World Cup 1990: When Cameroon stunned Argentina

West Germany turned the third nation – after Brazil and Italy – to win the World Cup for the third time.

The West Germany team celebrate after the 1990 FIFA World Cup Final between West Germany and Argentina at Olympic Stadium on July 8, 1990 in Rome, Italy
The West Germany group rejoice after the 1990 FIFA World Cup remaining [David Cannon/Allsport/Getty Images]

Host: Italy
Groups: 24
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches: 52
Objectives: 115
Winner: West Germany
Runners-up: Argentina
Golden boot: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)

Background

The 1990 World Cup was a primary for a lot of, in addition to the final.

On the political and geographical facet, it could be the final World Cup for West Germany because the nation would unify with East Germany a couple of months later and play all subsequent tournaments as Germany. The USSR additionally performed its final World Cup as a union earlier than its dissolution the next 12 months.

Italy have been one of many favourites to win the event, together with Argentina, England and West Germany.

Costa Rica, the Republic of Eire and the United Arab Emirates made their debut, whereas Egypt and the USA made their return after a protracted absence. Earlier finalists France didn't qualify.

The event kicked off with one of many greatest upsets in its historical past: Cameroon, enjoying solely their second World Cup, beat defending champions Argentina 1-0. They then went on to beat Romania and certified for the knockouts.

Argentina superior as nicely however as one of many third-placed groups.

Cameroon and the Republic of Eire have been the shock qualifiers for the quarterfinals, as Brazil, the Netherlands and Uruguay have been knocked out.

Each semifinals have been selected penalty shootouts, leading to heartbreak and tears for Italy (4-3 loss to Argentina) and England (4-3 loss to West Germany).

The ultimate didn't stay as much as the event as each groups deployed defensive techniques. The primary purple card of a World Cup remaining was proven to Argentina’s Pedro Monzon within the sixty fifth minute.

Regardless of going through a weakened facet for the remainder of the match, West Germany didn't threaten the Argentinian purpose. They ultimately scored the sport’s solely purpose from the penalty spot after 85 minutes.

West Germany turned the third nation (after Brazil and Italy) to win the World Cup for the third time.

Highs

Franz Beckenbauer turned the primary individual to win a World Cup as captain and supervisor.

Cameroon turned the primary African nation to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Lows

Defensive techniques noticed plenty of back-passing and goalkeepers holding up the ball to waste time.

One of many lowest-scoring World Cups, with 2.21 objectives per match.

A then-record 16 purple playing cards have been handed out within the event.

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