Newsgroup: it.sport.calcio
Titolo: 1990

While remembered fondly on these shores for England's best finals
performance since 1966, this was, in truth, a poor World Cup.
It's a saying amongst Dutch football fans that poor tournaments are always
won by the Germans. And while Dutch-German emnity ought to be borne in mind
this tournament most definitely proved that rule.
West Germany, soon to become plain old Germany after reunification, hit the
ground running in the group stages with a 4-1 thrashing of Yugoslavia and a
5-1 thumping of the United Arab Emirates.
Lothar Matthaeus had been released from his marking role of 1986 and was
leading the attacking charge. He grabbed three goals in those first two
games, setting out his stall for a finals of immense personal achievement.
Holders Argentina were not the side of 1986, with Maradona carrying a knee
injury and his colleagues, with the exception of Claudio Caniggia, not up to
the standards of four years previous.
In an amazing opening game, African football arrived on the world stage when
Cameroon defeated the holders with a goal from Francois Omam-Byik. Despite
having two men sent-off for some disgraceful tackling, the Cameroons held
on.
Argentina eventually qualified in third place from their group behind
Cameroon and Romania, a skin of the teeth approach which would continue
through the tournament.
The other surprise packages were Costa Rica, who had come second in their
group behind Brazil after wins over Scotland and Sweden.
Of the other favourites, hosts Italy looked strong. However, converting the
vast number of chances they created was a problem.
Enter Salvatore 'Toto' Schilacci, a late addition to the squad who burst on
to the scene with a winner against Austria and another against the Czechs.
The other goal against Czechoslovakia was a tremendous solo run by Roberto
Baggio, the new prince of Italian football.
European Champions Holland, meanwhile, had succumbed to their old folly of
in-fighting and only just squeezed into the second round behind England and
Ireland.
There the Germans took their revenge for defeat in the Euro 88 semi-finals
with a 2-1 win. The game became infamous for a disgraceful spitting incident
between Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Voeller.
Brazil too perished at the round of sixteen. Against Argentina they
dominated possession, hitting the woodwork on a number of occasions until
Maradona awoke from the slumber he seemed to be in. A weaving run was
followed by a perfect through ball to Caniggia who did the rest.
Cameroon continued their amazing run with a 2-1 defeat of Colombia, thanks
in no small part to the comedic keeping of Rene Higuita, whose suicidal
attempt to dribble round Roger Milla resulted in the veteran striker's
second goal.
Similar romance was provided by the Republic of Ireland, playing in their
first finals, and knocking out Romania in a thrilling penalty shoot-out in
Genoa. Never pretty to watch, Jack Charlton's side won friends with their
unstinting work ethic.
After a trip to meet the Pope in Rome, their tournament was ended by the
hosts and a goal by Toto Schillaci. West Germany progressed after beating
Czechoslovakia through a Matthaeus penalty.
England spoilt the Cameroon party with an extra-time win despite twice being
behind. Argentina's ugly roadshow continued with a penalties win over
Yugoslavia, for whom Dragan Stojkovic and Robert Prosinecki had dazzled all
tournament.
Despite missing a penalty himself Maradona would face the hosts in his
adopted hometown of Naples.
It went down to the dreaded spot-kicks again. Schillaci had put the Italians
ahead but Caniggia equalised. A rough-house approach by Argentina prevented
the Italians' passing moves and though Giusti was dismissed early in
extra-time it was back to the lottery of penalties; a lottery the
Argentinians were now used to.
Maradona converted after Milan's Donadoni had missed and then Aldo Serena
missed too. Tears were shed as the azzurri went out.
The other semi-final in Turin is a game of English legend where, in keeping
with much of football history, it went to penalties and the Germans won.
Brave England, who had improved steadily all through the tournament,
finished fourth after losing to Italy in the third place play-off.
The final, perhaps uniquely, saw West Germany as the peoples' favourites to
win. Argentina had alienated with their foul play, theatrical diving and
constant hounding of the referee.
Maradona was a leading culprit and the footballing demi-god of 1990 had been
replaced by a moaning, complaining primadonna dwarf.
In the worst final yet the Germans triumphed when, in an apt fashion,
Andreas Brehme converted an 85th-minute penalty after a foul on Rudi
Voeller.
Argentina had been looking to play for penalties once again having had Pedro
Monzon sent-off for a foul on Klinsmann. Monzon achieved infamy as the first
ever player to be dismissed in a final.
The game collapsed into farce as the Argentinian players surrounded the
referee. Dezotti followed Monzon down the tunnel in the dying seconds and
the Germans had their revenge for Mexico '86. Maradona's tears of joy from
four years earlier were replaced by tears of self-pity.
The crowning achievements though had been those of Matthaeus, who lifted the
trophy, and coach Franz Beckenbauer who became the first player to both
captain and coach a World Cup-winning side.

 between Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Voeller.
Ipocrisia da quattro soldi, mettere sullo stesso piano un verme come 
Rijkaard e un signore come Voeller.
-- 
Shiningbell

 Shiningbell
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