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Italy, Italy 90, a great start for the sake of a Tragic Ending

An article on World Cup Italia 90, which took about Italy to the final only to be rejected by Argentina, Maradona, front and sides and sanctions.

It was the late spring of 1990 and I was living in Warsaw, Poland, where at that time I was attending a course at the Polish University of Warsaw, where I just happened to meet Danilo Facco, Pordenone, Italy. Danilo and I were to be friends and it would also be introduced to Danilo Catallini me, the director of the Italian Cultural Center in Warsaw at the time. This is the place for the World Cup would be open to all Italians or descendants of those who, like me, to come to see Italy, 56 games a big screen, thanks to more generous invitation Catallini's.

This was also a time in my life in my dedication to photography was at its highest point I was taking on a role of a movie day and indeed the performance of my talent, even have my first photos published that same year. As for the other factors that make my life in time, After studying Polish in the last 6 months can say with all honesty that I had become a fluent speaker of the language. This because I was able to speak the thoughts of my mind without thinking too much on the words and almost could not understand everything I've ever heard that did not extend to issues too complicated.

However, at this point in my life, photography was my passion, so much to put aside almost entirely my love for football, to the point that almost was forgotten that the World Cup to come. Even had to be remembered by Danilo that the Champions League final was coming and looking back now, I think I would have missed if it were not for my friend who told me what day it was going to play. This meant more to me from the AC Milan had reached the end of that year and would playing against Benfica of Portugal, who ended up fighting 1-0.

Because for me at the time, besides being a photographer I had just spent he was 23 and had hair that was shoulder length or at least get her since it had cut from the year before. To be more specific the last time she had my hair cut was the day he entered the "U.S. Navy", only to be discharged two months later, with the certainty that ready had been my greatest folly (though not only me) and that the Navy was of "never again volunteer yourself." It was a place called the Great Lakes (also known as Great errors), Illinois I was sent by the U.S. Navy to discover the reality of life.

As my romantic life at once, which I do not claim to have had particular interests although there were many ladies who kept in touch with me as an odd coincidence. It's time given to one of them a visit that I learned about the World Cup had begun. I was in the apartment of one of those friends of mine at the time I turned television and my interest in her was a football game. It's Argentina vs. Cameroon, who at first thought it was a game of the World Cup, but a friendly until I realized I was playing and realized that this was the first game of the tournament. Naturally, I was aware that the World Cup was due to start, but I had lost count of the exact day he would.

As for the game itself, I was surprised when he was near the end with Cameron to my surprise they are already leading by 1-0, thanks to a goal set by Oman-Biyik in the 67th minute of the match. One of the goals, I would like to see on the most Highlights after the game that showed how this man probably jumped over a meter of the earth to get to that ball. As I caught the end of until the final game in the 80 minute mark all I could see was the desperate struggle of Argentina to get equalizer that never came. I must confess that Argentina is pleased lost as I expected, Italy would not have to face them in the World Cup and even the hope that it could be removed before the stage where they would have to play Italy. Maradona, after all was still young at 29 and a man to be respected and feared, as was kept in great shape. This is precisely what we proved that year after taking; Napoli to their second "Seria A title in three years, even if not repeat as top scorer in what had been the third time in his career.

Everything was enough for the first game, but gave no time to see everything that put me into the right mood to see the rest of the World Cup, as I like in the past three World Cups, I had seen was once again pulling Italy to win and this time I was waiting for Italy to be crowned champion by the time 4. Italy, after everything is played at home and were always a favorite to win a tournament so why not win at home. However, I did not know that many of the national team players of Italy at the time, apart from Donadoni, and other AC Milan players like Baresi and Maldini, I was not sure whether they were in the national team.

It was at the opening night of the game I received a call from Danilo, he asked if I wanted to see Italy's opening game against Austria at the offices of the Italian Cultural Institute Warsaw. As a place with all the amenities you mentioned, plus the fact that many members of the Italian community in Warsaw would be present but the invitation given the limited space would be limited only to the Italians or the same blood type. This means you could watch the games there, but I would have to speak Italian to prove ancestral connection with Italy is not my name Truvianni not have done the same.

I hours without thinking about it twice accepted Danilo's offer and agreed to meet with him the next day, half an hour before the start of the game in a cafe near my apartment called "Studio M" which was at the time of what could be considered the place to be. All who have money or connections, and tourists are seen there, this place with their paintings, Scotch Whiskey (one of the few places in Warsaw, which served at the time), well-dressed gentlemen and ladies was attractive as a magnet for any who could afford such a place. As for attractive women, who was the owner of this place Ursula, whom I have maintained a special relationship with which we come to know well and come to do even better.

Danilo and I met at "Studio M" before the game, and presented it to this place and everyone I knew seemed to have a favorable impression of him as he would become a regular. Danilo and I still did not have much time on the road that day to enjoy Studio M, and had only half an hour to reach the Italian Cultural Center (ICC) for the first game of Italy against Austria. Regarding the International Criminal Court, although it was far from Studio M which required a walk of 10 minutes that we did leave 15 minutes before we wanted to arrive on time, just to get a good seat, but to introduce ourselves to our fellow Italians and hear "Italy Fratelli D 'national anthem (Italy).

When we arrived there with much time left before the game, I thought it was not like singing as I had hoped it would perhaps only 10 or 12 than the present. Italian community in Warsaw will not be as great in those days as it is today. Fast Hellos are exchanged before the game starts that Italy would be playing in the Olympic Stadium in Rome and as the game began there was something magical about it. I feel suddenly want Italy to win since Italy had not played in the European Cup held in Germany two years before. Italy had not had to qualify, which means not had time to see the parties that served as a warm and "international friendly" I saw nothing of Italy are not simply the same for one on what I would call the state of right mood for a world cup.

This change was a World Cup match and after four years was to see my beloved "Squadra Azzuri "against Austria, a team has beaten Italy 1-0 in Argentina on a goal 16 minutes by Rossi. Rossi, but he was not playing and this was a new day, but it was revived hope for me being in this place, surrounded by fellow Italians "tiffosi" whose constant encouragement give a true flavor of a drink the world to this otherwise simple room that served as a private theater of the members of this organization.

Naturally, with the Italian fans around me did not take long for me to get into the spirit of encouraging Italy, and after a first half of so many near misses in which Italy should have been a leader in at least two goals were the halftime with a score of 0-0. Half time was used to discuss what we all felt Italy should do with most agreement that is transmitted from Italy Carnavália, after wasting many chances should be replaced. For my part, adds to the conversation that Austria goalkeeper was the one who should have a lot of credit as those of his predecessor Frederick Council of previous World Cups.

As I turn to be a strange twist of fate, I told everyone that my mother was from Peru instead of the truth which is that she is from Argentina. This is because, for some strange reason I felt Argentina and Italy would meet not want my fellow Italians to get the impression that my loyalty is not as it should. Of course, after the game and a victory Italian would tell you the truth, but by then it does not matter is that we've seen for who I was throwing in a game between Italy and Argentina.

The second half went and did it without using more chances to score or at least until it was finally replaced by Carnavália Schillaci. This replacement comes with a roar adoption not only of those present at the stadium, but at the ICC. It is, in fact, had no Schillaci (who did not know until that night), Sicily time to break the deadlock death as he did in his first touch of the ball. Objective Schillaci came 78 minutes into the game, sending all Italian football fans, including myself in a frenzy of relief with a huge cry of "target". Schillaci objective of the coming of a header despite being short. For us, however, fans All that mattered was that Italy had scored, and was winning 1-0. That first goal we had set, fans of Italy, in the spirit of World Cup playing at home and about to win our first game and, apart from that we had a team that could go all the way with players able to.

The match ended 1-0 in favor of Italy and in that moment I was sure we could win everything, or at least go to the second round, it would have been practically a national shame if Italy did not become the first host nation to make it past the first round in a World Cup. Especially one that made possible that 16 teams from 24 to go to the second round. It was incredible the way though, who had been strangers at the start of the game had become close and even friends. In a way all those gathered for more than a game but a common desire to win the same nation, not just this match but the tournament as they had done 8 years earlier in Spain. This was the magic of Italian football and had again come back to me and I could see around me and I was sure he was forced to stay until about Italy won the World Cup.

In the week after I naturally like a football (calcio in Italian) fan watched the other games, though in Italy the most important to me. Germany had an impressive start seemed like tanks, and to cut Yugoslavia, 4-1, while Uruguay secured a 0-0 draw with Spain, despite having a penalty called on his behalf it is clear that control was lost and much of the game. Danilo and became best friends during this time often go to Studio M or elsewhere, as we talked about other things then football. Danilo told me who had played semi-pro basketball, which is not surprising that he did so as a guard with his physical height of 6'2 ". I at that time had little else besides photography, although I vaguely remember Danilo said that could one day become a writer, because I was thinking of a story that some might call into paper or pen drive, I still have to do.

After Austria were the United States and although born in New York, I was encouraged all the way to Italy when he confronted the U.S.. Again like the first game we all met at the Court to see Italy defeat of the United States 1-0 and make sure not to do history for the wrong reason not to host first to pass the first round. The game against the USA was more difficult then originally imagined despite winning thanks to a beautiful goal by Giannini. This in a game that otherwise dull some of the highlights place apart from the goal and Italy missing his third penalty in the many world cups. The U.S., for all its merits in the defense came close to scoring only once, but fortunately Ferri was standing in line to avoid what would have been the equalizer.

Italy, however, despite boring the tifossi had won their second game and had even secured his place in the second round since there was no way I would not go to the next round with four points, at least as the second team. The question was who would win their group and qualify to the next round as the team first? This, of course they could do, but they would have to beat Czechoslovakia, who had also won their first two games but with better goal difference of 6-1, while Italy was 2-0.

In the third set, those of us who made a point of going to the International Criminal Court to see Italy play had become a sort of family, taking an interest in other's lives and what we were doing in Poland. When I was the one known as the photographer, given my big Minolta camera accompanied me everywhere I went. As for our confidence that had been a slight downward turn in the direction After barely beating the U.S. who had lost 5-1 Czechoslovakia, but still felt I could go all the way to the end and beyond. We leaving aside the pessimism had four points from two games and had not conceded a goal but we had to win against Czechoslovakia, nothing more for our morale then.

Italy in this match was a good start as Schillaci playing as a starter for the first time, put us ahead at 8 of the mark minutes. His goal was to scream by all as it really brought us back to the level we want to see in Italy, especially after the tragedy, drawing near to the United States in the country. Schillaci had taken charge of Carnevali, who had not met expectations and thanks to him we now going to qualify for the knockout in the first place, ie if we remain at the forefront of the score.

Czechoslovakia, as was the rest of that first half was a goal of his own state of mind that is wet at first, but fortunately was canceled unfairly I might add for a non-existent offside. Actually, I never forget how even the announcer Italian felt the goal should have been allowed as all of us, but unfortunately for Czechoslovakia was not to be. The second half saw the man who would become one of my favorite players all; Roberto Baggio, especially in the U.S. 94 The score from one of the best goals of the tournament after 78 minutes had passed, most or less has achieved first place in Italy.

Italy had qualified for the next round, winning their first three games, and even allows goal against. This was something to celebrate and we did go to a restaurant after the game. I was in a good moment in life, so my picture was very good with much of my work is just beginning to get published or even noticed that I enjoyed Warsaw during the summer. The ladies of Nice on the clothes of the season and World Cup was too good. I even remember talking with my fellow students from Brazil, of the University in the days that followed our victory over Czechoslovakia, and he I said how Brazil was not playing as well as he wanted, while Italy was doing wonderfully.

On the first lap, many interesting things happened, for example, the Netherlands and Ireland ended in a tie for second with the exact goal difference and meeting head to head had ended in a 1-1 tie, which today would be a problem, but then was given the third place which could also qualify. In this case gave Countries Netherlands in third place and had to play Germany, while Ireland against Romania. Uruguay had qualified by the skin of his teeth with a last minute goal against Korea South gave them a 1-0 win although some felt the game should have been ended by the referee before. Indeed, had it not been for this second goal almost last Uruguay then would not have qualified as would not have had two points, like Austria and Scotland, but have been lost, because both countries had a higher proportion aim to 2-3, while Uruguay would have been 1-3. Germany looked good but against Colombia, which also got a goal in minute had been lost down a level or two perhaps because they were already qualified, but Colombia still played well in the 1-1 draw.

But I cared for none of that, as I, along with the rest of the "tifossi" were feeling we could go all the way and win the last game and had only confirmed that after which even I began to feel like champions. As for me I had one of the scariest moments of my life when one day before our match against Uruguay, I awoke with what is beyond question, the greatest pain in my life. I had urinated blood last night, but did not pay much attention is both, but The next morning the pain was like a knife in me that prompted me to call an ambulance. I must say I had no idea what was feared something was wrong with my appendix, or perhaps worse than the pain was unbearable. I had never thought of death, but at that moment I felt close to her. However, proved to be an estimate simple renal English doctor told me was so painful for a man as it was for a woman to surrender a child. In a way it was strange because my sister in Rome, which had taken their children through sovereign had not experienced the pain of a normal delivery, but who nevertheless had gone through a kidney stone which was made in Ecuador. The doctor also told me he had nothing, but prefers to keep me in the hospital overnight for observation, which is precisely what happened apart for me to receive a bill for 100 hundred dollars to the next morning.

At the hospital I saw Germany vs Netherlands thanks to a TV one patient in another room. This is a game that ended with a 2-1 victory to Germany in a match that will be mostly remembered for the way Rijkaard (Holland) and Voller (Germany) were sent. The first of these two players shown the red card for spitting at Rudi Völler clearly no apparent reason, while never Voller clear why he was ordered to march.

At the time the game was the night of that day I had accepted the idea that would have spend the night in the hospital and cozy next to the TV for the South American classic that was sure to be Brazil vs Argentina in Turin, then I found out that he attended future godfather of my daughter who did not know at that time. Brazil attacked, while Maradona was under tight marking, although this occurred with the assistance of vicious fouls just as he was about to get something done for his team.

Brazil came close on many occasions, but as they say it's worth Only for the horseshoes and hand grenades and it was not as time passed the score remained 0-0 until Maradona fears shoved it at all with a piece that, like his famous goal four years ago will live forever. Maradona received the ball in midfield and spent four players, almost one after another and then with the latter pulling him by his shirt managed to leave the perfect pass with his right foot to Caniggia, who put on Argentina ahead 1-0 and the following round.

The next day I left the hospital well and relieved to be back where we all had become a voice behind Italy and to celebrate that I was going to die, or at least not then. M was in the studio that made me a shot of Johnnie Walker Red but in all honesty, I would have preferred and would Glenfidich if they had ordered, but sometimes you do.

Danilo and I met in the study M as had become our habit before games and I said much to his shock about how he had spent the night in the hospital, but had left just in time for the party. Uruguay has always been difficult for Italy, as its style is one of the physical play. The last time Italy and Uruguay had played in a World Cup was 20 years earlier, in 1970. This in a game that not only failed to produce a goal in a 0-0, but even to make some point of interest in a game that was one of the most boring ever seen in a World Cup or any other part for that matter.

Once in the ICC with us near the end we get our seats for what would be a first half that would so about 0-0. then it was clear that this World Cup was one not seen any big victories as most games are limited to scores of 1-0 or 2-1, as was the case with most party games including Argentina and Brazil had produced only one goal. However, we tense as we waited for the second half of me telling you all about my predicament on the day before, which brought some relief to all who had come to know me, who had apparently come through it ok. The second half started again and would Schillaci in 65 minutes mark with a fine shot from outside the area to bring joy and cries of goal at the time the most of the ICC. Another goal would be to come to Italy that day as Serena also got on the scoreboard twenty minutes after Italy Schillaci and give your ticket to the quarterfinals.

Reached the quarterfinals and did Ireland, a team with a tenacious defense that we knew we could change as they did four years then in the U.S. 94, but that was for another time. Again, as in the previous game was Schillaci, needed only 38 minutes to put us ahead for good when it hit the back of the net. Italy went on to win that game 1-0 Schillaci but came close to scoring another free kick only for his shot bounces off the post and the line in an effort that would have been a great goal that had been in Ireland, however we must say to the left with his dignity, and they only lost by a goal against Italy, which ultimately had the advantage of playing at home.

The semifinal and was more than Argentina and Maradona is expected in Italy. I remembered seeing game Argentina against Yugoslavia, hoping that Argentina would lose and how close he came to being eliminated. Yugoslavia dominated most of the game despite having one of its players sent the first and yet 0-0 would be the way it would end, after regulation and overtime. Maradona played that day, perhaps one of the less inspired games I've seen of him, and just when it seemed as if Argentina and after he lost his criminal Troglio, salvation came from their goalkeeper. Goycochea saved 3 penalties during the shooting that put Argentina in the semifinal against Italy.

I remember thinking that Italy had never lost to the Argentina in a World Cup, but to some extent Italy had never beaten both in the sense that they had removed. For example, their first game against each other in the World Cup finals in 74 in the first round. This is a game that ended in a tie that Argentina benefited more from them, rather than Italy qualified with Poland to the next round. So in a sense by holding Argentina to Italy to a draw had really won. The upcoming match between Italy and Argentina took place in Argentina 78 and Italy won 1-0, but he cared little for both teams qualified to the next round. Argentina actually win the world championship that year, while Italy came in fourth. The next game was in Spain 82 and Italy won again, but then again Argentina have been removed it. This is because Argentina lost its match together with Brazil and Italy could have reached even the semifinals, but had been drawn against Argentina as it was on to defeat Brazil. The next world cup of wine, New Mexico 86 and Italia was to face Argentina in the first round and did so in a match that ended in a draw 1-1, which was of little importance as both teams went through the same thing. Now he goes to Italy against Argentina at Italia 90 for what would be their fifth game in World Cups, as many in a row. This I am sure it is a record for the number of times that the two computers together in consecutive World Cups. However, in connection with registration for the two teams that have faced between yes most of the time in the history of the Cup, is held by the unexpected Brazil and Sweden. This is due to the fact they have faced each other six times, with Sweden, Although I can not win one.

I, like you always wanted Italy to win, but still afraid to tell those around me that my mother was from Argentina, perhaps especially if he was angry that Argentina would happen to victory and the final. I decided to wait until the end and after Italy had won so the cat out of the bag. The game would be played in Naples, the "Stadio San Paolo" in what for the last few years had been the home of Diego Armando Maradona and the truth is that Napoli fans had come to idolize the man. Had to be brought, who had never won anything at a EUFA Cup victory with two national titles. Maradona was practically a god in Napoli in time (and still is), but this time we would be playing against Italy, which made it difficult for many a fan to know where their loyalty to establish during the game. For my part was something terrible would happen, but do not know why. Italy had yet to yield a goal in the World Cup, while Argentina had struggled to reach the semifinal, he scored only four goals in his way, while Italy, usually not known much offense had scored seven times. Argentina had lost even Cameron but I was worried that I mentioned though not those who had become my Friends of the ICC.

The match began with the tensions in a very loud, but all exploded when once more than anything else, Schillaci but found the back of the net for Argentina to give Italy a 1-0 lead after 17 minutes of the half. Italy was winning and that the final the first half, with all of us feel in the final. Some of us, including myself were thinking about going to Italy to watch the live final at the Olympic Stadium in Rome with my brother in law to be president of distribution for Columbia Pictures in the city where the final was to be, it was not unreasonable for me to think I could take my hands on such tickets. We started saying how not if, but when Italy plays the end the place was crowded, as all who come even those who only had been to Italy once in their life and speaks as many as one word in Italian, like pizza or whatever. Baggio was not in the field, but we were winning by a goal that with Zenga as our goalie would be more than enough as it was close to breaking the record for most minutes without getting a goal.

The second half began with Italy and Argentina dominate covered his back and just when it seemed that we off with a second goal, Argentina was one of their own the mark of 67 minutes to questions at the 1 piece. Claudio Caniggia had been guilty of Argentina! An Argentine of Italian origin and the same player who scored the goal victory for Argentina against Brazil just complicated everything. As for Italy had goalkeeper, Zenga was beaten for the first time the World Cup and could not have come at a more inopportune moment for Italy, which we know were in a tight game with Argentina, which will undoubtedly be decided by the next goal.

Argentina has had good moments in the second half, especially one led by Maradona in an Italian painting that became tight after a player who could have done better with his shot. Italy, however mostly with the pressure of playing at home and in a world cup had to go forward, while Argentina, apparently waited to sanctions, no doubt, we must decide to end the game in a tie.

Italy after Argentina finally equalizer to the delight Baggio brought their fans instead of the ineffective Vialli, who had not really shown much during the game. Baggio has brought energy and ideas on the offensive in Italy, however, the game was still hotly contested, in a game is marked on both sides was strict. Tense was the atmosphere in the ICC as we live each moment of the game, hoping that each of the outlets of Italy on the target could be a target, while doing the opposite of Argentina. In a way, was the first time Italy had been drama in which real world cup, which previously had been winning all matches in which the point of the match, but now the time had passed the 85th minute and still 1-1. Schillaci, who had been a very effective scorer for Italy and that until then, the objectives of the compensation in 5 of the 6 games including this one against Argentina suddenly began to fall with tremendous ease and frequency in the trap to Argentina out of the sides. During the night, Schillaci be captured in out of the sides up to 9 times Argentina to defend, making it appear that his anxiety to score, that does not even appear in the eyes after it was being used against him.

The game ended at 1-1, making it essential overtime, although perhaps Italy held an advantage in the packaging, since Argentina was playing its second extra time in as many matches, while Italy had not been taken past the regular 90 minutes. At this time nothing seemed certain to Italy, but still I was losing something that most did not, were of high stress as the first overtime period started. Sudden death not be in the form of a golden goal or even a silver, which means the team that was winning at the end of the first half of overtime will be declared the winner, but 30 minutes of football, regardless of what happened. How are suffering at the moment, only those who have watched their teams play to know for sure or who have been, of course, the field as any mistake could mean being out and having to wait four more years in hopes of being in the same place, but for Italy to play at home, the pressure was to please their fans.

Overtime started and all return to their seats and, although Italy was clearly on the offensive for now with Argentina concentrating on the defense of what he had, the game is still difficult as the Italian attack after attack was met with a strong defense of the defense only Argentina, but their solid goalkeeper, Goycochea. This is a player (as Schillaci) had not even been a starter in his team at the start of the tournament, but had been taken to the World Cup Pumpido (Argentina is winning goalkeeper of Mexico, 86) broke his leg.

A short break was to Italy during 13 minutes in the first half of overtime, Guisti got a red card for a brutal foul on Baggio, who even left him with blood on his forehead. Actually was a linesman in Poland, who drew Quiniou (French referee) what had happened behind his back, as in the case of the head Zidane, but Matterasi in the 2006 final.

Overtime, however, ended the way it had started in a room with Caniggia shown the second yellow card for blatant handball, which actually should have been a red card because it was his second time handling the ball deliberately. The first After the referee had been convinced by Maradona to forgive his offense who have made their second handball punished with a red card. Argentina had managed a draw with Italy in his home country, but many things that made today's article would not allow that, like many deliberate steps back to his goalkeeper, fouling last man a player who is in the clear before reaching the penalty box that today would be a red card tackle apart from behind.

Before sanctions began never forget how some including my friend Danilo thought that Italy is released, I for my part, I was not sure of victory when defeat was something that my mind had not yet examined. The sanctions began after each team had selected the five players who take their kicks.

Italy scored first and went through Baresi, our captain and solid defender from AC Milan, brought us to alleviate, as now, would be Argentina, which would make to keep matters level. Serrizuela scored for Argentina against our hopes that he not to make it 1-1. Baggio turn came and he did not err in setting the score 2-1 to Italy. At that time the theater was at its height and that each fault can lead to victory or defeat for any team.

Burruchaga came later and for a brief second I thought his shot was saved by Zenga, who managed a hand on the ball, but could maintain or to avoid Argentina tied the score at two a piece. De Agostini was next and he also scored the 3-2 for Italy.

Who would blink first was the question in the minds of all who saw time at San Paolo or on television across the world. Olarticoechea scored again for Argentina at the level of the question once again 3-3.

Donadoni, who came later were already in the crucial phase of the sanctions, could end up in almost a flash. Donadoni, hit the ball, but it saves Goycochea, no goal and our hearts fell. However, I felt the victory was still possible, by Had Argentina not been final to Yugoslavia in the sanctions have only Goycochea save two penalties to take her out of the bag for them and this reminds me of my "paesano" about. I also mentioned to keep moral Maradona, who came off the Argentina had missed a penalty against Yugoslovia. This meaning was great, but not infallible and that, after all it may happen again. However, Maradona put his penalty away and now leads Argentina 4-3 on penalties but has not yet completed because if Serena scored and Zenga last penalty from Argentina, and Italy will be on level terms again. It was a ray of hope, but it could be. He had seen before and like Serena went to Italy to take the penalty, I have a sense of what might be if he stopped there. In a way he deserved for trying so hard during the game.

Serena however weak shot was easily saved by Goycochea and all was over, he beats me like a bucket of cold water. Italy had lost, there would be no fourth title, not even one fifth appearance in the final. It appears then that the world had come to an end, no one around me dared to say anything as we watched Argentine players celebrate throwing one over the other, but for me the image of Goycochea up and running with his fist on the air after both Serena and deny that Italy is one that will never leave my mind.

The desperation was what I felt and although no one cried, was clear that he had been eliminated from the Cup final but not the world as we would be playing for third place, which was very little or no compensation for not winning World Cup. Not that I had not seen Italy loose in a World Cup before I was in Argentina 78, Mexico 86, but this was in our own backyard, where is expected to win and should have. Deplores that many after the game, as always when you lose. If Baggio played since the beginning or had arrived earlier, if Schillaci had been more aware of not getting caught in an offside position is not often that we agreed it had been every time the judge had said he was and if only he had not lost those penalties.

All these questions havoc on our minds when we went home after losing, but did not change anything and would not be playing in the final and nothing could alter that. Danilo even joked that next World Cup or the one after the next be held in San Marino, and thus to Italy would be like playing at home again. For my part, on a personal note, given that Argentina has won or Italy had lost depending on the point of view decided not to tell anyone where my mother was actually what could be unpleasant.

Italy had won the World Cup in 1934 playing at home, why could not have been once again was all I wanted to know and who I went to sleep that night, tired and exhausted all I could think was how it would be to Italy to win two of three World Cups, but may be Argentina win three of four as Brazil had done once. The next day came and I had recovered from the loss as such is life and football, I naturally knew that Italy would soon be back where had been in this world cup, even if it was a struggle to do so.

The next day, Danilo and I went to the study of M to see England-Germany to see that Argentina will meet in the final. As for me I leaned England not because of any anti-or pro-German sentiments of English for that matter, but simply for the reasons that I did not see a repeat of the final had been four years earlier. I did not want to see Germany win a third title which it placed at the level of Italy in titles won. It was these reasons and the fact that it would have been interesting to see Argentina play England again made me twitch in the direction of England over Germany. Especially after his last game in Mexico 86 that Argentina will be remembered for winning thanks to goals from Maradona one of the infamous "Hand of God" and the other that some were already discussing was one of the greatest goals ever scored.

The game between England and Germany was very fun to watch other then having a slight preference for England, does not really matter who won. Both teams attacked and opportunities occurred in both England ends with a slight advantage in time the position of the ball. I particularly remember a shot from midfield by an English player who hit in the post, but have not heard that had gone in, given the already mentioned offside by the referee. Despite all the offense in the first half ended with 0-0.

It was in the 15 minute mark of the second half that the deadlock was broken death for Germany, when an Andreas Brehme's free kick deflected off a player of English the name of Paul Parker Peter Shilton and into the back of the net. Germany was winning 1-0 but England did not end as Gary Lineker show by scoring his fourth goal of the tournament and the blockade would bring the death that would last for the rest of the game. After the 90 minutes were up I remember thinking how England and Germany had played three games of World Cup before, all of which (including this one) ended in a draw after regulation time, out of which two have required hours extraordinary as it would.

Overtime, however, ended in a 1-1 tie after 120 minutes of play saw Paul Gascoigne get a yellow card that sent him to tears when, as Caniggia would not be playing the final, even if England were to happen. In fact, both teams came closer in overtime, even taking turns to hit the post, but the sanctions would be like it was in the first semifinal.

England and Germany won their first three shots at approaching Shilton three German sanctions, but it would be Pierce, who missed the first for England. Pierce, the man who had never missed a penalty shot was saved by his Illgner, the German goalkeeper, who had never stopped a penalty before. Germany, at the time was for slaughter. Thon came the penalty spot and scored, and in doing so put all the pressure on England next kicker "to describe whether it would be everywhere. Waddle, kicker penalty immediately and missed England came to send his shot over the crossbar and Germany in the final. Germany vs Argentina would be a Again, a repeat of the previous final. This also makes Germany and Argentina, the first two teams played each other in the final for the second time, Italy and Brazil would become the second two teams to do also in the U.S. 94.

Saturday came, the day that Italy will face England for third place and I remember is that not knowing weather or not the International Criminal Court would be open so we can watch the game. Danilo and I had agreed to meet before the game and nobody had said anything about this game rather insignificant as what reward is third in the fourth, but whatever I want to. Not having a color television in the house went to a hotel to watch the game, where I met two German fans, who just bragged to me what it would be that they would play the final, not Italy. It was his turn, after all he had defeated in the final in '82, so now it was they who were to take all.

The first half was interesting, although it ends with a blank scoreboard as both teams played to win and entertain not really think much of the defensive play that had marred many of the games. However, when I finished the first time had the idea that perhaps he was making a disgrace to my fellow Italians, not watch the game with them, so I took a taxi to the ICC, which to my surprise was slightly open all that had been his since the beginning, including Danilo.

I was welcomed when I walked into the place, within minutes of the second half began as no one seemed to mind my late arrival was a little embarrassed but that was not his from the beginning. The atmosphere was relaxed, almost like a friendly and I even started thinking in a discussion Danilo and I had time it was better to win the match for third place or loose in the final with my argument that the first option was preferable to the latter. Danilo No But he said it chose the latter, if given a choice, but depending on how you lost in the final.

Baggio scored after 70 minutes of game taking advantage of a clear error of Shilton and Italy put first, but not for good and Plat would equalize 11 minutes later with a spectacular header beating Zenga for the second time the World Cup. Actually, what I most remember most of this objective was Marcello, a friend of Danilo applauding after the ball had left in the net and thought many a time it was me, who had celebrated a goal by our adversary. However, Marcello would say all that the applause had out of his hands.

However, Italy was only five minutes to regain the lead in England gave away a penalty which like the the final was not so clear, but in all cases of Italy did not mind getting a favorable decision. Schillaci given its goals given the task of not only put Italy in front, but scoring his 6th tournament that would give a more Skuhravy then Czechoslovakia, so do leading scorer in Italy 90. Schillaci much to his credit did not disappoint in his penalty kick that made it 2-1 for Italy and what was going to end. Italy even come to reach another goal that might add was erroneously nullified for offside but it was of little or no consequence, so the result was the same, third place for us, the fourth for England.

The final will be left, but that's another story for Italy's participation in Italia 90 was over. Third place was not bad, but it was not what we expected, since The victory was not complete, as I realize what my father said was true. Being that when the football four, which can be listed as Italy, Argentina, Brazil and Germany play in a tournament to win and do nothing more than the title will do, anything less is considered a failure. For other teams in third place is considered an achievement. This for example is the case of Poland, who celebrated his third place in Germany for 74 years and still keep it as a great moment of his football, but then again that Italy is not, nor have the same tradition in the sport is called "calcio".

After the game, for my taste, all who had supported Italy through his campaigns in the ICC asked about Catallini same for coming home the next day to see the end in an invitation which includes lunch. This something that I look forward as Catallini for all its harshness, was not a man without charm.

Looking back in Italy Italia 90 was not without its achievements came in the form of reaching third, Schillaci be top scorer and named player of the FIFA tournament, Zenga establishing a new record for most minutes without allowing a goal that included five perfect games, Italy also allowed just two goals, a record for the fewest goals allowed in a World Cup by a team that had played 7 games. This latest album is one that Italy tie in the 2006 World Cup. All of which makes it a little less bitter defeat, but we were not champions yet. As a footnote, though I did not hear about at the moment, "The Three Tenors performed their first concert in Rome the same day as Italy beat England for third place.

About the Author

My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. As for the details regarding my life I would say that there is nothing that lifts them above the ordinary. I was born in New York City in 1967 on May 21st and am presently living in Warsaw, Poland where I wrote my first book “New York’s Opera Society” now Available on Amazon.

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