World Cup 1994: Brazil dash Italy’s hopes to win fourth title

The occasion was unfold throughout 9 USA cities from the east coast to the west, and from the south to the Midwest.

The match had file attendance and broke earlier information with 3,587,538 spectators (averaging 68,991 per match)[Photo by Henri Szwarc/Bongarts/Getty Images]

Host: USA
Groups: 24
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches performed: 52
Objectives scored: 141
Winner: Brazil
Runners-up: Italy
Golden Boot: Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria), Oleg Salenko (Russia)

Background

The World Cup lastly arrived in the USA, following a formidable bid based mostly on preparedness to host the match on a big scale. The occasion was unfold throughout 9 cities from the east coast to the west, and from the south to the Midwest.

With a view to encourage attacking play, FIFA launched some rule modifications. Again-passes to the goalkeeper weren't allowed, linesmen had been inspired to be lenient on the offside rule, and three factors can be awarded for profitable a bunch match.

Regardless of the shortage of knowledgeable soccer league, the host nation managed to qualify for the primary knockout section as one of many higher third-placed groups. They misplaced 1-0 to eventual champions Brazil on US Independence Day.

Saudi Arabia had been additionally among the many shock qualifiers for the knockouts after wins in opposition to Morocco and Belgium.

Amongst pre-tournament favourites had been Italy with the FIFA Participant of The 12 months and Ballon D’Or winner Roberto Baggio and Brazil with star forwards Romario and Bebeto.

Germany had been knocked out within the quarterfinals by Bulgaria.

The ultimate flip was dominated by nerves as each groups failed to attain till the tip of additional time. On the penalty shootout, Italy’s star participant Baggio shot large and trudged again in what has develop into one of many defining pictures of the match.

Brazil received their fourth world title, the primary and (then) the one nation to take action.

This World Cup noticed the final of Argentina legend Diego Maradona on the match.

Highs

Oleg Salenko of Russia turned the primary and solely participant (as of 2018) to attain 5 targets in a World Cup recreation in a 6-1 over Cameroon.

A World Cup recreation (USA vs Switzerland) was performed indoors for the primary time.

The match had file attendance and broke earlier information with 3,587,538 spectators (averaging 68,991 per match).

Lows

Maradona examined optimistic for banned stimulant ephedrine and was subsequently withdrawn from the Argentina squad earlier than he could possibly be banned by FIFA.

Colombian defender Andres Escobar was murdered upon returning dwelling after his personal aim knocked his workforce out of the match.