Footie reruns
In July 1988, football’s world governing body FIFA took the controversial step of awarding the 1994 World Cup to the United States, a decision some observers felt was akin to England hosting the baseball World Series.
As it turned out, any reservations about the organiser’s ability to drum up the required level of passion and enthusiasm among Americans were swiftly allayed and the tournament was an outstanding success.
Brazil emerged victorious after defeating Italy in the final. Unfortunately the game, in front of 94,000 fans at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasedena, California, was an anticlimax after what had otherwise been a hugely successful tournament.
The unfortunate Roberto Baggio, Italy’s hero throughout the tournament, blazed his crucial kick high over the bar and Brazil achieved their first success in 24 years and a fourth title.
The 1994 finals will also be remembered for the shocking murder of the Colombian defender Andres Escobar, who was shot dead in his home town of Medellin after the tournament. Player of the tournament was Brazilian striker Romario.
