Fifty six years after hosting their first World Cup, Italy was chosen ahead of the USSR to host the 1990 World Cup. FIFA decided to leave the format unchanged from the previous tournament meaning that the twenty four teams that qualified would again be split into six groups of four with the top two sides progressing to the round of sixteen along with the four best third placed teams. The 1990 World Cup would see first time qualification for three nations, those being The Republic of Ireland, Costa Rica and the United Arab Emirates.

Overall, the Italia ’90 World Cup was a disappointing affair characterized by negative, defensive tactics from the majority of teams as teams looked to avoid defeat rather than win games. No better was this emphasized than in group F where a total of five goals were scored in the six matches between England, Holland, Eire and Egypt, yet despite this the three European nations progressed to round two . Despite the lack of free flowing football and an avalanche of goals, it would be wrong to say the Italia ’90 was without character and that character was epitomized by Cameroon star Roger Milla and English midfielder Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne. Milla at age 38 was only present at the finals as a result of intervention by the President of Cameroon. Coming on as a second half substitute, his two second half goals followed by his trademark hip swinging celebration by the corner flag, changed the atmosphere and gave the Indomitable Lions their second successive victory after shocking defending champions Argentina one goal to nil in the opening game. The African nation’s willingness to attack with freedom and style, combined with some comical tackling and defending led to Cameroon being the side that all the neutrals wanted to see. Gazza had the same effect on the English public. Playing with a smile on his face and his ability to create something from nothing had people on their feet and heaping praise on this cheeky lad from Newcastle and it inspired the England team to the point of greatness. It was no surprise that after his yellow card in the semifinal, meaning he would miss the final should England make it, that the tears he shed on the pitch became symbolic for a whole nation and reignited England’s passion for football after some dark years in the mid to late eighties.

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