LUCK OF THE DRAW

Finally, the Italians overcame four consecutive World Cups of hurt (losing out on penalties and then to a golden goal against South Korea) to clinch the trophy they barely deserved. This time, lucky Italy triumphed on penalties against another undeserving team, the cheating French.

Sad to say, there were too many incidents that highlighted to me the terrible injustices this competition can sometimes produce. From Wayne Rooney’s sending off (provoked by his Man Utd team mate Ronaldo, no less!) to Italy’s dubious last gasp penalty against the gallant Aussies, from Thierry Henry’s simulation against Spain (that resulted in a goal from the free kick) to Zidane’s moment of madness in the Final, this was a World Cup memorable for all the wrong reasons.

As usual, a team in the group stages caught the imagination of the neutral – this time it was Argentina. Against Serbia-Montenegro, the Argentines were irresistible.

Sadly, Argentina was caught out again by the ultra-efficient Germans (host nation), who (yes you’ve guessed it) edged the ties on penalties.

So for only the second time ever in World Cup history, the final was decided on penalties and Italy, who had struggled to beat Australia in the round of 16, found themselves winners for the fourth time. Ah but that’s the World Cup for you!

BLEU IS THE COLOUR PART DEUX

After being perennial World Cup bridesmaids, France finally got their hands on the World Cup trophy, in front of their own countrymen, no less. Ironic perhaps that despite being filled to the brim with talented players, the ultimate victory was workmanlike, with precious little flair. What I will say, is that the French team played with heart and soul and in the end that was just about enough.

Their opponents in that final – Brazil – looked like formidable opponents with the red-hot Ronaldo (the other one) in fine form. But inexplicably, Ronaldo and the entire Brazilian team never showed up and the French romped to a curious 3-0 victory.

Before all that there were other memorable moments thankfully.

Michael Owen’s goal against Argentina and Beckham’s silly sending-off.

The emergence of Croatia.

Bergkamp’s goal against Argentina (again!)

DON’T CRY NO TEARS

The enduring image of World Cup 1990 – held in Italy – was the sight of England midfielder Paul Gacoigne crying his eyes out when his team lost to West Germany in the semi-finals on penalties. Gazza – and striker Gary Lineker – had been inspirational in England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals but sadly for him and for football, World Cup 1990 would be another triumph of anti-football.

Too harsh and too cynical for comfort? Of course, there were the surprise teams like Cameroon (who shocked holders Argentina in the opening match) but overall, it was the anti-football dished out by ultimate finalists Argentina and West Germany that left a bad taste in the mouth. Generally considered as the worst modern-day World Cup competition (though I’ll argue 1994 came close), it was also the lowest-scoring with many ties determined by penalty kicks.

Hosts Italy carried the hopes of this football crazy nation and fell at the semi-final stage (also on penalties) to a negative Argentinean side led by an increasingly cynical Diego Maradona. The final itself was terrible, notable perhaps for the sending off of Pedro Monzon and Gus Dezotti, the first in a World Cup final. There was only one goal in the game, yes you guessed it, a dubious penalty converted by Andreas Brehme. Many are convinced that the horrendous World Cup resulted in the new back pass rule which was implemented before the next World Cup in 1994.

BLUE IS THE COLOUR

1982 was a good year as I completed my full-time National Service in June. At the very same time, the World Cup in Spain was in progress. By this time, the live TV coverage was improving and we got to watch most of the important matches and for FREE! (Singtel and Starhub, please take note!)

I still remember most vividly watching England’s opening game against France. Bryan Robson scored twice in an emphatic 3-1 victory. This World Cup was remarkable as three British nations qualified – England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with the Irish providing the biggest shock, beating the hosts 1-0!

Back then, (and since 1982), FIFA had instituted a second round group stage instead of a knockout phase. This of course resulted (at times) in negative tactics, with draws the primary objective. As is usual in World Cups, the “best footballing” team would be eliminated by an “anti-football” side. This time, it was eventual winners Italy. Brazil, with Zico, Socrates and Falcao, was the neutral’s favourites and needed only a draw against Italy to secure a deserved semi-final place. Unfortunately, despite almost total domination, Brazil’s shoddy defending were caught out of the Azzuri’s counter-attacking and lost 2-3 to a famous Paolo Rossi hattrick.

With Poland, Italy, West Germany and France in the last four, it was left to the exciting French team (with Michel Platini in peak form) to capture the imagination of the neutrals. Naturally they lost to West Germany on penalties (of course)! To be honest, by the time the final came along, I was pretty jaded as I felt that both finalists were anti-football sides and the game would be dull. However, faced with the technical Germans, the Italians decided to up the ante somewhat and ran out 3-1 winners.

Little did I know that it was the beginning of the end and every subsequent World Cup would provide disappointment galores for my favoured teams…

SUCKING IN THE SEVENTIES II

I can’t for the life recall much of World Cup 1978, hosted by Argentina, except that I was rooting for the hosts in the final – against the Dutch, who had qualified for their second successive final. I also do not remember watching any of the matches live – except the final of course. As I mentioned earlier, I was supporting Argentina so thoroughly enjoyed the final.

The Dutch, without Johan Cryuff – who had withdrawn from the squad before the finals – in their distinctive bright Orange Adidas jerseys – were strong and the Argentineans had qualified after a controversial 6-0 victory over Peru. However, it was the host nation who drew first blood with a flash of individual brilliance from striker Mario Kempes.

Like four years earlier in Munich, the Dutch fought back in the second period to make up the one-goal deficit and this time they succeeded. Nanniga heading home in the dying minutes of the game. In extra time, Kempes (with another fine solo goal) and Daniel Bertoni made the difference and Argentina became World Champions for the first time in their history.

After the World Cup, two members of that cup winning squad became the first foreign players in the English First Division, when Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa joined Spurs. But that’s another story altogether…