1994 World Cup: Quarter-finals
1994 World Cup
Part 3: "Quarter-finals"
Following the final 16, the last remaining teams had some scratch their heads, while others could only look forward to some incredible games. In particular, there was Italy and Germany, meeting in the World Cup for the first time since 1982 finals, where the Italians famously prevailed. Aside from that, Yugoslavia was once again meeting with Korea, having already won against the Asian side back in '86, back when Blaž Slišković scored a 35m kicker into the Korean net. Along with that, there was also the meeting between two giants in the Netherlands and Brazil, the first time the two countries were meeting in the world cup in 20 years. Indeed, the quarter-finals seemed to be rematches of past world cup duels, with some more interesting than others. Part 3: "Quarter-finals"
The opening match of the quarters was Yugoslavia and Korea. Having narrowly beaten Switzerland in the Last 16, there was no doubt in everyone's minds that Korea were the overwhelming underdogs here, with Yugoslavia having a much more superior team. Indeed, the first goal already fell in the 20th minute, when who else but Davor Šuker chipped the ball into the net after a blunder by the Korean defense. Yet, the Tigers from Asia did not give up. Seo Jung-Won, having found himself surounded by the Yugoslav defense, managed to outrun Vulić and co. to level the score. Two minues later, Šuker was fouled in a rather heavy manner, and it seemed that he had sustained an injury in his right foot. By the looks of it, Yugoslavia's goal machine was out of the World Cup, and in his place cameValencia's Predrag Mijatović. The substitution was worth it, and Mijatović brought Yugoslavia 3-1 up against the Koreans, with Alen Bokšić sealing the deal in the 66th minute. Despite the Korean's highly physical way of playing, Yugoslavia once again won, and were in the semis for the second time in the last 3 world cups.
(Predrag "Peđa" Mijatović in action)
We now head to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, over at the great Lone Star State, where the Brazillians were meeting the Dutch. The greates team on the planet, facing against arguably the greatest team in Europe. Such a scenario had already occured back in '74, when the Clockwork Orange had Cruyff, Neeskens and such. Now, it was time for these two to face off once again. Romario and Bebeto looked to have sealed the game by the 63rd minute, with Brazil being 2-0 up on Holland, but Dennis Bergkamp soon enough started the Dutch comeback, followed by Aron Winter. The score was now 2-2, with only 15 minutes to go. It looked like the Brazillians could be heading home if the Dutch continued to pile on the pressure, but then, on the 81st minute, Branco scored a 35m wonder goal that sent the whole of the Cotton Bowl into delirium. With the Dutch running out of ideas, Brazil was in the semi-finals.
Following one thriller, we reach another one in Italy meeting with Germany. The champions were now playing against a squad that was inspired by the magic of the Divine Ponytail - Roberto Baggio. Even then, the opening half of the match was beyond dull, with both teams not taking risks. Then, Dino Baggio opened the scoring, only for Klinsmann to answer one minute later. Just the first half was ending, the game was now 1-1, and then it became 2-1 with Klinsmann scoring via a penalty. From then on, it looked like Germany had the upper hand, with Italy having it all to do. Just as the posibilities of a second consecutive semi-final was becoming a reality for the Germans. Roberto Baggio took matters into his own hands. The game went into extra time until finally, on the 19th minute of extra time, Baggio scored a fine kicker into Germany's net. Italy was through, all thanks to the magic of Roberto.
Finally, we reach the last match of the quarter-finals, held only 30 minutes after the Italy-Germany duel began. Throughout the whole match, both Romania and Sweden played carefully, not trying to concede that one goal that could undo all of their efforts prior to this match. Then, Thomas Brolin shocked the Romanians in the 78th minute. It seemed like Sweden was through... For only 10 minutes. Raducioiu managed to score right at the last two minutes of the match, and now the game was heading into extra time. Raducioiu once again scored for the tri-colors, and it looked like the Romanian players' day of days would in the end help Romania reach its historic achievement of getting into the semi-finals. Then Kennet Andersson scored. All of a sudden, the game was now going into penalties, and in spite of Stig Mild missing the first 11m kick, and Romania looking set for the semis, Sweden came back, and Henrik Larsson sealed the win. The Swedish players went on to celebrate, leaving the Romanians on the grass as they could only look on in disbelief, knowing that a sure win was now gone. The Romanian Golden Generation had crumbled.
(Thomas Ravelli being mobbed by his Swedish teammates after defending the last penalty)
With the quarter-finals over, there's only the final 4 teams. Who shall prevail? Why am I even asking this? Find out whenever I finish the semi-finals post. Jokes aside, I apologise for taking so long with this one. Hopefully, I will find more time to make these.
Upcoming matches:
Italy v Yugoslavia
Brazil v Sweden
