Video Of The Week: Every Goal Of Italia ’90

By Ian - February, 1st 2010

Continuing our series of World Cup compilation videos, this week we have every goal from the 1990 World Cup, which was, of course, held in Italy. Time has a tendency to soften our viewpoint of previous World Cup tournaments – particularly when, as with this one, England surpass everyone’s expectations and scramble as far as the semi-finals – but the truth of the matter is that the 1990 World Cup finals were probably the worst that have been held in recent years. The tournament was ruined by defensive football with most teams playing in order to avoid losing rather than winning (Ireland, for example, reached the quarter-finals without winning a single match in normal or extra time) and the continuation of an abysmal system which saw three teams qualify from the majority of the opening groups.

Still, however, there were moments when the quality shone through. Cameroon may have been cynical in their opening match against Argentina, but they did at least beat the holders, Rene Higuita had a “moment” playing in goal for Colombia and West Germany and Holland played one of the worst-tempered World Cup finals matches of recent times. There was also a degree of high drama when the largely underwhelming host nation played their matches, culminating with their penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Argentina. Those amongst you that have been following the series will know by now what to expect – your commentator for this film is the much-missed Brian Moore.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven