Silver Road and Golden Stripes, Yet Another Football TL
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Round of 16 1989-90
The first round of this edition of the Nations League started with an oddity, FIFA having allowed Croatia and Georgia to participate in the Nations League and FIFA Cup for the latter despite not being full members yet, on the condition that the players fielded not have previous caps in the Yugoslav or Soviet squads. The way the bracket was formed also put Yugoslavia and Croatia on a collision course in the Quarter-Finals, and although Yugoslavia triumphed over Denmark, Croatia werw swiftly defeated by Spain. There were not many surprises in the upper half of the bracket either, with the Dutch easily cleaning Uruguay while England struggled but still beat Ireland.
Germany slammed Mexico, putting them against Italy in the Quarters, who defeated Argentina in Buenos Aires against all odds after a gruelling game. The last two games of this round saw first seed teams Brazil and France drop to Czechoslovakia for the first, and the Soviet Union for the other, both getting to face each other yet again in the tournament.
Irish and English players battle during a corner kick for England at Old Trafford.
Similar scenes in Naples as Argentina and Italy battle it out during a corner kick for the Albiceleste
Germany slammed Mexico, putting them against Italy in the Quarters, who defeated Argentina in Buenos Aires against all odds after a gruelling game. The last two games of this round saw first seed teams Brazil and France drop to Czechoslovakia for the first, and the Soviet Union for the other, both getting to face each other yet again in the tournament.
Irish and English players battle during a corner kick for England at Old Trafford.
Similar scenes in Naples as Argentina and Italy battle it out during a corner kick for the Albiceleste
Brazil was arguably at their weakest point since the mid-70s, so it isn't surprising to see them go. France were in a slump at the time despite having good players, so they're also out.Brazil out.
France out. 😁
Quarter-Finals 1989-90
Spain started off the Quarter-Finals strong by eliminating Yugoslavia in a relatively easy match. The Roja would make it to their 9th Semi-Finals, and will have to go through England in order to make it to their 5th ever final. The English hard a hard time in Amsterdam, drawing against the Dutch, but the Lineker-led Three Lions showed off an impressive performance in Wembley to smash the Oranje 3-1.
While Czechoslovakia easily defeated the Soviet Union, the real big confrontation occured between Italy and Germany, both sides being locked in two tight games. Germany took the first game with a goal by Voller and another by captain Brehme, but Italy scored three at home thanks to Roberto Baggio, Maldini and De Napoli, earning them a spot in the Semi-Finals where they'll be favorites against Czechoslovakia.
John Barnes shoots for goal, scoring England's third and final goal at Wembley, in front of Chris Waddle (left) and Adri van Tiggelen (right)
While Czechoslovakia easily defeated the Soviet Union, the real big confrontation occured between Italy and Germany, both sides being locked in two tight games. Germany took the first game with a goal by Voller and another by captain Brehme, but Italy scored three at home thanks to Roberto Baggio, Maldini and De Napoli, earning them a spot in the Semi-Finals where they'll be favorites against Czechoslovakia.
John Barnes shoots for goal, scoring England's third and final goal at Wembley, in front of Chris Waddle (left) and Adri van Tiggelen (right)
Semi-Finals 1989-90
Both England and Spain certainly weren't expecting such a rough opposition from either Spain or Czechoslovakia, yet both squads had to battle hard for a spot in the final. Spain drew England twice, and would have certainly taken England all the way into overtime if not for a late goal at Anfield from Gary Lineker to save the day and send England to the final. Italy on the other hand crushed Czechoslovakia decisively in Bologna, but gave themselves quite a fright as the Czechs bounced back in Brno, scoring two but failing to send one more past the Italian defense, ensuring the Squadra Azzura could defend its title at home against Italy.
Roberto Baggio in action against Czechoslovakia during Italy's winning home game.
Roberto Baggio in action against Czechoslovakia during Italy's winning home game.
Final 1989-90
Football returned to Europe as England and Italy prepared to battle it out in Rome for the final of this edition of the Nations League. Italy, fresh out of their title in 1989, were looking to make it two in a row against England, while the Three Lions looked towards a third title. The game quickly turned out to be one of chicken, with neither the Italians or English making moves against each other. However, it would soon accelerate into a bloodbath.
After 17 minutes of play McMahon found Lineker alone, the English striker managing to easily transform his shot into a goal, and giving England the lead. Lineker would have a second chance a few minutes later, but this one was parried by Zenga, while a shot by David Platt would find the post. England dominated the early stages of the game, with Italy failing to counter anything the Three Lions threw at them. Worse, after only 34 minutes, Ancelotti was sent off after a very dangerous tackle left McMahon injured, Waddle having to come on the pitch to replace his teammate.
The half-time whistle blew as Italy left the pitch battered and with 10 men, but they would start showing signs of life in the second half. Baggio managed to challenge Shilton twice while Schillaci's attempt hit the bar, as England worried that the Italians might level the advantage. So pressured in fact, that Gary Stevens brought down De Agostini in the penalty area. This time England wouldn't be saved by Shilton or the posts or bar, but by the referee, who indicated no foul and play on, to the dismay of the Squadra Azzura. Five minutes later, it was Lienker's turn to be brought down in the box, with austrian referee Kohl giving a penalty to England. Furious, Italiam captain Bergomi tried punching the referee in the face, and got a red card for it. England wouldn't manage to transform the penalty, as Lineker's shot was saved by Zenga, but left with 9 men the Italians could hardly do much. England won this much contested 1990 final and headed to the World Cup with confidence as they struck a third silver star on their crest.
The early stages of the England v Italy game were very contested, as this Italian offensive into the English defense shows
Italy's Roberto Baggio shoots for goal as Italy trail behind
England's Paul Gascoigne sheds tears of joy after their squad's win over Italy
After 17 minutes of play McMahon found Lineker alone, the English striker managing to easily transform his shot into a goal, and giving England the lead. Lineker would have a second chance a few minutes later, but this one was parried by Zenga, while a shot by David Platt would find the post. England dominated the early stages of the game, with Italy failing to counter anything the Three Lions threw at them. Worse, after only 34 minutes, Ancelotti was sent off after a very dangerous tackle left McMahon injured, Waddle having to come on the pitch to replace his teammate.
The half-time whistle blew as Italy left the pitch battered and with 10 men, but they would start showing signs of life in the second half. Baggio managed to challenge Shilton twice while Schillaci's attempt hit the bar, as England worried that the Italians might level the advantage. So pressured in fact, that Gary Stevens brought down De Agostini in the penalty area. This time England wouldn't be saved by Shilton or the posts or bar, but by the referee, who indicated no foul and play on, to the dismay of the Squadra Azzura. Five minutes later, it was Lienker's turn to be brought down in the box, with austrian referee Kohl giving a penalty to England. Furious, Italiam captain Bergomi tried punching the referee in the face, and got a red card for it. England wouldn't manage to transform the penalty, as Lineker's shot was saved by Zenga, but left with 9 men the Italians could hardly do much. England won this much contested 1990 final and headed to the World Cup with confidence as they struck a third silver star on their crest.
The early stages of the England v Italy game were very contested, as this Italian offensive into the English defense shows
Italy's Roberto Baggio shoots for goal as Italy trail behind
England's Paul Gascoigne sheds tears of joy after their squad's win over Italy
1989-90 Stats & 90-91 Intro
Winners: England - 3rd title
Top Scorer: Tomas Skuhravy (TCH) - 4 goals
1990-91 Participants:
Europe: Germany (36), France (21), England (36), Italy (35), Netherlands (19), Yugoslavia (28), Soviet Union (32), Ireland (4), Croatia (2), Denmark (7), Czechoslovakia (31), Sweden (21)
South America: Argentina (35), Brazil (36), Uruguay (24)
North America: Mexico (13)
Final Location: Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles
Bracket Order
Germany v Mexico
Yugoslavia v Uruguay
Argentina v Sweden
France v Soviet Union
Netherlands v Ireland
Brazil v Denmark
Italy v Czechoslovakia
England v Croatia
FIFA Cup 1989-90
Paraguay v Canada 1-0 / 0-2 aet
Bulgaria v Costa Rica 2-1 / 2-2
Poland v Australia 0-2 / 0-2
South Korea v Finland 1-0 / 0-2
Portugal v Cameroon 3-0 / 1-1
Hungary v Egypt 3-4 / 1-1
Belgium v Israel 3-0 / 1-2
Greece v Austria 4-1 / 2-2
Scotland v Iraq 3-0 / 0-1
Sweden v Georgia 2-0 / 4-0
Switzerland v Norway 4-1 / 0-1
Chile v Ivory Coast 1-1 / 2-1 aet
Wales v Nigeria 2-4 / 1-2
Romania v Northern Ireland 2-2 / 1-2
Algeria v Iran 2-0 / 1-4
Colombia v Ecuador 1-2 / 1-1
Canada v Bulgaria 3-1 / 1-1
Australia v Finland 1-1 / 1-2
Portugal v Egypt 1-0 / 0-3
Belgium v Greece 3-3 / 1-1
Scotland v Sweden 0-1 / 2-5
Switzerland v Chile 2-0 / 0-1
Nigeria v Northern Ireland 1-1 / 2-0
Iran v Ecuador 3-1 / 2-4
Canada v Finland 2-6 / 1-3
Egypt v Greece 0-1 / 2-3
Sweden v Switzerland 1-2 / 0-2
Nigeria v Ecuador 3-1 / 3-1
Finland v Greece 2-0 / 1-2
Switzerland v Nigeria 0-1 / 0-0
Finland v Nigeria 1-1 / 2-3
Winners: Nigeria - 1st title
1990-91 Participants:
Europe: Spain (1), Belgium (9), Romania (13), Wales (17), Portugal (12), Poland (7), Switzerland (17), Scotland (12), Bulgaria (20), Norway (9), Hungary (14), Northern Ireland (20), Greece (19), Georgia (2), Israel (19), Austria (13), Finland (4)
South America: Chile (19), Colombia (9), Paraguay (20), Ecuador (3)
North America: United States (3), Honduras (8)
Africa: Algeria (15), Egypt (20), Ivory Coast (9), Cameroon (14), Zambia (7)
Asia: South Korea (17), Iraq (13), Iran (18)
Oceania: Australia (17)
Bracket Order
Poland v Iraq
Bulgaria v Ivory Coast
Belgium v Zambia
South Korea v Ecuador
Chile v Finland
Norway v Israel
Scotland v Egypt
Hungary v Iran
Paraguay v Honduras
Portugal v Greece
Wales v Cameroon
Algeria v Austria
Spain v Australia
Colombia v Northern Ireland
Switzerland v United States
Romania v Georgia
Bulgaria v Costa Rica 2-1 / 2-2
Poland v Australia 0-2 / 0-2
South Korea v Finland 1-0 / 0-2
Portugal v Cameroon 3-0 / 1-1
Hungary v Egypt 3-4 / 1-1
Belgium v Israel 3-0 / 1-2
Greece v Austria 4-1 / 2-2
Scotland v Iraq 3-0 / 0-1
Sweden v Georgia 2-0 / 4-0
Switzerland v Norway 4-1 / 0-1
Chile v Ivory Coast 1-1 / 2-1 aet
Wales v Nigeria 2-4 / 1-2
Romania v Northern Ireland 2-2 / 1-2
Algeria v Iran 2-0 / 1-4
Colombia v Ecuador 1-2 / 1-1
Canada v Bulgaria 3-1 / 1-1
Australia v Finland 1-1 / 1-2
Portugal v Egypt 1-0 / 0-3
Belgium v Greece 3-3 / 1-1
Scotland v Sweden 0-1 / 2-5
Switzerland v Chile 2-0 / 0-1
Nigeria v Northern Ireland 1-1 / 2-0
Iran v Ecuador 3-1 / 2-4
Canada v Finland 2-6 / 1-3
Egypt v Greece 0-1 / 2-3
Sweden v Switzerland 1-2 / 0-2
Nigeria v Ecuador 3-1 / 3-1
Finland v Greece 2-0 / 1-2
Switzerland v Nigeria 0-1 / 0-0
Finland v Nigeria 1-1 / 2-3
Winners: Nigeria - 1st title
1990-91 Participants:
Europe: Spain (1), Belgium (9), Romania (13), Wales (17), Portugal (12), Poland (7), Switzerland (17), Scotland (12), Bulgaria (20), Norway (9), Hungary (14), Northern Ireland (20), Greece (19), Georgia (2), Israel (19), Austria (13), Finland (4)
South America: Chile (19), Colombia (9), Paraguay (20), Ecuador (3)
North America: United States (3), Honduras (8)
Africa: Algeria (15), Egypt (20), Ivory Coast (9), Cameroon (14), Zambia (7)
Asia: South Korea (17), Iraq (13), Iran (18)
Oceania: Australia (17)
Bracket Order
Poland v Iraq
Bulgaria v Ivory Coast
Belgium v Zambia
South Korea v Ecuador
Chile v Finland
Norway v Israel
Scotland v Egypt
Hungary v Iran
Paraguay v Honduras
Portugal v Greece
Wales v Cameroon
Algeria v Austria
Spain v Australia
Colombia v Northern Ireland
Switzerland v United States
Romania v Georgia
Argentina had a very good side by 1991....I hope they could have better luck in this ATL!, excellent TL!
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Round of 16 1990-91
Germany would find Mexico on their path for the first confrontation of the Round of 16 of this Nations League, the last with a purely double-elimination round format, the 1991-92 edition having a group stage right after the Round of 16. The Germans would triumph once more and meet Yugoslavia in the Quarters, as the Yugoslavian squad beat Uruguay. The upper half of the bracket had no real surprises, with both other seed one teams, Argentina and France, managing to hang on to their favourite status and eliminate Sweden and the Soviet Union, respectively.
The lower half of the bracket saw two seed one teams leave the tournament. Brazil were the first to go. Despite a victory over Denmark, the Selecao would be beaten in Copenhagen and would have to exit the tournament early yet again. The Dutch were the next to follow, beaten at home by Ireland, they wouldn't be able to turn the tides in Dublin and let the Irish slip through. No problem for England and Italy though, as they both powered past their opponents for a rematch of last year's final.
The Yugoslavian squad poses for a pre-match picture before their home leg against Uruguay.
Irish celebrations as they qualify towards the Quarter-Finals to face off against Denmark.
The lower half of the bracket saw two seed one teams leave the tournament. Brazil were the first to go. Despite a victory over Denmark, the Selecao would be beaten in Copenhagen and would have to exit the tournament early yet again. The Dutch were the next to follow, beaten at home by Ireland, they wouldn't be able to turn the tides in Dublin and let the Irish slip through. No problem for England and Italy though, as they both powered past their opponents for a rematch of last year's final.
The Yugoslavian squad poses for a pre-match picture before their home leg against Uruguay.
Irish celebrations as they qualify towards the Quarter-Finals to face off against Denmark.
The English are still in.The Irish in and the English out... some would call it poetic justice