One of the worst outcomes of the FIFA World Cup 1994 was the effect it had on Roberto Baggio. For a player of his talent, people now remember the pony-tailed Italian for ‘his penalty miss in ’94?’, rather than his artistic and imaginative style of play. Roberto Baggio is a FIFA World Player of the year as well as a Ballon d’Or winner.
Tell me, do you fondly remember Zinedine Zidane for the genius he was or him giving Marco Materazzi a headbutt?
5 July 1994. Round of 16 – Nigeria vs Italy.
Nigeria took the lead via Amuneke, as the Italians failed to defend a corner. A fairly deserved lead and the game looked set to end 1 – 0 to the Nigerians given their performance. The Italians lacked a spark in their attack and big name Roberto Baggio had failed to score throughout the group stage. Couple this with the African defensive grit to hold on for a win, an upset was on the cards.