Italy became the second nation to hold the tournament twice, but this time the Azzurri failed to make it as they went out on penalties in Naples in the semi-final against Maradona’s Argentina.
The goal suffered by Zenga against Argentina in the semi-final was the first one Italy suffered, and it proved to be vital.
Paul Gascoigne, widely known as Gazza, had made a late run into England’s starting line-up for the World Cup but he ended up playing a central role in the team’s advancement to the semifinals. Following lackluster performances in the group stage, England beat Belgium in the round of 16 and then saw off the thrilling challenge of Cameroon in the quarterfinals to set up an encounter against long-time rival West Germany.
Paul Gazza Gascoigne leaves Stadio delle Alpi in tears after England lost a penalty shoot-out against Germany in the semi-final.
It’s an epochal match in English soccer history that confirmed that the game’s popularity did not just reside among the ranks of the working class. It even spawned a popular stage play called “An Evening with Gary Lineker.”
England outplayed the West Germans for large stretches of the match, but unluckily fell behind when Andreas Brehme’s free kick deflected off defender Paul Parker and looped over goalkeeper Peter Shilton. England eventually equalized with 10 minutes to go when Lineker took advantage of some lax German defending.
It was during extra time that Gascoigne was reduced to tears after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament for a reckless tackle on Thomas Berthold. That caution would mean that he would miss the World Cup final if England was to go through. Realising the consequences, Gascoigne’s lip wobbled and the tears started to flow.
Salvatore Schillaci, top scorer of the 1990 FIFA World Cup with 6 goals, which still failed to give the hosts the much-awaited title.
Though England lost the ensuing penalty shootout, the watching public back home felt for Gascoigne.
Those with a more commercial bent took note at the scale of interest in that match. Soon English soccer would be awash with cash, money that was spent on modernizing the stadiums and buying some of the best players from around the world.
Sensini’s dubious tackle on Rudi Voeller, which led to Germany’s last-gasp winner over Argentina in the final at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, on 8 July 1990.
Italy then beat England at Stadio San Nicola in Bari to capture third place.
The final between West Germany and Argentina has been cited as the most cynical and lowest-quality of all World Cup Finals. In the 65th minute, Argentina's Pedro Monzon was sent off for a foul on Jürgen Klinsmann, to become the first player ever to be sent off in a World Cup Final.
Germany’s Andreas Brehme mobbed by his team mates after scoring the winner in the 1990 World Cup final, to give Germany their third title.
The only goal of the contest arrived in the 85th minute when Mexican referee Edgardo Codesal awarded a soft penalty to West Germany, after a foul on Rudi Völler by Roberto Sensini leading to Argentinian protests.
Andreas Brehme, converted the spot kick to settle the contest. Gustavo Dezotti became the second player to be red carded in a final as Argentina were reduced to nine.
Unfortunately for Argentina they set another record - the first team to fail to score in a World Cup Final.