The Story of the 1994 World Cup — Brazil's Fourth and Baggio's Miss

The 1994 World Cup was held in the United States — a country with no significant professional football culture, vast stadiums built for American football, and an enthusiasm for the sport that surprised the world. Average attendances broke the World Cup record. The matches were played in punishing summer heat. And the final was decided by a penalty shoot-out — the first in World Cup Final history — that ended with Roberto Baggio, Italy's finest player, striking his penalty over the crossbar.

Romario and Bebeto — Brazil's Golden Partnership

Brazil arrived in America with the most dangerous forward partnership in world football. Romario — compact, quick, extraordinarily clinical in front of goal — and Bebeto — equally quick, more elegant, with a technical quality that complemented Romario perfectly — had been devastating in qualifying. Together at the World Cup, they were irresistible.

They scored seven goals between them in the tournament. Bebeto's celebration after scoring against the Netherlands — the rocking baby cradle gesture, referencing his son Mattheus who had just been born — became one of the most replicated goal celebrations in football history.

Brazil won every match except the final, which went to penalties. They had not lost in 24 matches before the tournament. They were, by some distance, the best team. They lifted the trophy for the fourth time, equalling Germany's total at the time. Romario was voted Player of the Tournament.

Roberto Baggio — The Ponytail and the Miss

Roberto Baggio was the finest Italian player of his generation and one of the finest of any generation — a technically gifted attacking midfielder of extraordinary creativity and finishing ability. He carried Italy through the tournament almost single-handedly, scoring five goals including crucial late strikes that rescued his side from elimination on multiple occasions.

In the final, after 120 minutes of goalless football, Italy and Brazil went to penalties. Baggio stepped up for Italy's fifth penalty. Italy needed to score to keep the shoot-out alive. He struck it over the crossbar. Brazil were champions. Baggio stood with his head bowed, hands on knees. The image — the ponytail, the dejection, the empty stadium behind him — became one of the defining photographs of the 1990s.

Baggio remained gracious afterwards. "I've carried this penalty in my heart for years," he said later. "There are things that stay with you forever."

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