Imagine you are stepping up for a spot kick and the whole weight of a nation is on you. Not just that, if you fail, the opponents win and also go on to create history. Yes, not a pretty situation to be in and the outcome can pretty much determine your legacy.
On July 17, 1994, Italy’s Roberto Baggio found himself in exactly that situation. A FIFA World Cup final came down to a penalty shootout for the first time.
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But wait, it did not happen overnight. Brazil and Italy seemed destined to face off. They were grouped in such a manner that the only place they could meet was the title clash. Perhaps it was fitting that the most attacking team would clash with the world’s best defence. And what a contest it turned out to be.
Brazil made several inroads into Italy’s half, but everytime the famed defence thwarted their plans. Wave after wave was repelled and Italy too began to counterattack, but had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard. Mind you, despite no goals, the match was interesting. Both teams were going hard at it and the fans were witnessing artistic football at its best.
After two goalless halves, extra time came into play. But even the additional 30 minutes were not enough to determine a winner. After 120 minutes of intense football, nothing separated the two teams.
Reuters
So for the first time in 64 years, penalties would decide the World Champion. After both sides had taken 4 out of the five shots, Brazil were leading 3-2. Santos missed but Romario, Branco and Dunga all scored and for the opponents Baresi and Massaro could not convert their kicks while Albertini and Evani found the back of the net.
Then Baggio stepped up for his turn. Throughout the tournament, he was the man Italy turned to in times of trouble and now it was up to him to keep them alive. Not only did Italy need to score, but had to ensure the Brazil did not in their last attempt to take the match into sudden death. Brazil knew if Baggio missed, they would become the first to win 4 World Cups. Incidentally, these two teams last met in a final in 1970, which was Brazil’s last title. Both the sides had won 3 times apiece, so this victory would take the winner forward.
Baggio took aim and fired. In a shot that went horribly wrong, it sailed over the bar. That was it! All over! Brazil won as Baggio looked inconsolable. The players rushed onto the field and a nation rejoiced. For Baggio, it would become the defining moment in his career and sadly he is remembered more for this than anything else.
For Brazil fans, it was time to celebrate, for Italians it was time to mourn. It’s moments like these that make football the beautiful game and the FIFA World Cup the biggest stage. This definitely remains one of the iconic moments in the tournament’s history, and even now over 28 years later is fresh in the minds of everyone.