p.] 19’); 0-2 (Caminero 66’); 1-2 (Erwin Sánchez 67’); 1-3 (Caminero 70’) |
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Bolivia - Spain |
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1-3 (0-1) |
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BOLIVIA Trucco Borja, Rimba, J.M. Peña, Sandy, Soruco Melgar (c), Soria (Castillo 62’), Ramos (Moreno 46’) Erwin Sánchez, Ramallo COACH: Xabier Azkargorta |
SPAIN Zubizarreta (c) Ferrer, Abelardo, Voro, Sergi Goikoetxea, Guardiola (Bakero 68’), Caminero, Felipe (Hierro 46’) Guerrero, Julio Salinas COACH: Javier Clemente |
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GAME SUMMARY In their sixth finals match, Bolivia at last scored their first goal, with the aid of a big deflection. Spain had a lucky beginning though, after Ramallo hit the bar and the referee awarded a controversial penalty converted by Guardiola, but soon proved they were a much better side than Bolivia. In the second half, Caminero scored from a narrow angle after good work by Sergi on the left, but within one minute Erwin Sánchez pulled one back with a fierce shot which was deflected by a defender and lifted past Zubizarreta. Then Caminero extended the Spanish lead after chesting down a cross and cooly stubbing it across the keeper. |
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STADIUM: Cotton Bowl (Dallas) DATE: 27-06-1994 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 63.998 REFEREE: Joël Quiniou (FRA) GOALS: 1-0 (Klinsmann 12’); 2-0 (Riedle 20’); 3-0 (Klinsmann 37’); 3-1 (Hwang Sun-hong 52’); 3-2 (Hong Myung-bo 63’) [Incidents: In minute 75, Effenberg gave the finger to the whistling crowd when he was being substituted. After this rude gesture, Berti Vogts and the German Federation dropped him from the team and sent him home.] |
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Germany - South Korea |
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3-2 (3-0) |
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GERMANY Illgner Kohler, Matthäus (c) (Möller 64’), Buchwald, Berthold Sammer, Häßler, Effenberg (Helmer 75’), Brehme Riedle, Klinsmann COACH: Berti Vogts |
SOUTH KOREA Choi I.Y. (c) (Lee W.J. 46’) Kim P.K., Park J.B., Lee Y.J. (Chung J.S. 40’), Hong M.B., Shin H.G. Choi Y.I., Ko J.W., Cho J.H. (Su J.W. 46’) Kim J.S., Hwang S.H. COACH: Kim Ho |
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GAME SUMMARY Klinsmann maintained his excellent form in the tournament and opened the score after flipping up Häßler’s low cross, spinning round and volleying in. Then he hit a post for Riedle to thrash in the rebound, and finally chested down another cross before scoring with a shot that Choi In-young fumbled in. The change of goalkeepers at halftime came too late for South Korea, who nevertheless took advantage of the extreme heat of Dallas and a slight German relaxation to score two goals and bring an unexpected thrill to the game. Park Jung-bae’s pass sent Hwang Sun-hong streaking clear to cleverly touch the ball past Illgner, then Hong Myung-bo smashed in a clearance from 25 meters. |
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STADIUM: RFK Memorial Stadium (Washington D.C.) DATE: 28-06-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 53.186 REFEREE: Francisco Óscar Lamolina (ARG) GOALS: 1-0 (Massaro 48’); 1-1 (Bernal 57’) |
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Italy - Mexico |
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1-1 (0-0) |
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ITALY Marchegiani Benarrivo, Apolloni, Costacurta, Maldini (c) Signori, Albertini, D. Baggio (Donadoni 65’), Berti R. Baggio, Casiraghi (Massaro 46’) COACH: Arrigo Sacchi |
MEXICO Campos Rodríguez, Suárez, Ramírez Perales, Bernal García Aspe, Ambriz (c), Luis García (J.C. Chávez 81’), Del Olmo Hermosillo, Zague COACH: Miguel Mejía Barón |
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GAME SUMMARY After a goalless first half, Massaro scored early into the second period after chesting down Albertini’s through-ball. Later, Bernal equalized with a ground shot after avoiding Signori’s tackle, a goal which moved Mexico from bottom to top in the group and eliminated Norway. Italy had to wait for the result of Russia vs. Cameroon to be sure they qualified for the next stage. |
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STADIUM: Giants Stadium (New Jersey, New York) DATE: 28-06-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 76.322 REFEREE: José Joaquín Torres (COL) GOALS: - [Incidents: The Irish head coach, Jackie Charlton, was banned for this game and couldn’t sit on the team’s bench, but he sent constant instructions from the stands with a two-way radio.] |
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Ireland - Norway |
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0-0 (0-0) |
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IRELAND Bonner G. Kelly, McGrath, Babb, Staunton McAteer, Keane, Townsend (c) (Whelan 75’), Sheridan, Houghton Aldridge (D. Kelly 65’) COACH: Jackie Charlton |
NORWAY Thorstvedt Berg, Bjørnebye, Bratseth (c), Johnsen Halle (Jakobsen 34’), Rekdal, Mykland, Leonhardsen (Bohinen 68’) Flo, Sørloth COACH: Egil Olsen |
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GAME SUMMARY Norway’s passivity during the game, in addition to the extreme heat, cost them a place in the next round, in a group in which all four teams finished with the same number of points (4) and the same goal average (+0), so the decisive factor was the number of goals scored (Mexico 3, Ireland and Italy 2, and Norway 1). |
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STADIUM: Stanford Stadium (Palo Alto, San Francisco) DATE: 28-06-1994 (13:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 74.914 REFEREE: Jamal al-Sharif (SYR) GOALS: 1-0 (Salenko 15’); 2-0 (Salenko 41’); 3-0 (Salenko [p.] 44’); 3-1 (Milla 46’); 4-1 (Salenko 72’); 5-1 (Salenko 75’); 6-1 (Radchenko 81’) [Incidents: Salenko set a new record in the final stage of the World Cup for most goals scored by a single player in a game (five).] |
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Russia - Cameroon |
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6-1 (3-0) |
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RUSSIA Cherchesov Nikiforov, Ternavskij, Onopko (c), Khlestov Tetradze, Tsymbalar’, Ledjakhov (Beschastnykh 78’) Karpin, Korneev (Radchenko 65’), Salenko COACH: Pavel Sadyrin |
CAMEROON Songo'o N'Dip, Tataw (c), Kalla, Agbo Kana-Biyik, Libiih, M'Fédé (Milla 46’), Foé Omam-Biyik, Embé (Tchami 47’) COACH: Henri Michel |
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GAME SUMMARY As in 1990, the doomed Russians thrashed Cameroon in the last and non-relevant game, the difference being that this time the African team were also eliminated. Salenko, with the help of a dubious penalty and a goal which looked offside, became the first player to score five goals in a finals match. Two players collided to let him in for the first, his second was an open goal, and his third came just before halftime from the penalty spot. After the restart, the eternal Milla scored a consolation goal for Cameroon with an immediate close-range touch. Then Salenko was set up by Tetradze for his fourth goal, and he went through unchallenged for his fifth as his marker stood and appealed for offside. Radchenko also ran clear to score with a shot that went in off Songo’o. |
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STADIUM: Pontiac Silverdome (Detroit) DATE: 28-06-1994 (16:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 77.217 REFEREE: Sándor Puhl (HUN) GOALS: 0-1 (K. Andersson 23’); 1-1 (Romário 47’) |
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Brazil - Sweden |
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1-1 (0-1) |
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BRAZIL Taffarel Jorginho, Aldair, Márcio Santos, Leonardo Mauro Silva (Mazinho 46’), Dunga, Raí (c) (Paulo Sérgio 83’), Zinho Bebeto, Romário COACH: Carlos Alberto Parreira |
SWEDEN Ravelli R. Nilsson, P. Andersson, Kåmark, Ljung Schwarz (Mild 75’), Ingesson, Thern (c) Larsson (Blomqvist 62’), K. Andersson, Brolin COACH: Tommy Svensson |
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GAME SUMMARY Kennet Andersson’s opener was a superb piece of finishing, a volleyed lob of great touch and control beyond Taffarel. Brazil’s equalizer came just after halftime, and it had to be another inspirational play by Romário: he darted at the center of the Swedish defense, beating two men through speed and angle of running before nudging the ball wide of Ravelli. Sweden, improving with every match, deserved the draw, but Brazil still looked the strongest team in the tournament. |
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STADIUM: RFK Memorial Stadium (Washington D.C.) DATE: 29-06-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 52.959 REFEREE: Hellmut Krug (GER) GOALS: 0-1 (Al-Owairan 5’) |
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Belgium - Saudi Arabia |
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0-1 (0-1) |
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BELGIUM Preud'homme Medved, De Wolf, Albert, Smidts Van der Elst, Scifo (c), Boffin, Staelens Degryse (Nilis 24’), Wilmots (Weber 54’) COACH: Paul van Himst |
SAUDI ARABIA Al-Deayea Zubromawi, Al-Khilaiwi, Madani, Al-Jawad Saleh, Al-Bishi, Al-Owairan (Al-Dosari 62’), Al-Jebreen Abdullah (c) (Al-Muwallid 46’), Idris COACH: Jorge Solari |
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GAME SUMMARY Belgium, expected to stroll through as group winners after two wins in their previous games, dominated most of the match, but Al-Owairan’s goal was worthy of winning any match. Five minutes into the game, he took a pass well inside his own half, burst between two Belgian players, beat another on the outside, a fourth on the inside, and then hooked the ball high past Preud'homme. One of the best goals of the tournament. |
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STADIUM: Citrus Bowl (Orlando) DATE: 29-06-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 60.578 REFEREE: Alberto Tejada (PER) GOALS: 0-1 (Bergkamp 43’); 1-1 (Nader 47’); 1-2 (Roy 77’) |
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Morocco - Netherlands |
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1-2 (0-1) |
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MOROCCO Alaoui Neqrouz, El-Khalej (c), Triki, El-Hadrioui Azzouzi (Daoudi 61’), Bouyboud (Hadji 46’), Samadi, Hababi Nader, Bahja COACH: Abdellah Blinda |
NETHERLANDS De Goeij Valckx, Koeman (c), F. de Boer Jonk, Witschge, Wouters, Overmars (Taument 56’) Van Vossen (Roy 67’), Bergkamp, Winter COACH: Dick Advocaat |
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GAME SUMMARY Holland got the win they needed to secure qualification, but were again made to work for it. Bergkamp calmly lifted the ball over the keeper to open the score just before halftime, but early into the second half Nader equalized by driving in a square pass. Then Bergkamp swerved past a defender to set up Roy for the winner. |
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STADIUM: Cotton Bowl (Dallas) DATE: 30-06-1994 (18:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 63.998 REFEREE: Neji Jouini (TUN) GOALS: 0-1 (Stoichkov 61’); 0-2 (Sirakov 90’) [Incidents: Tsvetanov was sent off (min. 67).] |
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Argentina - Bulgaria |
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0-2 (0-0) |
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ARGENTINA Islas Hernán Díaz, Chamot, Ruggeri (c), Cáceres Redondo, Simeone, Leonardo Rodríguez (Medina Bello 67’), Balbo Caniggia (Ortega 26’), Batistuta COACH: Alfio Basile |
BULGARIA Mikhajlov (c) Kremenliev, Ivanov, Tsvetanov, Khubchev, Yankov Balăkov, Lechkov (Borimirov 76’), Sirakov Stoichkov, Kostadinov (Kirjakov 74’) COACH: Dimităr Penev |
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GAME SUMMARY The absence of Maradona, expelled from the competition for drug use, was a big blow for Argentina, not only physically but emotionally. Deprived of their charismatic captain and already qualified for the next stage, the Argentinian players didn’t rise to the occasion. Even after Stoichkov sprinted clear to prod the ball wide of Islas, they were still top of the group. Later, Tsvetanov was sent off for bringing down Ortega, and it looked as if Argentina could take control of the game. However, a very late header by Sirakov from a corner, in conjunction with an even later goal by Nigeria in the other game, relegated the South Americans to a disappointing third place. |
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STADIUM: Foxboro Stadium (Foxboro, Boston) DATE: 30-06-1994 (19:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 53.001 REFEREE: Leslie Mottram (SCO) GOALS: 0-1 (Finidi 45’); 0-2 (Amokachi 90+’) |
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Greece - Nigeria |
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0-2 (0-1) |
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GREECE Karkamanis Alexiou, Kalitzakis, Karagiannis, Kofidis Chatzidis, Mitropoulos (c) (Tsiantakis 79’), Nioplias, Tsalouchidis Alexandris, Machlas (Dimitriadis 79’) COACH: Alketas Panagoulias |
NIGERIA Rufai Keshi (c), Uche, Nwanu, Emenalo Oliseh, Siasia, Amokachi, Finidi (Mutiu 84’) Yekini (Okocha 69’), Amuneke COACH: Clemens Westerhof |
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GAME SUMMARY Finidi opened the score just before halftime with a smart chip, and celebrated it by going down on all fours and cocking a leg. Deep into injury time, Amokachi secured the first place in the group for Nigeria when he took out four defenders and blasted a tremedous right-footer into the top corner. |
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STADIUM: Soldier Field (Chicago) DATE: 2-07-1994 (12:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 60.246 REFEREE: Kurt Röthlisberger (SWI) GOALS: 1-0 (Völler 6’); 1-1 (Grün 8’); 2-1 (Klinsmann 11’); 3-1 (Völler 40’); 3-2 (Albert 90’) BOOKED: Helmer (13'), Wagner (37') / Albert (38') |
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Germany - Belgium |
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3-2 (3-1) |
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GERMANY Illgner Helmer, Buchwald, Matthäus (c) (Brehme 46’), Kohler, Wagner Berthold, Häßler, Sammer Völler, Klinsmann (Kuntz 86’) COACH: Berti Vogts |
BELGIUM Preud'homme Albert, De Wolf, Smidts (Boffin 66’), Grün (c) Van der Elst, Scifo, Staelens, Emmers Nilis (Czerniatynski 78’), Weber COACH: Paul van Himst |
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GAME SUMMARY After their last defeat against Saudi Arabia in the qualifying stage, Belgium finished third in their group and were paired with the title holder in the eight-finals. Although the Germans were not the solid team of 1990, they still had two very dangerous strikers in Völler and Klinsmann. The former scored the first goal by heading the ball on and running through to nick the ball deftly over Preud'homme. Almost immediately, Grün stabbed in the equalizer from a free kick, but Völler’s slick one-two with Klinsmann set the latter for the second German goal. Near halftime, Völler again made the third with a header that Preud'homme should have stopped. In the last minute, Albert played a one-two before going past Kohler in the penalty area to score. Belgium might have been given a penalty before for a foul by Helmer on Weber. |
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STADIUM: RFK Memorial Stadium (Washington D.C.) DATE: 2-07-1994 (16:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 53.121 REFEREE: Mario van der Ende (NED) GOALS: 1-0 (Hierro 15’); 2-0 (Luis Enrique 74’); 3-0 (Beguiristáin [p.] 86’) BOOKED: Goikoetxea (18'), Ferrer (19'), Camarasa (22'), Otero (87') / Hottiger (23'), Studer (69'), Subiat (77'), Pascolo (85') [Incidents: A minute of silence was observed before kick-off in memory of the Colombian player Andrés Escobar, who was killed in Medellín by someone who held him responsible for the elimination of Colombia in the World Cup (the killer shouted “thanks for your own goal!” while shooting at Escobar, in reference to the goal scored by the Colombian defender in the game against the USA).] |
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Spain - Switzerland |
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3-0 (1-0) |
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SPAIN Zubizarreta (c) Ferrer, Alkorta, Nadal, Abelardo, Camarasa Goikoetxea (Beguiristáin 61’), Hierro (Otero 76’), Bakero, Sergi Luis Enrique COACH: Javier Clemente |
SWITZERLAND Pascolo Hottiger, Herr, Geiger, Quentin (Studer 58’) Ohrel (Subiat 73’), Bregy (c), Sforza, Bickel Knup, Chapuisat COACH: Roy Hodgson |
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GAME SUMMARY Without playing a brilliant game, Spain qualified for quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over Switzerland. Javier Clemente proved that an armored team, with no real center forward or midfield playmaker, can not only win games, but score goals. Hierro ran through the midfield and sent a pass through four Swiss defenders to Sergi, who was in an offside position and let the ball run. Hierro, who’d kept running, picked his own pass and scored with a long and soft shot as Pascolo came out. From that moment on, the Spaniards reinforced their defense and the Swiss desperately tried to equalize, dangerously advancing their defensive line. The Spanish wingers took advantage of this situation to create more chances. Sergi sent an inside pass to Luis Enrique, who shot across the keeper for the second goal. In the last minutes, Pascolo brought down Ferrer for a penalty converted by Beguiristáin. The Swiss badly missed the skills of Sutter, who’d aggravated a serious toe injury when Hodgson picked him for the meaningless last group match. |
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STADIUM: Cotton Bowl (Dallas) DATE: 3-07-1994 (12:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 60.277 REFEREE: Renato Marsiglia (BRA) GOALS: 0-1 (Dahlin 6’); 0-2 (K. Andersson 51’); 1-2 (Al-Ghesheyan 85’); 1-3 (K. Andersson 88’) BOOKED: Al-Muwallid (71') / Ljung (16'), Thern (67'), R. Nilsson (74') |
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Saudi Arabia - Sweden |
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1-3 (0-1) |
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SAUDI ARABIA Al-Deayea Al-Khilaiwi, Zubromawi, Madani, Al-Jawad (c) (Al-Ghesheyan 55’) Amin, Al-Bishi (Al-Muwallid 63’), Saleh, Al-Owairan, Al-Jaber Idris COACH: Jorge Solari |
SWEDEN Ravelli R. Nilsson, P. Andersson, Björklund (Kåmark 55’), Ljung Schwarz, Ingesson, Thern (c) (Mild 70’) Dahlin, Brolin, K. Andersson COACH: Tommy Svensson |
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GAME SUMMARY Sweden were always in control of the game, in spite of the scorching heat of the midday and playing against a Middle East team (more accustomed than the North Europeans to these weather conditions). Once again, the athletic Dahlin headed in a cross by Kennet Andersson to open the score. The latter was the star of the Swedish front line, and scored the second with a low shot after holding off a defender. Saudi Arabia pulled one back with another excellent goal, Al-Ghesheyan cutting inside from the right and thrashing a high shot inside Ravelli. Then Kennet Andersson killed the game definitely with a low shot that went in off a post. |
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STADIUM: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Los Angeles) DATE: 3-07-1994 (13:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 90.469 REFEREE: Pierluigi Pairetto (ITA) GOALS: 1-0 (Dumitrescu 11’); 1-1 (Batistuta [p.] 16’); 2-1 (Dumitrescu 18’); 3-1 (Hagi 58’); 3-2 (Balbo 75’) BOOKED: Popescu (50'), Selymes (68'), Dumitrescu (84') / Ruggeri (33'), Redondo (55'), Chamot (56'), Cáceres (83') |
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Romania - Argentina |
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3-2 (2-1) |
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ROMANIA Prunea Selymes, Prodan, Belodedici, Petrescu Mihali, Popescu, Hagi (c) (Gâlcă 86’), Lupescu, Munteanu Dumitrescu (Papură 89’) COACH: Anghel lordănescu |
ARGENTINA Islas Sensini (Medina Bello 63’), Cáceres, Ruggeri (c), Chamot Simeone, Redondo, Balbo, Basualdo Ortega, Batistuta COACH: Alfio Basile |
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GAME SUMMARY While Argentina were still missing Maradona, Romania made up for Răducioiu’s suspension by pushing Dumitrescu up front, and he responded with two superb goals. His first was a beautifully struck free kick from out on the left, dipping over Islas into the side netting. The second was a gem, Hagi pushing an angled pass between three defenders and Dumitrescu twisting his body to coolly side-foot it in at the near post. Before, Batistuta had been awarded a penalty for a challenge by Prodan that he himself converted. Romania were full of flair on the break and scored another fine goal to go 3-1 up when Dumitrescu’s square pass set up Hagi to shoot high past Islas. Then Balbo pulled one back when Prunea badly fumbled Cáceres’ low shot. Iordănescu took a gamble by substituting both his goalscorers in the last minutes of the game, but Argentina couldn’t force the extra-time. |
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STADIUM: Citrus Bowl (Orlando) DATE: 4-07-1994 (12:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 61.355 REFEREE: Peter Mikkelsen (DEN) GOALS: 1-0 (Bergkamp 11’); 2-0 (Jonk 41’) BOOKED: Koeman (72') |
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Netherlands - Ireland |
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2-0 (2-0) |
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NETHERLANDS De Goeij Winter, Koeman (c), Valckx, F. de Boer Rijkaard, Jonk, Witschge (Numan 79’), Van Vossen (Roy 70’) Overmars, Bergkamp COACH: Dick Advocaat |
IRELAND Bonner G. Kelly, McGrath, Babb, Phelan Houghton, Keane, Townsend (c), Sheridan, Staunton (McAteer 63’) Coyne (Cascarino 74’) COACH: Jackie Charlton |
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GAME SUMMARY Early into the game, Overmars pounced on Phelan’s weak header and sprinted away to set up Bergkamp for the opener. Then Jonk’s long-range shot was badly fumbled by Bonner, who let the ball slip through his hands. With two goals down, after halftime Charlton surprisingly continued to use only a single striker. Roy missed two easy chances for Holland, who had no major trouble qualifying for quarterfinals. |
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STADIUM: Stanford Stadium (Palo Alto, San Francisco) DATE: 4-07-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 84.147 REFEREE: Joël Quiniou (FRA) GOALS: 1-0 (Bebeto 74’) BOOKED: Mazinho (8'), Jorginho (16'), Leonardo (RC 44') / Tab Ramos (44'), Caligiuri (49'), Clavijo (64'), Dooley (80'), Clavijo (87' > RC) [Incidents: Leonardo (min. 44) and Clavijo (min. 87) were both sent off.] |
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Brazil - USA |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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BRAZIL Taffarel Jorginho, Aldair, Márcio Santos, Leonardo Mazinho, Mauro Silva, Dunga (c), Zinho (Cafu 69’) Bebeto, Romário COACH: Carlos Alberto Parreira |
USA Meola (c) Clavijo, Dooley, Lalas, Balboa, Caligiuri T. Ramos (Wynalda 46’), C. Jones, Sorber, H. Pérez (Wegerle 66’) Stewart COACH: Bora Milutinović |
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GAME SUMMARY Parreira dropped Raí for this game and settled for solidity in midfield. Near halftime, Leonardo was sent off (and banned for the rest of the tournament) for fracturing Tab Ramos’ skull with his elbow. Balboa and Lalas again played well, and the US team had made their contribution to the finals, but Brazil’s extra guile told in the end. Romário ran from deep and beat a man before slipping the ball wide to Bebeto, whose shot skidded under Lalas’ tackle and just inside the far post. The US tried to equalize, but they didn’t have the same inspirational attack as Brazil. Near the end, Clavijo was also sent off (he was the oldest player to be expelled in a finals match, at 37). |
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STADIUM: Foxboro Stadium (Foxboro, Boston) DATE: 5-07-1994 (12:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 54.367 REFEREE: Arturo Brizio Carter (MEX) GOALS: 1-0 (Amuneke 25’); 1-1 (R. Baggio 88’); 1-2 (R. Baggio [p.] 102’) BOOKED: Emenalo (2'), Mutiu (41'), Oliseh (53'), Nwanu (58') / Massaro (6'), Costacurta (29'), Signori (60'), D. Baggio (62'), Zola (RC 75'), Maldini (80') [Incidents: Zola was sent off (min. 75).] |
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Nigeria - Italy |
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1-2 (1-0;1-1) |
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NIGERIA Rufai (c) Emenalo, Eguavoen, Uche, Nwanu Amuneke (Oliha 57’), Oliseh, Okocha, Finidi Amokachi (Mutiu 35’), Yekini COACH: Clemens Westerhof |
ITALY Marchegiani Benarrivo, Costacurta, Maldini (c), Mussi Albertini, Berti (D. Baggio 46’), Donadoni, Signori (Zola 65’) R. Baggio, Massaro COACH: Arrigo Sacchi |
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GAME SUMMARY Once again, just when everything was stacked against them, Italy somehow managed to escape adversity and qualify for quarterfinals. Midway the first half, a corner bounced off Maldini’s shins to set up Amuneke’s volley for the opening goal. In the second half, Dino Baggio hit a post and Zola was controversially sent off soon after he entered the pitch. Then, with only two minutes left, Mussi handed off a defender on the right, took a lucky rebound and rolled the ball across for Roberto Baggio who, in all pressure, aimed for the absolute bottom corner of the goal, between Massaro and Eguavoen and past Rufai’s dive. In extra-time, Eguavoen’s clumsy challenge on Benarrivo was punished with a penalty kick, which Roberto Baggio converted off a post.
Nigeria, the great African hope, were an enormous let-down in this game. Stacked with class players, couldn’t finish the match in regulation with a favorable score and one more man, and then in extra-time kept five or six defenders back. |
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STADIUM: Giants Stadium (New Jersey, New York) DATE: 5-07-1994 (16:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 71.030 REFEREE: Jamal al-Sharif (SYR) GOALS: 0-1 (Stoichkov 6’); 1-1 (García Aspe [p.] 18’) BOOKED: Suárez (14'), Luis García (28'), Luis García (57' > RC), Ramírez (70'), García Aspe (76') / Kremenliev (12'), Sirakov (17'), Kirjakov (34'), Kremenliev (50' > RC), Yordanov (67') PK: 0-0 (García Aspe [out]); 0-0 (Balăkov [saved]) / 0-0 (Bernal [saved]); 0-1 (Genchev) / 0-1 (Rodríguez [saved]); 0-2 (Borimirov) / 1-2 (Suárez); 1-3 (Lechkov) [Incidents: Kremenliev (min. 50) and Luis García (min. 57) were both sent off.] |
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Mexico - Bulgaria |
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1-1 (1-1;1-1) (pk: 1-3) |
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MEXICO Campos Rodríguez, Suárez, Ramírez Perales, Ramírez Bernal, Luis García, Ambriz (c), García Aspe Galindo, Zague COACH: Miguel Mejía Barón |
BULGARIA Mikhajlov (c) Kremenliev, Khubchev, Yordanov, Kirjakov Sirakov (Genchev 104’), Balăkov, Lechkov, Borimirov Kostadinov (Mikhtarski 119’), Stoichkov COACH: Dimităr Penev |
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GAME SUMMARY After Stoichkov had sprinted onto Kostadinov’s through-ball to thrash it over Campos, the referee awarded a controversial penalty for a fifty-fifty tussle between Kremenliev and Zague, which was converted by García Aspe for the equalizer. In a match that was never rough, the Syrian referee showed as many as ten yellow cards and sent off two players for offenses barely worthy of the name. The funny moment of the game happened when Bernal headed Balăkov’s ball off the goal line and then broke the crossbar as he fell on the net, so that an entire new goal had to be brought out and installed. Bulgaria deserved to go through before the penalty shots, if only because Kostadinov hit the post with a free kick. For the second time in a row, 1986 and now this, Mexico were eliminated on penalties. |
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STADIUM: Foxboro Stadium (Foxboro, Boston) DATE: 9-07-1994 (12:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 54.605 REFEREE: Sándor Puhl (HUN) GOALS: 1-0 (D. Baggio 25’); 1-1 (Caminero 58’); 2-1 (R. Baggio 87’) BOOKED: Abelardo (3'), Caminero (19') [Incidents: For the first time in the history of the World Cup, the video record was used to ban a player after a game: in minute 90, Tassotti broke Luis Enrique’s nose with his elbow, and later FIFA banned the Italian player for eight international matches.] |
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Italy - Spain |
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2-1 (1-0) |
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ITALY Pagliuca Tassotti, Costacurta, Maldini (c), Benarrivo Conte (Berti 66’), D. Baggio, Albertini (Signori 46’), Donadoni R. Baggio, Massaro COACH: Arrigo Sacchi |
SPAIN Zubizarreta (c) Ferrer, Abelardo, Alkorta, Sergi (Julio Salinas 60’) Otero, Nadal, Caminero, Goikoetxea Bakero (Hierro 65’), Luis Enrique COACH: Javier Clemente |
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GAME SUMMARY Italy’s first goal was good (Dino Baggio scoring with a shot from well outside the area) and Spain’s was lucky (Caminero’s shot was deflected over Pagliuca), but the game was yet another great Italian escape from a complicated match. Near the end, Julio Salinas had a magnificent chance wen he was sent clean through in front of Pagliuca, but he prodded the ball over the keeper. Italy immediately scored at the other end, Signori lifting the ball beyond the last Spanish defender for Roberto Baggio, who swerved past Zubizarreta to score from a tight angle, his low shot going through Abelardo’s attempted clearance kick in the goalmouth. In the last minute, Spain should have had a penalty when Tassotti elbowed Luis Enrique’s nose in the area, but the Italian defender was not even booked for it. |
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STADIUM: Cotton Bowl (Dallas) DATE: 9-07-1994 (14:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 63.998 REFEREE: Rodrigo Badilla (CRC) GOALS: 0-1 (Romário 53’); 0-2 (Bebeto 63’); 1-2 (Bergkamp 64’); 2-2 (Winter 76’); 2-3 (Branco 81’) BOOKED: Winter (40'), Wouters (89') / Dunga (74') |
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Netherlands - Brazil |
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2-3 (0-0) |
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NETHERLANDS De Goeij Winter, Koeman (c), Valckx, Wouters Jonk, Rijkaard (R. de Boer 65’), Witschge Overmars, Bergkamp, Van Vossen (Roy 54’) COACH: Dick Advocaat |
BRAZIL Taffarel Jorginho, Márcio Santos, Aldair, Branco (Cafu 90’) Mazinho (Raí 80’), Mauro Silva, Dunga (c), Zinho Bebeto, Romário COACH: Carlos Alberto Parreira |
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GAME SUMMARY The Dutch missed terribly the absent Gullit and the injured Van Basten in this game, and they also suffered an adverse refereeing. After a goalless first half, Romário met Bebeto’s cross with a flashing half-volley to open the scoring. Then Bebeto went round De Goeij for the second goal, but the Dutch defenders fully expected a whistle as Romário strolled back from an offside position directly in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. Bebeto celebrated the goal with his famous baby-rocking. Against a defense that had conceded only one goal in four matches, Holland did tremendously well to get back on level terms. Bergkamp chested the ball past a weak challenge before beating Taffarel, who’d been off-form for years and allowed Winter to head in a corner from under his nose for the equalizer. But Brazil had another shot in their locker, a low 25-meter free kick from Branco, the veteran replacing the suspended Leonardo. The ball swerved between Raí and Valckx, who both deliberately avoided it, and went in off the bottom of the post. |
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STADIUM: Giants Stadium (New Jersey, New York) DATE: 10-07-1994 (12:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 72.416 REFEREE: José Joaquín Torres (COL) GOALS: 0-1 (Matthäus [p.] 47’); 1-1 (Stoichkov 75’); 2-1 (Lechkov 78’) BOOKED: Ivanov (22'), Stoichkov (82'), Mikhajlov (85') / Helmer (14'), Wagner (15'), Häßler (49'), Klinsmann (50'), Völler (89') [Incidents: After this game, Matthäus reached the record of 21 World Cup matches, together with Seeler, Żmuda, and Maradona. However, what the Polish call the “Żmuda haunting” was accomplished once more: nobody can play more than 21 games in the final stage of this competition (as happened before with Maradona, who was expelled from the tournament after being tested positive in the doping control).] |
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Bulgaria - Germany |
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2-1 (0-0) |
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BULGARIA Mikhajlov (c) Kirjakov, Tsvetanov, Khubchev, Ivanov Lechkov, Sirakov, Yankov, Balăkov Kostadinov (Genchev 90+’), Stoichkov (Yordanov 85’) COACH: Dimităr Penev |
GERMANY Illgner Helmer, Buchwald, Matthäus (c), Kohler, Wagner (Strunz 59’) Berthold, Häßler (Brehme 83’), Möller Klinsmann, Völler COACH: Berti Vogts |
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GAME SUMMARY In the end, experience wasn’t enough for Germany to qualify. Although they took the lead early into the second half when Lechkov fouled Klinsmann in the area and Matthäus scored from the penalty spot, Germany failed to take control of the game and eventually Stoichkov equalized with a free kick. Then Yankov crossed from the right and only little Häßler was left to challenge Lechkov as his diving header scored the most important goal in Bulgaria’s football history. For the second time in the tournament, a player (Matthäus) equalled the record of 21 appearances in the finals before being stopped short. |
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STADIUM: Stanford Stadium (Palo Alto, San Francisco) DATE: 10-07-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 81.715 REFEREE: Philip Don (ENG) GOALS: 0-1 (Brolin 78’); 1-1 (Răducioiu 88’); 2-1 (Răducioiu 101’); 2-2 (K. Andersson 115’) BOOKED: Popescu (21'), Selymes (34'), Panduru (108') / Ingesson (7'), Schwarz (43'), Schwarz (101' > RC) PK: 0-0 (Mild [out]); 1-0 (Răducioiu) / 1-1 (K. Andersson); 2-1 (Hagi) / 2-2 (Brolin); 3-2 (Lupescu) / 3-3 (Ingesson); 3-3 (Petrescu [saved]) / 3-4 (R. Nilsson); 4-4 (Dumitrescu) // [decisive shots] 4-5 (Larsson); 4-5 (Belodedici [saved]) [Incidents: Schwarz was sent off (min. 101).] |
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Romania – Sweden |
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2-2 (0-0;1-1) (pk: 4-5) |
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ROMANIA Prunea Petrescu, Prodan, Belodedici, Selymes Munteanu (Panduru 84’), Popescu, Lupescu, Hagi (c) Dumitrescu, Răducioiu COACH: Anghel lordănescu |
SWEDEN Ravelli R. Nilsson (c), Björklund (Kåmark 84’), P. Andersson, Ljung Schwarz, Ingesson, Mild, Brolin Dahlin (Larsson 106’), K. Andersson COACH: Tommy Svensson |
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GAME SUMMARY Romania and Sweden played a memorable match, which neither side deserved to lose. Dahlin hit the post with a header in the third minute, Ingesson had a goal disallowed for pushing a defender, and Sweden eventually went ahead with an imaginative free kick: Schwarz ran over the ball, Mild pushed it round the wall, and Brolin sprinted behind it to shoot into the roof of the net. With only twelve minutes left, that seemed to be that for the Swedes, but near the end a deflected free kick found its way to Răducioiu, who celebrated his return from suspension by shooting high into the net and forcing extra-time.
Răducioiu again gave Romania the lead in the additional period, when he scored with a fierce low shot after a dreadful error by Patrik Andersson. But then it was Sweden’s turn to score a late equalizer, Kennet Andersson towering over a hesitant Prunea to head in Roland Nilsson’s long cross. In the penalty shoot-out, Ravelli made two saves to send Sweden into the semifinals. |
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STADIUM: Giants Stadium (New Jersey, New York) DATE: 13-07-1994 (16:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 77.094 REFEREE: Joël Quiniou (FRA) GOALS: 0-1 (R. Baggio 20’); 0-2 (R. Baggio 25’); 1-2 (Stoichkov [p.] 44’) BOOKED: Kostadinov (52'), Lechkov (65'), Yankov (83') / Costacurta (61'), Albertini (80') |
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Bulgaria - Italy |
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1-2 (1-2) |
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BULGARIA Mikhajlov (c) Kirjakov, Ivanov, Khubchev, Tsvetanov Yankov, Lechkov, Balăkov Kostadinov (Yordanov 72’), Sirakov, Stoichkov (Genchev 79’) COACH: Dimităr Penev |
ITALY Pagliuca Mussi, Costacurta, Maldini (c), Benarrivo Berti, Albertini, D. Baggio (Conte 56’), Donadoni Casiraghi, R. Baggio (Signori 71’) COACH: Arrigo Sacchi |
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GAME SUMMARY Italy didn’t need any stroke of luck this time, as they stayed strong throughout and Roberto Baggio scored two exceptional goals. In his first, he turned his marker in the process of collecting a throw-in on the left, swerved to the right past another defender and then bent his shot round Ivanov and beyond the keeper. Five minutes later, Albertini chipped a nicely weighted pass through the inside-right channel for Roberto Baggio to hook a low volley across the keeper. Against that sort of inspiration, Bulgaria could manage only a penalty for a foul on Sirakov by Costacurta (who was later booked for the second time and would miss the final). Stoichkov showed all his class from the spot, sending the ball to Pagliuca’s right without any apparent effort. In the second half, Roberto Baggio pulled a hamstring and had to be substituted. |
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STADIUM: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Los Angeles) DATE: 13-07-1994 (16:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 84.569 REFEREE: José Joaquín Torres (COL) GOALS: 0-1 (Romário 80’) BOOKED: Ljung (29'), Thern (RC 63'), Brolin (86') / Zinho (3') [Incidents: Thern was sent off (min. 63).] |
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Sweden - Brazil |
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0-1 (0-0) |
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SWEDEN Ravelli R. Nilsson, P. Andersson, Björklund, Ljung Mild, Ingesson, Brolin, Thern (c) Dahlin (Rehn 68’), K. Andersson COACH: Tommy Svensson |
BRAZIL Taffarel Jorginho, Aldair, Márcio Santos, Branco Mazinho (Raí 46’), Mauro Silva, Dunga (c), Zinho Bebeto, Romário COACH: Carlos Alberto Parreira |
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GAME SUMMARY Sweden didn’t carry the same kind of threat in the counterattack for Brazil as Romania would have done, despite the talents of Brolin, Dahlin and Kennet Andersson. Tired and listless after their quarterfinal game, the Swedes held out only because Zinho and Mazinho missed open goals and Ravelli had a good game. In the second half, the Swedish playmaker Thern was sent off for a careless foul on Dunga. The winner, in the end, was very basic, little Romário getting between two defenders to head Jorginho’s long cross just inside a post. |
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STADIUM: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Los Angeles) DATE: 16-07-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 83.716 REFEREE: Ali Mohammed Bujsaim (UAE) GOALS: 1-0 (Brolin 8’); 2-0 (Mild 30’); 3-0 (Larsson 37’); 4-0 (K. Andersson 40’) BOOKED: K. Andersson (82') / Yankov (70') |
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Sweden - Bulgaria |
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4-0 (4-0) |
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SWEDEN Ravelli R. Nilsson (c), P. Andersson, Björklund, Kåmark Brolin, Mild, Schwarz, Ingesson K. Andersson, Larsson (Limpar 79’) COACH: Tommy Svensson |
BULGARIA Mikhajlov (c) (Nikolov 46’) Kirjakov, Ivanov (Kremenliev 42’), Khubchev, Yankov, Tsvetanov Lechkov, Sirakov (Yordanov 46’), Balăkov Kostadinov, Stoichkov COACH: Dimităr Penev |
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GAME SUMMARY In a game with little pressure, Sweden earned the third place with an easy victory over Bulgaria, no reflection of what these two teams had achieved so far. The first goal came soon, when Ingesson went past Kirjakov, Mikhajlov came out too far, and Brolin’s downward header bounced in. Then Mild confidently pushed Brolin’s quick free kick past the advancing keeper. Larsson went round Mikhajlov and waited for the covering defender to dive past before scoring the third. Finally, Kennet Andersson got his last reward for a skillful and selfless tournament by heading into an empty net. Bulgaria spent the second half trying to set up Stoichkov for the goal that would have made him outright leading scorer. |
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STADIUM: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Los Angeles) DATE: 17-07-1994 (12:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 94.194 REFEREE: Sándor Puhl (HUN) GOALS: - BOOKED: Mazinho (4’), Cafu (87’) / Apolloni (41’), Albertini (42’) PK: 0-0 (Baresi [out]); 0-0 (Márcio Santos [saved]) / 0-1 (Albertini); 1-1 (Romário) / 1-2 (Evani); 2-2 (Branco) / 2-2 (Massaro [saved]); 3-2 (Dunga) / 3-2 (R. Baggio [out]) |
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Brazil - Italy |
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0-0 (0-0;0-0) (pk: 3-2) |
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BRAZIL Taffarel Jorginho (Cafu 21’), Márcio Santos, Aldair, Branco Mazinho, Dunga (c), Mauro Silva, Zinho (Viola 106’) Bebeto, Romário COACH: Carlos Alberto Parreira |
ITALY Pagliuca Mussi (Apolloni 35’), Baresi (c), Maldini, Benarrivo Donadoni, D. Baggio (Evani 95’), Albertini, Berti R. Baggio, Massaro COACH: Arrigo Sacchi |
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GAME SUMMARY In a repeat of the 1970 final, Italy and Brazil met again to decide who would be the first country to win the World Cup four times. It was a poor match, which the tournament didn’t deserve, but Brazil made the better chances in a final which never really got off the ground. The match had been billed as a showdown between Roberto Baggio and Romário, but they both missed in front of goal.
Yet again, Sacchi had to send out a patched-up team, with Costacurta suspended, Roberto Baggio still feeling his injury, the opportunist Massaro up front, and Baresi back in the line-up… only 24 hours after a knee operation!!! The Italian coach seemed not to have any real ambition to win the final, and many missed Signori and his dangerous left foot. Parreira also had a rather conservative profile, and didn’t have the courage to bring on the big Corinthians’ striker Viola earlier in the game.
The great Italian captain Baresi, who had missed every game since Italy’s second, played a monumental game, forcing Romário and Bebeto further back. Although the Brazilian attacking duo were always a threat for the Italian defense, they could never quite make it count. Romário missed a fine chance to score after only twelve minutes, when Dunga crossed accurately from the right and the little Brazilian attacker could only head into Pagliuca’s hands. In minute 17, Baresi slipped Massaro beautifully between Mauro Silva and Aldair, but the Milan striker, famous for his finishing skills, shot straight at Taffarel. In minute 25, Branco banged a free kick hard and low, Pagliuca couldn’t hold it, but Mazinho stumbled. After Mussi’s injury in minute 35, Maldini simply switched back to the left, where he had an intriguing duel with the pacy Cafu. The Italian midfield was successful containing the Brazilian attacks, but little was happening up front, where Roberto Baggio was literally hamstrung. Three minutes before the break, Branco struck another low, ferocious free kick, but this time Pagliuca held it capably.
In the second half, Pagliuca rushed out to kick away to safety a dangerous one-two between Romário and Bebeto. Three minutes into injury time, Cafu crossed and Pagliuca made no contact, but Bebeto’s attempt on the far post was so unusually weak that the keeper gathered with ease. After a goalless game in regulation came extra-time, when Taffarel thwarted the Italians twice: once with a spectacular tip over the bar, when Roberto Baggio spun and shot from 25 meters; then from Baggio again, after a clever, quick exchange with Massaro, but injury and weariness took their toll and Taffarel made an easy save.
In the end, it was the first scoreless World Cup final, and for the first time the title would be decided on a penalty shoot-out. Baresi took the first kick and shot over Taffarel’s bar. Márcio Santos took the second and Pagliuca stopped it. Albertini put his penalty away for Italy, and Romário replied for Brazil. Evani scored on his turn, as well as Branco with his fabulous left foot. Massaro’s shot was saved by Taffarel, and then Dunga scored for Brazil, leaving all the pressure for Roberto Baggio. The “Divine Ponytail”, after an excellent tournament, sadly put his shot high over the bar, and the game was over.
After 24 years, Brazil became world champions for the fourth time, but did it after an unimpressive final, in which perhaps the weather conditions, as a result of sacrificing the tournament to the demands of television, had played an important role. |
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