The opening match
of Italia 90 with Cameroon was one that shook the Argentine squad and gave
them food for thought on both their strength and weakness. The match ended
with a victoey to the African Lions and also marked a turnaround in the
African Vs Latin american football.
In fairness the Cameroon
squad defended professionally and unexpectedly took full advantage of the
break they had. This meant that Argentina had to capitalise on their remaining
two matches so as to qualify to the knock out phase.
In their first match
of the next round they would beat Brazil, a team that comprised of the
likes of Careca. Who to create the chance than Diego Maradona,surrounded
by four defenders, to pass the ball to Cannigia who would then only had
to beat the keeper and into an empty goal. With that he demolishes the
Brazilian dream of winning Italia 90. Check the link below to live this
moment when the goal was scored.
In the semi final
they would eliminate the host, Italy, who were strong favourites for the
cup. On the other line Germany would beat England in penalties after extra
time.
The final encounter
between Argentina and Germany was not a match that was as enjoyable as
the one from 1986 where both teams were offensive and more chances were
created and hence more goals were scored. Instead this match would forever
be known for the fouls, tension and most of all the controversial penalty
that Germany was awarded. On this occasion Germany won the cup by a penalty
in contrast to how Argentina won the 1986 cup.
The fact remained
however that it was Maradona's skill that carried the team to the final.
Fame meant that he was on occasion marked by more than one player if not
a group when he has the ball and as such he created chances for others.
Italia 1990 is also
remembered for the Cameroon squad who ventured as far as the quarter finals
and nearly made it to the semi final if it was not for their naive defending
of a 2 : 1 lead.
The link for the goal
that Maradona created against Brazil:
Argentina Vs Brazil
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