In the second round Germany conquered Belgium, Ireland committed suicide with his defensive tactics against the Netherlands, Spain overcame Switzerland and Sweden – Saudi Arabia. Brazil stops the celebrating Independence Day with a victory over the United States. The remaining matches in this round are even more dramatic: Bulgaria defeated Mexico in the first game, decided to shoot at this tournament, Romania strikes Argentina, and Italy won a dramatic victory over Nigeria. In the quarterfinals Sweden beat Romania on penalties. Baggio confirms his status as a star with his late goal against Italy Spain win 2-1. Another very close match is Brazil – Netherlands 3-2. The list of semi complete team of Bulgaria, who defeated Germany and this is the biggest surprise of this tournament. Two brilliant goals from Baggio lead Italy to the final and Brazil copes with weary Swedes. Italy risky bet twice in the final – once, Baggio scored the ground with a stretched tendon and again while back in the first game after surgery, the veteran central defender Franco Baresi. He became the hero of this game. Brazilians poured all his inspiration on the pitch, trying to overcome the Italian defensive discipline, and Italians lurking right time for lightning counterattacks. In this football game a chance to smile a few times and mostly in Brazil, Baggio missed one opportunity in both sequels. Brazil could lead in the 109th minute when Cafu inventive submitted to Romario, who missed four meters to score.
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In U.S. history have recorded two memorable moment: Brazil won a fourth title and to achieve it, won his first world final, ended after a scoreless draw at the end of overtime, and settled on penalties. FIFA introduced radical measures in the effort to improve the quality of play: Three points for victory in the first phase of the championship, facilitated offside rule (under which no wait, if the attacker is in line with the last or the last two defenders the opponent), strict penalties for tripping back and generally rough play, and last – injured players will be exported from the site immediately. As a result of changes introduced statistics indicate: 15 removed from the game players and a record 235 warnings. But viewed from the positive side, the changes also bring and to 141 goals in 52 matches – an average of 2.71 per game, which is a significant improvement compared to Italy 1990. Favorite in Group A was undoubtedly inspired by Romania striker Gheorghe Hagi. Well-organized Swiss are ranked second and Colombia, which is also one of the favorites, playing without heart and whatever has been thought and is eliminated. Imperative favorites in Group B are Brazilians and they do not disappoint their colorful and noisy supporters. Strength of Brazil is a wonderful partnership and Romario baby. Romario scored 10 and made 11 goals for his team.
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In 1988, FIFA decided 15th World Cup (1994) to be held in the U.S., ignoring the applications of Morocco and Brazil. This choice surprised many who believe that the United States has very little football fans and stadiums would remain half empty. Subsequently, the facts contradict these opinions. Place a record attendance of football matches (3600000 people), who now, after playing three more world championships and an increase in the number of participants is not improved. The format of holding the tournament remains the same as in 1990 – 24 th participant, divided into six groups of four. Sixteen teams qualify for the next stage – winners of the group, second highest and the four best third team. Winners in second round play in the quarter, the winners play in the quarterfinals of the semifinals. Losers of the semifinals play match for third place winners – finish. When equality of direct elimination matches are played in double overtime fifteen minutes and again if there is no winner it is followed by penalty shootout. The same rule applies for the finals. This format is used for the last time, as participants in 1998 were increased to 32 teams. At USA 1994 came into operation for the first time the new scoring system, where victory is given three points, rather than the two, and equality – one. This gives a higher value of the victory, and renders equality as a strategic result.
147 teams compete in qualifying rounds for the World Cup 1994. Are 22 vacant seats out of 24 because the U.S. and Germany are ranked by law – the first country to host, and the second as defending world champion title.
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