Dream final: Muller, Messi and the history of Argentina-Germany

Photo: worldsoccertalk.com

Wednesday's semifinal game was a only the fifth time that penalty kicks were used to determine a World Cup finalist. Argentina won via Romero and set up a classic finish. For some of us this is a dream final. Argentina versus Germany. Opposing styles, management, flavor. 

Let me tell you a story now. Two stories, really. In the summer of 1986 I was only a small boy and soccer was something for grownups to watch and something to do during recess. Ecuador, my home at the time, had yet to qualify for its first World Cup and the US Men's National Team was only a memory of 1950.

I was enrolled in a German school for my elementary and the thought of cheering for West Germany was just . . . normal. So when I heard that they would be in the final I found myself to be the only one in the room cheering for the Germans. Everyone else was siding with Argentina and someone named Maradona.

The Argentinians jumped ahead by 2-0 before the Germans came back to tie the game 2-2. I still remember the name Karl Heinz Rummenigge being uttered over and over again. It wasn't until late in the second half that Argentina scored the winner, with Schumacher looking defeated on the ground as Jorge Burruchaga put the ball in the back of the net. Argentina won Mexico 86, but the final would repeat itself in 1990.

I was older in 1990 and I understood the game better. I remember us kids making a joke about siding with Cameroon for the opening game versus Argentina. "Cameroon will win," we said, knowing that, football-wise, this couldn't possibly happen. It did. Oman-Biyik put a header past Pumpido and shocked the world.

The Berlin wall had fallen at that point but the team that competed was West Germany. Its federation continued to represent the whole of the country thereafter. The Germans dominated, albeit unconvincingly, the opposition throughout the tournament, save for a tie versus Colombia in the final group stage game. They arrived at the semifinal to play a determined English side that had just knocked out World Cup darlings Cameroon.

Italia 1990 was special in the semis because both games went to penalties. Argentina defeated the host nation thanks to Sergio Goycochea and Germany won its game. This was the Germany of Brehme, Voeller, Hassler, Matthaus and Klinsmann. A talented squad.

This time the uniforms the teams wore were the reverse from 1986, when Argentina wore its albiceleste and Germany was dressed in green. In 1990 Germany wore its home white and Argentina its away dark blue. The game remained tied until the 86th minute, when the referee awarded a penalty to Rudi Voeller. Andreas Brehme put it away and Germany were champions for the third time.

I was happy, of course, given my school allegiance. We joined the parade of cars down the main avenue displaying my gym shirt with the German school insignia. Pride.

Things are different now. I concentrate on the US national team and its meteoric rise to the world stage since 1990. True, they are no superpower, but they have become a fixture at the World Cup and American players have slowly infiltrated major leagues worldwide. Major League Soccer has also grown both on and off the field.

And now that my teams (I include Ecuador here) are out of the World Cup and only the finalists remain, I am left with a bit of a quandary: do I cheer for Argentina or Germany? Messi, Higuain, Aguero and Macherano or Muller, Hummels, Khedira and Lahm?

I will not cheer for either team. I just want to see a good game. I feel Germany should be rewarded for being the best team in the tournament but Argentina has also won every single game until the semifinal's tie against Holland. Then there's the Messi factor. The guy is a genius and he has a chance to catch up to Maradona if he wins the World Cup. He's 27 and Maradona was 26 in 1986.

May the best team win in this dream final.

World Cup Memories: The Netherlands

For such a small country, the Netherlands sure packs a superb punch. Maybe this is why their nickname is the "Clockwork Orange" or "Naranja Mecanica." Twice runners up in the 1970s with losses to Gerd Muller's West Germany in Germany 1974 and to Mario Kempes' Argentina in Argentina 1978.

Indeed, the 1970s marked the start of "total football," first pioneered by Ajax's Johan Cruyff and head coach Rinus Michaels. Out of that came a fast-paced, box-to-box style that overwhelmed opposing sides when the entire team surged forward in attack. Out of this controlled madness came players like Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Ronald Koeman, Frank Rijkaard, Denis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf.

Our story here begins with Italia 1990. Those were the days of Ruud Gullit, Van Basten and Ronald Koeman. Having won the 1988 Euros, Holland was riding high and ready to win its first World Cup. To my untrained eyes, Gullit was the Dutch sensation. "Did you know he scored a goal with his chest?" someone uttered once in a lunch break soccer scrimmage. We watched the team stumble into the round of 16 after tying three games (England, Ireland, Egypt), and without a single goal from maestro van Basten. There, they met eventual-champions West Germany. The game was gritty, dirty Euro-style football. Germany won thanks to Klinsmann and Brehme. Koeman would score a consolation penalty in the 89th. This match also had a bit of controversy with a spitting incident between Rijkaard and Voller.

In USA 1994, The Netherlands was considered a contender once more. They would have to do without Gullit (on strike) and van Basten (injury). Bergkamp would step up and deliver a masterful performance with 3 goals that took them all the way to the quarterfinals. They would first face an interesting group stage: Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Morocco. This was quite an interesting group. Belgium, Holland and Saudi Arabia all got 6 points (2 wins) and same goal differential. The Dutch would defeat both the Saudis and Morrocans but would fall short against Belgium. Bergkamp and Jonk would both score versus Ireland in the second round. Their final match in 1994 came against eventual-champions Brazil. It was probably the best match of the tournament. Twice Brazil scored through Romario and Bebeto, only to be followed by strikes from Bergkamp and Winter. A long-range free kick from Branco sealed he 3-2 scoreline in favor of the Amazonians.

France 1998 came around and Holland was again a contender. Now they had players like the De Boer brothers, Cocu and Overmars. They faced Belgium in the opening match (0-0 draw). Their second game was a scintillating performance against a limited South Korean team (5-0). Feisty Mexico put up a fight and "El Matador" Hernandez tied the game 2-2 in extra time. A match against Yugoslavia awaited them in the round of 16. It would take an injury time goal from Edgar Davids to defeat the Balkan squad. What followed was perhaps one of the best matches of '98: Netherlands - Argentina. Kluivert opened the score and the Argentineans would tie the game thanks to "El Piojo" Lopez. An ill-timed ejection of Ortega, coupled with a wonder goal from Bergkamp, sent the Dutch to the semifinals. A re-match of the '94 quarterfinal versus Brazil would follow. Scores by Ronaldo and Kluivert meant the game would go to penalties. Brazil would win it once again thanks to misses by Cocu and Ronald de Boer. Holland would settle for 4th place after a loss to Davor Suker's Croatia.

Much to the surprise of the entire footballing world, Netherlands failed to qualify for 2002. The Dutch were placed in the group of death in Germany '06: Argentina, Cote D'Ivoire and Serbia & Montenegro were the opponents. They defeated Serbia in the first game. The second game, against fellow orange-wearing Ivory Coast was a memorable experience for me. I happened to be in Amsterdam for the match and saw a sea of orange everywhere I walked. That evening, I got me a cheap knock-off van Nistelroy shirt and wore it to a packed restaurant to watch the match. Holland would prevail 2-1. They would subsequently tie Argentina 0-0. The Netherlands were eventually booted off the tournament by Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the round of 16.

What's next for the Netherlands? Familiar foes Denmark, dangerous Cameroon and tricky Japan. Expect them to breeze through the group stage. Some stars to watch include Heitinga (Everton), van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Sneijder (Inter), van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Kuyt (Liverpool), van Persie (Arsenal), Robben (Bayern Munich).

Bergkamp's wonder goal:

World Cup Memories: Germany

Germany is another classic team. Winner of 3 World Cups in Switzerland 1954, Germany 1974, and Italia 1990, as well as champions in the Euros in 1972, 1980 and 1996. Of course, when we speak of Germany we also remind ourselves that there were once two--East and West. And yes, as with everything else, they both had teams. However, did you know there was a third? That's right, Saarland, briefly a separate state after World War II, and, also briefly, a national team.

There are many famous names that go along with the Germans: Gerd Muller (top scorer in '74), the Kaiser Franz Beckenbaue, Bayern Munich CEO Rummeniegge, the iconic Lothar Matthaus, Juergen Klinsmann, Thomas Hassler, Andreas Brehme, the list goes on. Even Berti Vogts makes the list for me... Why? It just so happens that I went to a German school during my elementary school and part of Middle school. I thus had a soft spot for the team and cheered for them against Argentina (and pretty much everyone else in my family) in 1986 and 1990.

So this is where my memories begin... Mexico '86. Really I mostly remember the final, although images of the Mexico-Germany game remain as flashes. I also knew they had defeated another personal favorite, France, in the semifinals. But it's the final that really sealed the deal. This was Maradona's Argentina and Maradona's tournament. He would prove it not by scoring the goals, but by orchestrating play and drawing defenders to leave team mates such as Valdano and Burruchaga, open. The game started with a 1-0 in favor of the south Americans after Brown scored in the 23rd. Valdano increased the lead in the 55th but Germany roared back with tallies by Rummeniegge and Voller. The latter occurred in the 80th. Burruchaga would score in the 83rd in an amazing breakaway that still aches in Germans' minds.

But Germany would have revenge. If Argentina could be considered the "Rocky" of '86, then Germany would undoubtedly be the "Ivan Drago" of 1990. Not evil, no. Just a steady, powerful machine that got their result game after game. It would start with a thrashing of then-unified Yugoslavia (4-1). Klinsmann, Matthaus and Voller all scored. They followed with a resounding 5-1 victory over lowly United Arab Emirates. Having mathematically secured their place in the round of 16, their game against Colombia didn't matter as much. This was welcomed by the "cafeteros" and the resulting score was 1-1. An epic game unfolded in the next phase against a worthy opponent--Holland. The Germans would prevail (2-1).

In the quarterfinals, it would be Czechoslovakia's turn. Lothar Matthaus delivered a penalty early in the first half and the score would stand. In the semifinals, another battle took place. It was England (with Gary Lineker). This had to be one of my favorite games. Brehme would score half-way through the second half, much to my amusement. Lineker would show his magic again in the 80th minute, tying the score and sending it into added time. Without a score in a gritty, dirty half hour of extra time, the game ultimately came down to penalties. Yes. Oh, the agony! Brehme, Matthaus and Riedle would score... so would Lineker, Beardsley and Platt. Pearce and waddle would miss. Oliver Thon sent Germany to its third consecutive World Cup final.

The final of 1990 was another special occasion. It was a repeat of 1986, but this time in Europe. There is a rule, only broken by Pele, that when a tournament is played in Europe, the winners are the Europeans. South Americans rule in the Americas (and Asia, where Brazil won). Unlike in Mexico, Maradona wasn't as dominant a player in 1990 and was actually playing while injured in the final. The match was back-and-forth with emotions running high. So high, in fact, that a questionable penalty was awarded to Germany. This time, however, it wasn't Lothar Matthaus who stepped up to the spot. Instead, it was the steady Andreas Brehme. He shot the ball low and to the left (right of Goycochea, see video below) and cemented Germany's title as the third team to win at least 3 World Cups. Matthaus kissed and lifted the trophy. Maradona wept in agony.

For USA '94, Germany was an established team that kept its old guard (Klinsmann, Voller, Hassler, Matthaus all present) in hopes of winning once more. They had a somewhat "easy" group with Spain providing the most competition and Bolivia and Korea regarded as relative minnows. However, they found that their game had been decoded by their foes. They squeaked by Bolivia 1-0 thanks to Klinsmann. They had to come back for a tie against Spain (1-1) and, after going up 3-0 versus Korea, the Asians came back to finish the score 3-2. Germany's next opponent was Belgium, and Voller dismantled the side early in the game, but as with previous matches, the Belgians found a way to sneak back to make it 3-2 after being down 3-1. It seemed like everyone had a way to claw back at the Germans, and Bulgaria made it clear that this time Germany lacked the confidence to go the distance. After being up 1-0 thanks to a Matthaus penalty, Letchkov and Stoichkov flipped the score in their favor in a matter of three minutes. Matthaus looked shocked as he looked at the final score in disbelief.

By 1998, my tastes, knowledge and appreciation of the game had changed significantly. Germany wasn't my default team to cheer for, especially considering that France was hosting and playing attractive football. Added to that was the beginning of a long trajectory of following the US national team. Germany had it relatively "easy" in the first round, pitted against USA, Yugoslavia and Iran. Moller and an aging Klinsmann beat US 2-0, followed by a tie (2-2) versus Mijatovic's Yugoslavia, and another easy 2-0 win over Iran courtsey of Bierhoff and Klinsmann. Germany then met Mexico in a reprisal of the 1986 quarterfinal game. Even though "el Matador" Hernandez scored first for the Aztecs, it would not be enough and Germany clawed back to a 2-1 finish. Then, disaster. Against a "weaker" team. This time, it was Davor Suker's Croatia. 3-0 was the final score and the Bavarians went home early.

If Beckenbauer was the coach that won the most praise in the 80s (culminating with the 1990 trophy), and Berti Vogts ruled the 90s, then the 21st century was the realm of Oliver Kahn and Michael Ballack. In 2002, the two would take Germany all the way to the final. It started with a bang... a 8-0 pummelling of Saudi Arabia. This was followed by a 1-1 tie against Ireland and a 2-0 win over Cameroon (Klose scored). The round of 16 pitted them against Chilavert's Paraguay. They won the game only after scoring in the 88th. Next came a game American fans won't soon forget. After a memorable win versus Mexico, the US had high expectations (having also defeated heavily-favored Portugal). It was not to be. Ballack's score in the first half sealed the deal for the Germans. Ballack again proved he was a game-changer when he scored in the semifinal versus home-team Korea. 1-0 was the score and the Koreans had to settle for the 3rd place consolation match. The semifinal game was also important in that Ballack was booked and would miss the final against Brazil. This was the first time these two teams met in a World Cup. Brazil had breezed through the competition with 6 tallies by Ronaldo whilst Germany had stumbled in with gritty play and Kahn's goalie heroics (he would receive the best player award). The match always had a favorite also because of Ballack's absence. The German's attack was muted at best and Ronaldo showed his class and gained the title of top scorer (8 goals, most since 1974's Lato). Brazil won its fifth title by the score of 2-0.

Germany would once again host the ecumenical tournament in 2006. Lucky for me, I was in Europe for most of the tournament and I got to enjoy it in the company of Europeans in pubs, restaurants and hotels from London to Venice. This German team, coached by the charismatic Juergen Klinsmann, was widely regarded as relatively weak. They opened against Costa Rica (first time defending champions were not automatically qualified and did not play inaugural match). It was a 4-2 score. In their second meeting, a much more worthy foe, Poland, awaited. The match was scoreless until late in the second half. A win by Germany would automatically qualify them, along with Ecuador, to the next round. In their last group match they played an Ecuadorian team that rested most of its starters ahead of their round of 16 game versus England. Germany faced Sweden in the second rounds, where two early goals from Podolski were enough to see them through. In the quarterfinals they met Argentina in a reprisal of the '86 and '90 finals. The match was tied 1-1 and Germany won on penalties. The semifinal against Italy was probably the best game of the tournament. It went 0-0 and just as we thought penalties would end up deciding the match, Grosso would score in the 119th minute, shaking his head in elation and giving us postcard moments and highlights for ESPN ads. Del Piero would seal the score two minutes later. No need for penalties. Germany won their consolation 3rd place match against Portugal.

What's next for Germany? Australia, Serbia and Ghana. Look for Serbia to be the toughest opponents. Ghana and Australia are no pushovers (we're talking about Michael Essien, Tim Cahill, etc). There may be one or two surprise scores in this group but Germany should go through. Still on the radar are Pdolski (Koln), Ballack (Chelsea), Klose (B. Munich), Schweinsteiger (B. Munich), Lahm (B. Munich). Note that the majority of players are from the domestic league... this gives them more familiarity and continuity.

World Cup Memories: England

Back to our World Cup memories series. This time it's England, the birthplace of football, home to the best players and the best league. However true this may be, they have won the World Cup on only one occasion in 1966. This time they are pitted against the USA and open group play against them. England has also failed to win the Euro championship, having only reached the semifinals in 1968 and 1996. Their win in 1966 is riddled with conspiracy theories but their victory against West Germany 4-2 stands.

My World Cup memories of this storied team begin with the first tournament in my memory--1986. This was the tournament of Peter Shilton and Gary Lineker. It was the tournament of Maradona's hand of God. It was a tournament in which perhaps England should have reached the semifinals. They were pitted alongside Morocco, Portugal and Poland in the group stage. A loss to Portugal in the opener sent shivers down fans' spines, but a tie versus Morocco and a win against Poland were enough to see them through to the next phase. There, they met Paraguay and dispathed them 3-0 thanks to a brace from Lineker. Highlights include Lineker's goal in the 81st minute close to a half hour after Diego's masterful goal as well as the infamous one. Lineker's header looked reminded me of Pele's in the 1970 World Cup final against Italy. We should note that Gary Lineker was the top scorer of that tournament with 6 tallies.

In 1990, England was keen to erase bad memories from the previous tournament. They were placed in the group that included Ireland, Netherlands and Egypt and won the group undefeated, winning one and tying two. Next they met Belgium and defeated them 1-0 in extra time. A similar nail-biting match awaited them against World Cup surprise, Cameroon. England was down against the "indomitable lions" 1-2 when Lineker struck the equalizing penalty in the 83rd. A second penalty in the 105th minute, again by Lineker, sealed the game. Their semifinal match against eventual-champions Germany ended in a 1-1 tie, forcing penalties. Pearce and Waddle missed their respective shots and Germany won the shootout 4-3. The English would go on to lose their third place match against host nation Italy. Schillaci's penalty late in the game served to give the Italians their consolation prize; it also served to make Schillaci the top scorer of 1990.


England failed to qualify for USA '94 and returned in 1998 hoping to rekindle the magic of 1990. France '98 was David Beckham's tournament as well as Michael Owen's. They were placed in the group that included Romania, Colombia and Tunisia. They lost against the Romanians but victories against Colombia and Tunisia were enough to qualify them for the round of 16. It gets interesting at this point because they face Argentina. Memories and feelings from '86 were still ripe. Beckham's red card played its part in the match. They were tied 2-2, went to penalties and bowed out of the tournament.

Korea-Japan 2002 would serve to re-energize the team. They were in the "group of death" with Sweden, Nigeria and (yes) Argentina. They would go on to tie the Swedes and beat the Nigerians. Beckham exacted his revenge and scored on a penalty to defeat the Argentinians. A second-round goleada over Belgium pitted them against Brazil in the quarterfinals. After going 1-0 over the Cariocas, goals by Rivaldo and a young Ronaldinho concluded their stay in the Far East.

In Germany 2006, they had an "easier" group with Sweden, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago. England has been unable to defeat Sweden in a World Cup and this time was no different. They won their games against T&T and Paraguay. In the round of 16 they faced an unfamiliar foe--Ecuador. The English media was outraged that it had taken a lone goal by Beckham (off a free kick) to defeat this "limited" South American side. Rooney would miss the game against Portugal and Scolari's team took them into penalties. Both Lampard and Gerrard failed to score and England once again went home in the quarterfinals.

What's next in 2010? The USA, Slovenia and Algeria. They have an advantage over the US in that several of their players are in the Premier League. This may also count against them, however. Slovenia and Algeria had more trouble accessing passage to the tournament and, as such, can be considered relative "minnows." Do remember that the Slovenians knocked out Russia and that Algeria defeated Egypt (African champions). We're likely to see plenty of Rooney (arguably playing his best soccer at the moment) and Lampard and Gerrard. If this sounds familiar, well, it should. England is in need of new talent. Will it be Walcott? Sean Wright-Phillips? Will the team be hampered by the loss of Beckham or distracted by the Terry-Bridge drama? We won't know until they play their opening game--against USA. We will build on this later.

Becks' PK in 2002:

World Cup Memories: South Korea

South Korea were always the perennial Asian representatives in the World Cup, and even though I don't remember them from 1986, I remember them fondly as a fast, tireless crew. South Korea has appeared in the tournament on seven occasions before. They became the first and only Asian team to reach the semifinals and have won the Asian Cup in 1956 and 1960.

Memories of 1990 are scarce since they were deemed to be one of the "easy teams" in the tournament. They played the part and went three and out in the tournament losing games to Uruguay, Belgium and Spain.

In USA 94, things were a bit different. Korea had evolved into a firepower in Asia and also due to increased domestic play. They had an impressive match against Spain, coming back in the final five minutes to tie the game 2-2. They had a chance at surpassing the group stage with a victory against lowly Bolivia but they were thwarted by the "altiplano" side and settled for a scoreless tie. Next came a game against champions Germany. The game was set to be a slaughter as Klinsmann and crew were up 3-0 on the scoreboard at the half. The Koreans fought back just as they had against Spain and scored two goals early in the second half, giving them enough breathing space to dream. It was not to be however, but it did expose Germany's weaknesses (which Bulgaria would exploit later in the tournament).

Going into France 98 knowing they would play co-hosts in 2002 made the South Koreans hungry for good results. However, they were pitted against world veterans Holland, Mexico and Bulgaria. Two losses by wide margins against Mexico and Netherlands sank their hopes of advancing. A tie against Belgium was only a consolation.

If Asia as a whole was deemed to be the weakest confederation (outside of Oceania), then 2002 would prove us all wrong. Both Korea and Japan capitalized on home-field advantage and Korea would take their game all the way to the semifinals. 2002 was also the time for Park Ji-Sung to step into the spotlight (now a regular with Manchester United). Korea is actually a pretty special memory in this tournament since they were pitted against the USA. A dominant 2-0 win against Poland set them up for a decisive match against the Americans (which had beaten "contenders" Portugal). They started losing that match thanks to a goal from Clint Mathis but they would come back to tie the game. The last group game was against Portugal and all three teams (Portugal, USA and Korea) were depending on the outcome of the match. Park's goal in the 70th minute dispatched Luis Figo's side and, at the same time sealed their place in the second round, as well as the Americans.

This is certainly where the magic (and controversy) begins. Korea was pitted against three-time world cup winners, Italy, in their first game outside of group play. Christian Vieri's early goal was a dagger in the hearts of Korean fans, but, true to their fighting ways in 1994, Hyeon's goal in the 88th sent the game into extra time. Frencesco Totti would be ejected on a second-yellow for a soft dive in the area that would have resulted in an Italian PK. Later, Tomassi would be ruled offside although he clearly wasn't. Jung-Hwang would make it 2-1 in the 117th minute, unleashing a festival in the streets. Asia finally had a team in quarterfinals. The game's result was largely blamed on Ecuador's own Byron Moreno (the referee), and conspiracy theories suggested that FIFA wanted Italy out and Korea in to ensure a host nation would advance in the tournament.

Korea's game against Spain would spark further controversy, as it was Byron Moreno officiating once more. The game ended 0-0 and went to penalties, where the host nation prevailed. Their semifinal game against Germany resulted in a loss thanks to a late goal by Michael Ballack. Their luck also seemed to have run out when they lost the 3rd place match against Turkey.

In 2006, Korea was armed with several weapons playing their trade both domestically and in European teams. They were pitted against France, Switzerland and Togo. It started well for the Koreans, beating newcomers Togo and tying a struggling (at that point) French team. An eventual loss to Switzerland proved to be the difference, as France ended with 5 points, the Swiss with 7, and Korea with 4.

In 2010 they will play against Argentina, Greece and Nigeria in what could be considered a group of death of sorts (mid weight considering the South Americans play of late). Park is hoping to take his stellar Premier League game to new heights and the Asians are out to prove that they can advance in a World Cup outside of their own soil. Also in the team are Sung-Yong of Celtic, Chun-Yong of Bolton and Kim Nam-Il of Tom Tomks (Russia).

Highlights from 2002 game vs Italy:

World Cup Memories: Argentina

If you are a futbol fan, then Argentina is always on the top of your list for players, teams, history and superstars. Who can forget Basile, Mario Kempes, Caniggia, Goycochea, Batistuta, Ortega, Sensini, and of course, Maradona?

Argentina is one of the most successful teams in the world, having won 19 different international titles spanning the Copa America (14), Olympic games (2), Confederations Cup (1) and the World Cup (2).

Argentina's World Cup adventures starts with Uruguay 1930, when the host country defeated them in the final to become the first ever champions. The "Albicelestes " have been in 3 other finals since that tournament. It would not be until they hosted the World Cup in 1978 that they reached a final and won the title. They were the hosts and boasted the great Mario Kempes. Argentina '78 was one of the most controversial tournaments (aside from England '66). Argentina needed a win and a lot of goals to get past Peru in order to make the final. Some say that the 6-0 score resulted from bribery.

My memories of Argentina begin, understandably, with 1986. I knew about the "Hand of God" in the Argentina-England game. Clearly one of the best games of all time. Maradona would score once with his hand and once on an incredible run from his own half to beat midfielders, defenders and goalie to score their second of the match. Gary Lineker would score for England. 2-1. Probably the game I remember the most from that tournament (aside from Brazil-France) has to be the final against West Germany. It was Basualdo, Burruchaga, Maradona, Valdano against Brehme, Rummeniege, Voller. After going up on the scoreboard 2-0, Argentina were well on their way to their second title. Germany would come roaring back. Burruchaga's strike in the 83rd would seal their win with a goal that left the goalie lying flat on the ground.. forever imprinted in my mind.

Italia ’90 was different. Argentina were the champions and Maradona was a legend. It would all come crashing down in the first game. It was Cameroon and Oman-Biyik that proved Argentina wasn’t the same from 1986. They would lose to the Africans by 1-0. They would bounce back, however, beating the Soviet Union and tying Romania. They qualified as one of the best 3rd places. Then came Brazil in the round of 16. A South America clasico. Caniggia in the 80th minute that silenced the “Cariocas.” That had to be one of the better games of the tournament. Argentina went on to defeat Yugoslavia in penalties as well as the hosts, Italy, on penalties once more. Goycochea, the Argentina goalie, made the difference. The final, a reprisal of the ’86 final, saw them face Germany. This was a match of special significance for me. I sided with Germany whilst the rest of my family were with Argentina. This was mostly since I was enrolled in a German school. Andreas Brehme, the charismatic defender, sentenced the match in a controversial penalty. Maradona cried as he received the silver medal. Lothar Mathaus rejoiced as he lifted the cup.

In USA ’94, Argentina succumbed to forces outside their control. Maradona, after playing inspired matches versus Greece and Nigeria, test positive for doping and was banned from competition. This marked the beginning of the end of Diego’s career as a player. Argentina would not get past Hagi’s Romania. The score was 3-2.

Fresh from rough years for the national team, Argentina would once again be considered a contender in France ’98. It was Batistuta and Ariel Ortega (regarded as the new Maradona) that would help the team to win their group. In the round of 16, Argentina faced England in a reprisal of the ’86 quarterfinal. At this time, Michael Owen stepped onto the big stage, as did some guy named David Beckham. Alan Shearer and Owen scored for the English whilst Batistuta and Zanetti scored for Argentina. This had to be one of the more entertaining matches in the tournament. Owen’s goal was particularly impressive. Argentina would win on penalties, but Becks’ red card may have played a role. In the quarterfinals it was Denis Bregkamp of the Netherlands that exacted revenge for the 1978 final. Argentina was bounced from the tournament.

In Korea-Japan 2002, Argentina landed in the group of death. They faced England, Sweden and Nigeria. After defeating the Nigerians, the “gauchos” would lose to England thanks to a Beckham free kick in a match worth remembering for the England international. Batistuta and Crespo couldn’t do enough against Sweden and they were sent home after the group stage.

During the last World Cup in Germany, Argentina once again emerged as favorites. They were once again in the group of death, except this time they came out victorious. Their rivals were Serbia, Ivory Coast and the Netherlands. They would tie Netherlands and win the other games. In the round of 16, it was a familiar rival, Mexico, that stood in their way. The Mexicans were playing impressive soccer and went up on the scoreboard 1-0 thanks to a Rafa Marquez goal. Argentina would tie it up right away thanks to a Hernan Crespo goal. Maxi Rodriguez’s goal in overtime saw them qualify for the quarterfinals. It was now Germany, the host team, that ultimately defeated the Argentines in penalty kicks after Cambiasso and Ayala failed to score. Some blame Peckerman’s refusal to start a much younger Messi in the games.

In 2010, it will be MaraMessi or MessiDona that may be the difference. They have an “easy” group comprised of Nigeria, Greece and Korea.

Caniggia’s goal in 1990 vs Brazil: