1930 - Uruguay: Uruguay
Because of problemna dell'attraversamento Ocean, many European teams decided not to participate in this World Championship. With British teams refused to compete with the rest of the world, only four teams from the Old World traveled to Montevideo - Romania Jgoslavia, Belgium and France. Although the first World Cup did not see "the best in the world", the competition was played at high level for the presence of teams of South America. Thirteen teams were divided into four groups, the cone winners qualifying for the semifinals.
The very first goal ever scored a World Championship was the attacker France Lucien Laurent, but unfortunately the 'Estadio Centenario, built especially for the event, was not ready. The stadium was inaugurated on July 18 (Independence Day in Uruguay) with the victory of the hosts on Peru 1-0. Uruguay, Argentina, Yugoslavia and USA won the group, Brazil was the big disappointment of the tournament.
Both Argentina and Uruguay won their semifinal by the same score of 6-1, the Argentines with the U.S., the home side with Yugoslavia. The final saw the two best teams before the tournament. The Uruguay was two-time Olympic Champion (1924-1928), and its ranks were Andrade (called "Maravilla Negra"), Nasazzi, and attackers Scarone and Pedro Cea. Argentina had the best attack in the tournament, which finished top scorer with Guillermo Stabile. The Uruguay took the lead with Dorado, who scored in front of 90,000 spectators, but Argentina was ahead 2-1 at the interval thanks Peucelle and Stable. But the hosts scored three great goals in the second half (Cea, Iriarte, Castro) and Captain Jose Nasazzi raised Rimet Cup (created by French sculptor Abel Lafleur) for the very first time.
1934 - Italy: Italy
According to World Championship and first ever held in Europe, was built by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, who saw sport as an instrument of propaganda, and so to the end, Italy hosts the competition. This second edition had a new formula, FIFA decided on a single elimination tournament for 16 teams in 8 different stages.
Despite the surrender of the British and the reigning champions Uruguay, this edition had its first African team, with Egypt, which represented the continent. Italy was one of the favorites but it was Austria, coached by Hugo Meisl and known as the "Wunderteam", boasting the best player at the time, Matthias Sindelar. Austria had a difficult first round, which defeated France 3-2 in extra time (with a goal for offside Schall). Italy had an easier, beating the U.S. 7-1, Spain ousted Brazil with the help of his great goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora, and Germany, Hungary, Sweden, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia were the other to advance to the quarterfinals .
Here, a kind of derby between Austria and Hungary was defeated by the Austrians, while Italy needed to defeat the repetition of Spain (Zamora mysteriously not in the replay), 1-0 with goals from Meazza. Germany went ahead after another narrow win (2-1) as well as Czechoslovakia, who beat Switzerland 3-2. If Uruguay was the 1930 tournament in South America, the Italian edition was a triumph for Central Europe.
However, in the semifinal Wunderteam defeated Italy 1-0 with a goal by Italian-Argentine Guaita. The goalkeeper suffered austricao probably do, but nothing was booed by the referee. The Austrians demanded a lot because their star Sindelar was kicked all game, the referee took no action. Sindelar had to stay for several days in hospital after the game. In the other semifinal, Germany surrendered meekly to Czechoslovakia, losing 3-1 thanks to hat-trick Nejedly.
The final was played before 50,000 at the Stadium of the PNF in Rome. Puc scored for Czechoslovakia to 70 ', and after the initial despair Italy equalized ten minutes later thanks to Raimundo Orsi (another Italian-Argentine striker). The hosts then sealed the victory in extra time, reaching out with Angelo Schiavio (an attacker who later retired to follow the family clothing store). Italy became world champions for the first time, to the delight of Mussolini, his propaganda operation had been successful. In a tournament where he marked 70 goals, became the top scorer Nejedly. There were no own goals and only expulsion decreed by the Hungarian player Markos.
1938 - France: Italy
The FIFA Congress in Berlin (August 1936) decided to give France the organization of the third world. The formula remained the same - 16 teams in a knockout tournament to be played in nine different stadiums. After the qualifiers were played by 27 square, the tournament was heavily influenced by politics. Spain gave up because of civil war, and disappeared after the annexation of Austria to Germany (the 'Anchluss "), with Sindelar who refused to play with the German team. Herberger The coach was confident in success, but had to go home after esssere been defeated by the little Switzerland of the repetition of playing the first round. Defending champions Italy had a difficult first round, and had need of extra time to beat Norway. The game was remarkable because of the presence in the gallery of many Italian political refugees who began to whistle and cheer Italy Norway. The Brazilian team was the most spectacular of the first round, with stars as Leonidas and Domingos, and defeated Poland 6-5! Cuba, Sweden, Hungary, France (3-1 on Belgium) and Czechoslovakia were the squad to move to other quarters.
France-Italy, the "Stade des Colombes in Paris was the main part of the cup. Italy played in black (the color of fascism) and again faced the hostile audience. However, the Italians won 3-1 with two goals of the young striker Silvio Piola. Even Hungary, Sweden and Brazil qualified for the semifinals.
Italy-Brazil was the most exciting game of the tournament. The Brazilian star Leonidas stayed out through injury, but the Italian coach Well, to motivate her, he invented the coach Pimenta had kept out the "Black Diamond" to preserve it for the final, confident that they would win easily and more. The Azzurri with Colaussi scores first, and then got a penalty. Pulled Meazza, who had broken the waistband of shorts and had to use a hand to stop them falling, making it 2-0. Romeo shortened distances for Brazil, but it was too late. The game was played in Marseille, with many Italians still cheering for Brazil. Hungary dominated the other semifinal, 5-1 over Sweden, and the final was a classic in Central Europe.
The game was exciting, Italy took the lead twice and the interval was Piola realized the decisive goal on a pass Biavati. Italy was world champion for the second time, and newspapers came out with titles superlatives such as "World Champions for life." For the Italians was completing fanstastica era, with the two Rimet Cup and the Olympic title in Berlin in 1936. The braasiliano Leonidas finished top scorer with 7 goals.
1950 - Brazil: Uruguay
Unable to dispute the championship in 1942 and 1946 because of World War II, it was decided in Luxembourg after the war that Brazil would host the 1950 edition. the post-war atmosphere in football were sad, and values at stake were changed (the Olympics of 1948 were dominated by teams from Northern Europe). He also returned to the formula group, 4, composed of 4 teams in 6 different stages. But eventually, Scotland, India and Turkey gave up, and so only 13 teams took part. For the first time there was England, who amazingly lost against the U.S. which, because of the many immigrants in the pink, were renamed Ellis Island Team.
England also lost against Spain, who qualified for the final round. Brazil easily won their group on Yugoslavia and Mexico. Sweden surprise (but not much) beat Italy, and Uruguay had to play just one game to reach the finals, beating Bolivia 8-0. there were no matches on a knockout in that edition, after the first round of the formula provided for a final round of the 4 finalists. Of course, the star of Brazil Ademir and Zizinho was the favorite. Sweden won 7-1 on strong (Skoglund, Jepsson) and 6-1 over Spain. No one could imagine a defeat Brazil, and also draw the last match would have given the "green-gold" title. Opponents of Uruguay had only 3 points after drawing with Spain and defeated Sweden 3-2. Mario Filho Stadium, better known as the Maracana was packed: 160,000 spettattori largest stadium in the world (although according to some it came close to selling 220,000) expected Augusto get up the trophy.
When FRIACO took the lead Brazil, a carnival broke out in the stands, but tragedy was just around the corner. Pepe Schiaffino pareffoò for Uruguay to 66 minutes on cross Alcides Ghiggia. The captain told his Uruguayan Obdulio Varela: "Gone" and Ghiggia be pulled off center rather than cross, beating Brazilian goalkeeper Moacir Barbosa. The "Maracanazo" was a done deal (many Brazilians committed suicide), the "Curse of Barbosa" became famous throughout the world. Despite the defeat, the Brazilian Ademir was the top scorer with 6 goals.
1954 - Switzerland: West Germany
All the best date you gave for the World Championship in Switzerland. FIFA gave the tournament the small Alpine state during the Congress in Rio de Janeiro in 1950. There were several discussions on the 6 locations of play, the stadiums were deemed too small for the World Cup. Hungary, unbeaten in May 1950, was the favorite for the cup, which again had changed the formula: 16 teams (14 qualifying, defending champions and host nation), four groups of four followed by a phase elimination direct quarters, semifinals and final. Strangely, it was decided to the round robin, but did play two games, avoiding a clash between the teams on the first two bands, then play a playoff in the event of a tie. The tournament saw the debut of South Korea and Turkey, and Germany was now divided into two, with only West Germany qualified.
The biggest surprise was in group 4, where Switzerland eliminated Italy in the playoffs by a score of 4-1 in Basel. Even West Germany became the play-off against Turkey, and reached Brazil, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Uruguay, Austria and England. There were lots of goals in the quarter, with Austria, who beat Switzerland 7-5 in Lausanne. Holders England beat Uruguay 4-2, same result as Hungary and Brazil, with "green-gold" removed. West Germany got the better of Yugoslavia, 2-0. The Germans won easily with Austria 6-1, thanks to Morlock and Fritz Walter, while Hungary had to struggle to beat Uruguay; only two goals Kocsis decided the game.
Predictions were respected, Hungary was in the final with West Germany. So, after winning the consolation final in Austria, Hungary found itself on the interval 2-0 in Bern. But West Germany came back after the interval with another drive and worked with overtaking Morlock and Rahn (twice). There were rumors of doping, the Germans, but was never tried. The Hungarian Kocsis was top scorer with 11 goals, but it was no consolation for him, Puskas, Hidegkuti and all the other great players of the 'Aranycsapat.
1958 - Sweden: Brazil
At the same conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1950, FIFA had decided to also host the 1958 World Championship, Sweden. He played in 12 stadiums, but only two avevno a capacity of more than 50,000 places. 48 teams played in the qualifiers with Italy (at the hands of Northern Ireland) and Uruguay sensationally eliminated. In addition to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were first-timers (all UK entered the final stage), USSR, and Paraguay. The Soviets were also among the favorites for journalists, but they lost a star, Streltsov (arrested and sent to a gulag in Siberia a couple of months before the World Cup).
England ended in a round iron with Brazil and the USSR, and missed the playoffs with the Soviets. Only Wales and Northern Ireland between the British continued to qualify along with Germany, Czechoslovakia, France, Yugoslavia, Brazil and Sweden. Brazil had a team of eighteen in a little-known star who had the nickname Pele. He scored the decisive goal against Wales in 1-0, bringing Brazil for the second time in the semifinals. Sweden defeated the Soviet Union, West Germany defeated Yugoslavia, and France eliminated the Irish with a heavy 4-0. Didi, Vava, Pele gave the final Brazil won with France, while Sweden defeated Germany 3-1 in the other semifinal.
After France won the final 6-3 for third place on the Germans (striker Just Fontaine won the top scorer with 13 goals, which is still unmatched record), Brazil won its first World Cup beating the hosts 5-2. Gilmar, Dialma Santos, Nilton Santos, Garrincha, Didi, Vava, and Pele: one of the greatest teams ever became world champion.
1962 - Chile: Brazil
In 1962 the World Championship returned to America, but the choice of Chile (4 stages) as hosts created disputes: Chile was not a top nation and the nation was facing economic crisis and political problems. The formula remained the same, although it was decided that in case of equality in giroone, would be taken into account goal difference rather than play the play-offs. After the group stage, six European teams (USSR, Yugoslavia, West Germany, England, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary) and two South American (Brazil and Chile) landed in the quarterfinals. Italy was eliminated after playing much discussed with the Chileans, in which two Italians were expelled, one of them with a broken nose. Another important during the group stage was the injury in game against Czechoslovakia, Pelé (World finished for him), and a brawl in the USSR-Yugoslavia.
Chile eliminated the USSR in the quarter, Garrincha and led Brazil to beat England. Pelé was replaced by young Amarildo, but it was morning to take the lead in Seleção. Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia with his star Masopust qualified for the semifinals. Brazil easily beat the Chileans, but Garrincha was sent off for kicking the Chilean defender Rojas, and was suspended for the final against Czechoslovakia (which had eliminated the former Yugoslavia). Incredibly, the Prime Minister intervened to cancel the Brazilian ban, arguing that Garrincha was a player who was not clean and can win the "grandchildren of Stalin! The President of Peru came to ask the referee (also Peru) to write the report that there was a mistaken identity. However, at the end Garrincha played the final and Brazil won the second world title in a row, beating Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the final.
1966: England, England
The football was finally "come home" in 1966, when England was selected as the organizer of the World Championship, played in eight different stadiums, including the historic Wembley. The qualifications involved 70 teams, 10 European and eventually qualify, with four from South America, Mexico and North Korea, Asia debut.
Korea was also the surprise of the tournament, with a goal gym teacher (and not a dentist as you said) Pak Doo-Ik eliminated Italy that was literally tried at home including a reception at the airport by part of a mob to pull against the sound of vegetables. For the rest, the USSR won the Group 4, Brazil was eliminated by Portugal, who went ahead with Hungary, England, Uruguay, West Germany and Argentina.
North Korea seemed to surprise even in the quarter; Asians led 3-0 over Portugal, when Eusebio scored four goals and Portugal won 5-3. England ousted Argentina, West Germany won easily (4-0) sull'Uruguay, and the USSR well advanced in the semifinals.
Bobby Charlton pulled England to 2-1 win over Portugal in the semi-final at Wembley, Germany defeated the Soviet Union with the same result at Liverpool. With regard to the Wembley final, everyone knows what happened. Germany managed to tie 2-2 at the very end, then in extra time Geoff Hurst shot on goal and the ball slammed the crossbar and fell over the line maybe, maybe not. Swiss referee Dienst was not sure, so he consulted the Russian linesman awarded a goal. The final ended 4-2, with Hurst hat-trick. Captain Bobby Moore received the cup from the hands of Queen Elizabeth, and finally England was no longer the only nation that invented soccer, but also the world champion. Top scorer of the competition was, of course, the Mozambican-Portuguese striker Eusebio.
1970 - Mexico: Brazil
Mexico was chosen as host of the World during the 1970 FIFA Congress in Tokyo in 1964. 75 teams entered the qualifying, but only 70 to play. Mexico and England respectively were admitted as the host nation and defending champion, while 14 qualified finally represented more continents: El Salvador, Israel and Morocco for beginners.
In the group stage, Mexico advanced to the USSR in Pool 1, Pool 2 from Italy and Uruguay, with the Italians who finished first, scoring one goal (and keeping clean sheets). Brazil beat England but both passed the quarter, as West Germany and, for the first time - even Peru.
The dream of the owners ended the 64 'in the fourth round of Toluca, when Italy took the lead 2-1, after goals from Gonzales and balance Italian (own goal by penalty). West Germany took revenge in the 1966 final, beating England 3-2 after extra time. Brazil and Uruguay through the round, and Brazil defeated Uruguay in the new "South American semifinal.
That of Europe, between Italy and West Germany, has become one of the most important games in the history of football, especially the extra. Italy went ahead, but the German defender Schnellinger drew the very last minute. Then, 30 minutes emozionantissimi leading five goals. Germany took the lead with Muller, but Burgnich Riva and brought Italy on 3-2. Müller equalized again, but eventually Rivera scored the decisive goal in the 4-3 final.
Italy was obviously very tired after playing so rich in emotions, but lost the final hy the Brazilian national team in 1970 was the strongest team ever in the history of stock. Carlos Alberto, Clodoaldo, and especially the "quintet" of attack consists Jairzinho, Gerson, Tostao, Pele and Rivelinho was composed of players of immense talent, carefully put together by former coach Saldanha (who was left at home his communist ideas, replaced by Mario Zagallo in the final tournament). Müller finished top scorer with 10 goals. Having won the World Championship for the third time, the Brazilians kept the trophy, and after this the world "Rimet Cup" was Brazilian forever, replaced by the "FIFA Cup."
1974 - West Germany: West Germany
After Mexico, the World Championship returned to Europe. FIFA decided in London in 1966 to award the 1974 edition to West Germany, where he would be held in nine stadiums. Participation was record 99 teams, which played only 92 then. With West Germany and Brazil qualified in law, took part in the finals eight European teams, three South American for the CONCACAF Haiti, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) and Australia. England, captured the cup eight years, failed to qualify. Although the formula was changed after the 4 groups of 4 will be played 2 rounds of semi-final by 4: the winners of each group have played in the finals, second in the final for third place.
One reason for discussion was that the two Germanys were drawn together with the "Bruderduell", as it was called the game was played in Hamburg and East Germany won 1-0 with goals from Sparwasser, but eventually both passed the turn. Chile and Australia qualify from Group A and B in Scotland had to leave without losing a game, after defeating Yugoslavia 9-0 on Zaire. Brazil is set to qualified jugoslaci, while in Group C, Holland's "Total Football" won the group and went along with Sweden. Poland and Argentina won the fourth round, while Italy came out on goal difference, just like the Scots.
The Dutch were in command of Group A semifinal, beating Argentina 4-0, East Germany (gratified by the victory in Bruderduell) and reigning champions Brazil (both 2-0). Member FINRA Oranje in the final with six wins in 6 games, 14 goals scored and only one right away. The Netherlands came easily to the finals in Monaco, and Brazil had to play the consolation glides. The Group B won the West Germany (3 matches, 3 wins), with Poland second and winning 1-0 over Brazil for third place overall. In Monaco, July 7, 1974, the German fans were frightened by the severity of Johan Neeskens after one minute, but the balance - always a penalty - Paul Breitner penalty (the "Marxist" team) calmed their nerves, then Müller gave the advantage to West Germany in 44 'and this was decisive goal to give the Germans the second title as Italy and Uruguay.
1978 - Argentina: Argentina
The Argentina was designated as host nation of the World 1978 twelve years ago, but frettempo in a military coup brought the establishment of a dictatorship, and many began to have doubts about whether to contest the championship in the nation sudemericana. FIFA went ahead with the same formula 74 and Germany with the debut of Iran and Tunisia. The couple returned after 16 years in the Southern Hemisphere, and it was almost winter, when the tournament began, in six stages and five different cities. England once again failed to reach the finals eliminated by Italy in the group stage on goal difference. Italy won the first round of the finals, despite having conceded a goal in the very first minute of his world. Even the hosts Argentina were able to move forward, despite the defeat to Italy that took them to play in Rosario, leaving Buenos Aires. In Group 2, West Germany and Poland through the round, but the Tunisia player, matching against the Germans. Austria was the surprise of the third round - defeated Spain and Sweden, but lost the third game that allowed the Brazilian to qualify along with the Austrians. In Group 4, Holland as he qualified second behind Peru, and only thanks to goal difference over Scotland.
The rounds were hard fought semi-final: Holland won Group A with 5 points, beating Italy 2-1 after the Blues had taken the lead on goal. In Group B, Brazil and Argentina won the first game 0-0 and tie them. Brazil defeated Poland 3-1 and then, just as Argentina had to beat Peru 4-0 to reach the final at least. Eventually the Argentines won 6-0 at Rosario, in a game called today "Marmelade Peruana. Peru goalkeeper Ramon Quiroga was an Argentine, born in Rosario, and many years later admitted that he left Argentina to score the goals that were needed to reach the final, given that Peru had no chance to pass. So Brazil had to settle for third place with a 2-1 over Italy. In the final, Argentina and the Netherlands drew 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the Dutch who struck a post at the end. During extra time, Kempes and Bertoni marked, giving Argentina the first World Cup. After Italy in 1934, another dictatorship used the World Cup for political purposes and propaganda. Holland, unfortunately, lost his second consecutive world in the final against the home team. Kempes Argentina was top scorer with 6 goals.
1982 - Spain: Italy
The World Cup was a chance for Spain to open up the world, after the return to democracy in 1975. For the first time the teams entered the qualifying was over 100, and also the formula was changed 24 teams instead of 16, 6 rounds (four) instead of 4, followed by four groups of three, whose winners have played the semifinals. It was the first time took part in teams of all six confederations, with new entries such as Honduras, Algeria, Cameroon, Kuwait and New Zealand.
The most interesting aspect of the group stage were the excellent performances in Algeria, who had defeated West Germany, and unfortunately it was not his turn on goal difference (Austria and Germany were accused of agreeing to an outcome that would pass both) . Also the memorable incident in Kuwait-France, where the president of the Federation of Kuwait (Sheikh Ahmad Fahd al-) entered the field and demanded the annulment of a goal Giresse, because the players had heard a whistle and stopped. Italy passed the turn with three draws and a second place in the group, and some journalists rumors hinted another case of match fixing, the one with Cameroon. Moreover, the bad results and criticism of the team, led the Federation to a historic silent press: only Bearzot and captain Dino Zoff spoke to reporters. All the big clubs passed the second round. In Group A, Poland won 3-0 against Belgium, and drew against the USSR through the semifinals on goal difference. In B, England drew with Spain, giving West Germany a chance to win a third title. In Group C, Italy was favored with great defending champions Brazil and Argentina, but defeated both. Italy-Brazil 3-2 is one of the legendary matches of football history - Italy took the lead three times with Paolo Rossi and only twice was reached. It was a surprise, especially for poor testing of Italy in the first round. France won rather smoothly in the group D against Northern Ireland and Austria.
The semifinals were very different among them. Italy won easily with Poland, which was missing the suspended Boniek, 2-0 score. West Germany but needed goals from Rummenigge and Fischer to reassemble from 1-3 to 3-3 and then win on penalties. Poland defeated France 3-2 in the match for third place, and Italy aggiuicò his third World Cup. Cabrini missed a penalty in the first half which ended 0-0. But then Rossi, Tardelli and Altobelli gave the victory to the Italians, with the goal of the flag of Paul Breitner. Paolo Rossi was also top scorer, although he had not scored in the first three games, finally made it six in the last 3 games.
1986 - Mexico: Argentina
The World Championship of 1986 was originally assigned to Colombia in 1982 but had to give the South Americans to organizational problems and for failing to meet the requirements of FIFA. The FIFA Congress in Stockholm decided to award the World Cup in Mexico, 16 years after hosting the tournament for the first time. With nine new teams in qualifying, the total climbed to 113. The number of teams in the final round was the same (24), but the formula changed. After the stage with 6 groups of 4, 16 teams (winners, second and fourth best third) qualify for the knockout stages since the second round, then quarters, semifinals and finals. Iraq and Canada were first-timers in the tournament, both lost all matches.
No surprises in the group stage, with all the favorites who qualified for the knockout. African football was growing and Morocco won Group F despite opponents like England, Poland and Portugal. The North African team played in a good test even knockout round, losing to West Germany two minutes from time thanks to goals from Lothar Matthaus. Mexico, Belgium (after extra time against the USSR), Brazil, Argentina, France, England and Spain reached the quarterfinals.
Three out of four games in this round ended on penalties. There was a dispute because the world saw the best and worst of Diego Maradona. In the Argentina-England game, Maradona scored well in the hands and the referee granting Benachour Tunisian goal. It was called "El Mano de Dios" and added fuel to the fire of the Falklands War. In the same game Maradona scored another goal, but this time was one of the best goal in football history, which departed from his own half to discard the entire English defense and deposited the ball into the empty port, having dribbled even Peter Shilton . Lineker scored for the English when it was too late. Belgium and Germany eliminated Spain and Mexico respectively, while France eliminated Brazil on penalties.
Once again, France and Germany faced at the semi-finals, but France failed to avenge the defeat of the first four years and the Germans won 2-0. Maradona led Argentina to beat Belgium with the same result. France consoled himself with third place in Mexico City, while West Germany and Argentina fought for the title in a fantastic match. The vantaio Argentina went 2-0, but Germany did not surrender and drew with goals from Rummenigge and Voeller.
1990 - Italy: West Germany
Such as Mexico, Italy also had for the second time the organization of a World Championship. 105 teams were entered in qualifying, despite the disqualification of Mexico to have fielded a player out of age in a youth tournament. Twelve stadiums selected for 24 teams, with formula identical to that of Mexico. Among the 24 new entries were Costa Rica, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ireland.
There were no big surprises, even if Argentina finished third in their group after losing to Cameroon in the opening match, and had to meet Brazil in the second round. However, with a goal from Claudio Caniggia counterattack gave them the hoped-for victory. Cameroon defeated Colombia (the Colombian goalkeeper Higuita suffered a flashy goal after trying unsuccessfully to dribble the Cameroon striker Roger Milla), and Italy beat Uruguay. England, West Germany (from Holland), Ireland, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia went on. Cameroon and Yugoslavia, the surprises of the tournament, came after much fought matches. Cameroon was defeated by England after extra time, but came out winning the hearts of fans with his exuberant style, and left the field of applause. The Yugoslavs surrendered to Argentina but only after the penalty shootout. Wins measuring 1-0 ancper Italy (Ireland) and West Germany (over Czechoslovakia).
In the semifinals, Naples was the scene of the match between Italy and Argentina. There was an electric atmosphere in a place where Maradona (Argentine star of Naples) was a big idol. Italians went ahead with a goal from Schillaci (Italian hero of "Magic Nights" together with Baggio), but after an error output by Walter Zenga, Caniggia equalized. Never did anything until the penalty shootout, where the Argentinean goalkeeper Sergio Goycoechea was the match and Argentina went into the final. There they faced Germany, which defeated England by the same score (1-1 aet, then 5-4 on penalties), after a crucial error by Chris Waddle. Italy won the third place and the final in Rome began in shame, the fans booed the Italian anthem of Argentina and the match that followed was not nice at all. Andy Brehme scored a penalty (foul that was originally very doubtful), and was the only goal of the game to give Germany its third World Cup. Maradona wept, and Argentina lost. Salvatore "Toto" Schillaci was the top scorer with 6 goals.
1994: USA, Brazil
For the first time in the history of World Championship was played outside Europe and Latin America. It was an attempt to excite the American football (the sport they call "soccer"). Were ten stages concerned with the final set at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. 133 teams played in the qualifiers and the first Yugoslavia failed because of UN sanctions and civil war. Russia took over the USSR, Greece, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia were the qualifiers for the first time, as big as France, England and Denmark's Euro champions failed to qualify. There were major changes in regulations (the goalkeeper could not catch the ball with his hands on the back pass, and the victory was worth 3 points. The tournament instead remained unchanged.
After the great performance in Italy four years ago, Cameroon was a big disappointment for the group stage, the Indomitable Lions gained just one point. The big surprise was Saudi Arabia, who beat Belgium and qualified for the knockout stages. Not very well Italy and Argentina, who qualified only as the third best.
Nigeria also passed the turn, and the second round faced Italy. Nigeria, leading to 89 ', when Roberto Baggio equalized and then scored a penalty in extra time the winning goal. Saudi Arabia was eliminated by Sweden and Argentina, after the disqualification for doping Maradona, lost to Romania. Germany, Holland, Brazil, Bulgaria and Spain were the other to pass the quarter-finals. In Boston, the thrilling game between Italy and Spain spa with another 2-1 victory in Italy, but caused much controversy for the elbow that Tassotti inflicted Luis Enrqiue without being seen. The Italian, however, was banned for nine matches thanks to the TV test, ending his international career. Brazil defeated the Netherlands in another thrilling match ended 3-2. Bulgaria ousted Germany, and Sweden did the same with Romania, but the penalty shootout. The semifinals were then Bulgaria and Brazil-Italy-Sweden.
Both of the favorites won, but so far, Italy 2-1, Brazil 1-0. In the final, winning the World Championship was decided for the first time on penalties. Neither team managed to score in 120 minutes of regulation time and extra, and the game itself was unspectacular, but it was played at noon July 17. Italians Baresi, Massaro and Roberto Baggio were wrong all their penalties against the error only for Brazilians Marcio Santos. Brazil won 3-2 on penalties, and lifted the trophy for the fourth time. Sweden finished third, the Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov and Russia's Salenko were the top scorers with six goals apiece.
1998 - France: France
New formula for the World Cup in France in 1998, with 174 teams that participated in quaficazioni and 32 in the final stage. The group became so 8, with winners and the second to go through to the knockout stage, followed by quarter-finals and final. He played in 10 stadiums in nine cities. Croatia, South Africa, Jamaica and Japan were the newcomers, while the host nation, France, returned to play a final round of eliminations after burning 1990 and 1994. The hosts were favorites along with Brazil and Euro 1996 champions Germany (unified since 1994). The tournament also brought a new regulation, the expulsion for tackles from behind.
The only surprise of the group stage was the elimination of Spain (perennial disappointment) in Group D, Nigeria and Paraguay will qualify. The second round, Brazil won 4-1 with Chile, and Denmark did the same against Nigeria. France eliminated the hard-Paraguay, 1-0 after extra time. Argentina and England page 1-1, before the Argentines celebrate the next round on penalties after a thrilling game in which David Beckham was ejected. Italy, Croatia, Germany and Holland were the other four qualified. Once again Italy bade farewell to the World Cup because of penalties. Godi 120 minutes without a goal against France, Luigi Di Biagio hit the crossbar, giving the victory to his opponents. Germany, for the second time in a row, came in the quarterfinals after the ugly defeat, 0-3 against Croatia. The Netherlands beat Argentina, and Brazil eliminated Denmark 3-2 with two goals from Rivaldo.
In Marseille, Brazil reached the final on penalties, due to errors of Dutch duo De Boer and Cocu. In the other semifinal, the Croats went ahead to Saint-Denis with a goal of thirty Davor Suker. It took the shotgun of a defender, Lilian Thuram (these are his only two goals in national), to give France its first final in an unexpected comeback victory.
The final was played in the new stadium in Saint-Denis July 12, and there were poemiche use of Ronaldo, poor living conditions and - apparently - suffering from seizures before the game. Edmundo was listed as owner in training, but in the end Ronaldo played without being effective. The genius of Zinedine Zidane was crucial and playmacker Juventus was the hero of the game scoring twice before the Arsenal duo Patrick Vieira - Emmanuel Petit in combination combined for a sensational 3-0 French, singing "Allez Les Bleus "screamed all night in the Champs Elysees. Two days later, on July 14 national holiday, the team walked the streets of the capital discovered on a bus and was received by President Chirac. Croatia finished in third place with his striker Davor Suker, who won the top scorer with five goals.
2002 - Japan and South Korea: Brazil
For the first World Cup in the Third Millennium, the tournament was played in Asia for the first time. The formula remained unchanged, while the teams entered the qualification is 199. It was also the first time the World Cup was hosted by two nations (with a record 20 stages involved), and was introduced to the golden goal in extra time (the first goal scored in extra time decided the game.) France, Japan and South Korea qualified automatically, with China, Ecuador, Senegal and Slovenia in the first apparition. Striking was the failure to qualify Holland.
Also saw the group stage suffered a surprise, with the reigning champions and Euro 2000 winners France in their last round without scoring any goals, with Senegal and Denmark to go ahead. Even as Argentina went out in the first round in the "group of death" which saw Sweden and England go. U.S. and South Korea went against Portugal, and Italy advanced through vitttoria Ecuador Croatia on the last day of the qualifying. Italy and Mexico were involved in controversies most of the second half to play and the Italian tie, both teams seemed to settle, since both would be equal with the past. There was also controversy in Brazil and Turkey, with Rivaldo which occurred in a terrible dive and pretended to be shot in the face, which caused the dismissal of defender Alpay turkish.
In the second round, Germany beat Paraguay 1-0 at the last minute with a goal from substitute Oliver Neuville. England outclasses the Danes 3-0 and Senegal surprisingly ousted Sweden thanks to the golden goal of the attacker Sedan, Henri Camara. Ireland drew with Robbie Keane against Spain, and defended the result but lost on penalties, while the U.S. won 2-0 against rival Mexico, and Brazil beat Belgium by the same score. Both home teams did well, but while Japan suffered an early goal from Umit Davala turkish and could not recover, while Korea faced Italy and had suffered a penalty by the referee Moreno who Buffon parried. Then came the goals from Christian Vieri but the Koreans managed to impacting 89 '. In additional, Francesco Totti was sent off for two yellow (the second simulation) and 117 'Ahn (who played in Perugia in Serie A) and gave the Koreans scored the golden goal that made them go in the quarter. There were criticisms arbitrage by the Italians but Italy did not play a good World Cup and went home to the controversy for the game.
Certainly the controversy over refereeing continued when South Korea Spain eliminated after penalties. Two Spaniards were canceled for offside goal very doubtful. With Italy, France and Argentina out, England-Brazil quarter-final was the most exciting. Owen scored after a mistake by Lucio, but Brazil won a comeback with goals from Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, the latter with a goal from that far away mockery of England goalkeeper David Seaman. Germany was not playing particularly well, but managed to defeat the USA 1-0. In the "derby" outsiders, Turkey beat Senegal 1-0 with goals from Ilhan Mansiz Golden.
Brazil easily defeated Turkey, with Germany instead to struggle with South Korea Unfortunately the Germans Michael Ballack, the team's strongest player, he was admonished and missed the final through suspension. Without the player most representative, the Germans were defeated 2-0 in the final with two goals from Ronaldo found a. Brazil had won for the fifth time, with Ronaldo author of 8 goals and top scorer. Turkey won 3-2 the glides (fastest goal in world history with Sukur) and won a historic third place.
2006 - Germany: Italy
Germany hosted the 18th World Cup, played in 12 stadiums in 12 cities. The qualifications, with 198 teams registered (with the champions for the first time does not automatically qualified) saw many surprises, both positive and negative. In Africa, large Cameroon and Nigeria did not qualify, with four teams on five newcomers (Togo, Ivory Coast, Angola and Ghana). Turkey, third in 2002, was removed to the playoffs from Switzerland and Ukraine qualified for the first time, giving AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko a chance to show his talent to the world stage. Trinidad & Tobago also made his debut in the second participation of the Australia coach Guus Hiddink, who had defeated Uruguay in a play-off CONMEBOL-OFC. Denmark failed to qualify.
The group stage saw all the deleted Asian, 10 European teams qualify for the knockout, with three South American, Mexico, Australia and Ghana. Many matches were fought in the second round, except on Ghana 3-0 Brazil with goals from Ronaldo, Adriano and Ze Roberto. Germany eliminated Sweden with two goals of the young Lucas Podolski. Sweden played badly and the Germans deserved to pass. In the quarterfinals, however, the hosts found it difficult against Argentina, who defeated Mexico 2-1 after extra time, with a fantastic goal from Maxi Rodriguez. England beat Paraguay 1-0 in a boring meeting, unlike Portugal-Holland where there were four red cards and eight yellow cards!
Switzerland was eliminated on penalties by Ukraine, and went home without conceding a goal during matches. Meanwhile, put Australia in trouble a long time in an Italy 10 men, the Blues were able to prevail only thanks to a penalty procuarato Fabio Grosso during recovery (penalty doubt) that Totti realized. Spain went ahead with a penalty, but France got back strongly and won 3-1. The fourth video a European domination - 6 of the 8 teams were the host of the continent, along with Brazil and Argentina.
France-Germany-Argentina and Brazil were the main meetings. Germany won on penalties after a great test of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, but the match was marred by a fight to the end, with the Argentines that they could not contain his frustration and kicked a German player. Unfortunately for the German midfielder Torsten Frings was banned for testing TV. France defeated Brazil 1-0, blurring the Brazilian hopes of revenge after the end of 1998. Although the Brazilians were favorites, Thierry Henry scored the decisive goal from a free kick by Zinedine Zidane. Italy defeated Ukraine 3-0 and Portugal eliminated the British after a bad game: 0-0 after extra time and 3-1 on penalties. As in 1982, there were four European semi-final, then the same except for Portugal instead of Poland.
The first was Germany-Italy semifinal. The match was very balanced and with three minutes to play and penalties looming, Fabio Grosso launched a perfect left area after an assist from Andrea Pirlo. Moments later, with all the Germans attack in search of equilibrium, they take you off guard and Alessandro Del Piero scored the 2-0. The day after France defeated Portugal 1-0 with goals from Zidane's penalty kick and reached Italy in the final was a repeat of the Euro 2000.
Germany finished third with a 3-1 victory over Portugal. In the final in Berlin, France took the lead with a penalty converted by Zinedine Zidane. Zizou was the last game before retirement, but in the World had shown his talent up to this rigorous and lob which beat Gianluigi Buffon, one of the best goalkeepers in the world. However, Materazzi equalized with a header shortly before Luca Toni, always head struck the crossbar and Gianluigi Buffon made a great speech on Zidane. The game went to extra time with France was playing better, but Zidane hit Materazzi in the chest with a head that had caused and was ejected. It was a sad end to his career.
Penalty shootout, the goalies were just spectators - neither came close to the parade, and players threw perfectly. However, David Trezeguet pulled well, maybe too much, and hit the inside of the crossbar, the ball bounced on the ground and fell on this side of the goal line. Grosso also scored the last penalty that gave Italy the victory, the fourth at the World Cup. Someone said that the scandal had strengthened the group of Italian football and the World Cup victory served to clean up the image. Italy did not convince the neutrals, the game was not much, Daniele De Rossi was criticized for his elbow to an American player. And so, while France found Spain, Brazil and Portugal on his way, Italy defeated Australia, Ukraine and Germany. But we can not blame him.
The German striker Miroslav Klose was top scorer with five goals, all scored in the group. For the first time there were triplets in a World Cup.
