Tataw's most successful and notable international tournament he participated in was the 1990 FIFA World Cup, in which he captained Cameroon as they became the first African nation to reach the tournament's quarterfinals. They began their campaign in Group B with the competition's opening match, against Argentina, who were the holders of the tournament as 1986 winners. The South Americans were heavy favourites to win the game but Cameroon achieved an upset victory, winning 1–0 through a François Omam-Biyik goal. They also won their next game, beating Romania 2–1 at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari, Roger Milla scoring twice in the space of ten minutes after coming on as a substitute. They suffered a 4–0 defeat against the Soviet Union in their final group game, but the two wins were sufficient for them to qualify for the next round as group winners. In their second round match they played Colombia and again Milla was the hero. After the match finished goalless in normal time, Milla again scored twice in quick succession in extra time, and despite a subsequent goal from Romania, Cameroon held on to record a 2–1 victory. The quarter final game against England was a thriller. England took the lead through David Platt but Cameroon replied in the second half with two goals in four minutes to lead 2–1. An England penalty took the game to extra time, in which Cameroon conceded another spot-kick and were eliminated 3–2.