If we take a mental flight to the World Cup 20 years ago, we see some strong teams and some of the incredibly talented players to have ever graced the beautiful game. It was 20 years ago that Italy showcased the Catenaccio system of football, where a strong emphasis is given on defense. The team had the likes of Franco Baresi and Palo Maldini forming the heart of this wall, and it took penalties for Brazil to beat this team in the finals! You have to forgive Roberto Baggio, one the stars of that final for wasting golden opportunities to rest the matter in regular time, before going on to miss his spot kick. 20 years ago, Brazil perfected the art of 4-4-2 system. Do you remember Romario and Bebeto making opponents sweat while Rai, Blanco and Jorginho threaded passes at the heart of the midfield like a witch doctor stringing lies together! Carlos Valderrama, the Colombian star and one of the most legitimate attacking midfielders gave the event some juice with his long unkept hair! It was also the same year that Andres Escobar of Colombia was killed for scoring an own goal against USA! The saddest bit about 20 years ago for African teams was the jealousy and lack of team unit that Nigeria had to go through, yet this team had all the marks and signs of going all the way to the finals. I remember Rashid Yekini tapping home a Finidi George cross, in a match against Bulgaria, but no one came to celebrate with him. If you look up photos of that goal celebration, you see Yekini all by himself holding on to the nets. Apparently, other players were jealous of Yekini who had recently won the African player of the year and was headed to Panathinaikos. Mind you, the Super Eagles beat Bulgaria 3-0, were eliminated in second round but Bulgaria would finish 4th! (They had Hristo Stoichkov and Krassimir Balakov to thank) Above all, 20 years is the time Diego Armando Maradona would play his last World Cup, albeit in a shameful fashion as he was discovered to be using steroids!
Posted on: Thu, 12 Jun 2014 14:30:26 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015