Italy 1990

CHAMPION: West Germany

RUNNER-UP: Argentina

GOLDEN BALL: Salvatore Schillaci (ITA)

GOLDEN SHOE: Salvatore Schillaci (ITA)

TEAMS: 24

TOTAL MATCHES: 52

GOALS SCORED: 115 (2.2 per match)

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE: 48,391

SURPRISES: The 1990 finals set an unwanted record as the lowest-scoring tournament, with just 2.21 goals per game, while Cameroon advanced to the quarterfinal stage.

FORMAT: Four teams in six groups in the preliminary stage, group winners, runners-up and two best third-place teams advanced to the knockout round of sixteen, followed by single elimination knockout through to the final.

FIFA FAIR PLAY AWARD: England

1990 – Defense was the name of the game during the World Cup in 1990. Hosted by Italy, the tournament was low on goals, but high on drama, including Cameroon’s delightful run to the quarterfinals and the emotions displayed by England midfielder Paul Gascoigne after the Three Lions fell to West Germany in a dramatic semifinal shootout.

Argentina tried unsuccessfully to defend its title as it fell 1-0 to an Andreas Brehme penalty kick in the final match of the tournament as West Germany claimed its third World Cup title. German coach Franz Beckenbauer became only the second man to win the World Cup both as player and manager.

The 1990 World Cup also marked the return of the United States after a 40-year absence. Bob Gansler’s mostly college squad was completely outclassed in Italy though, going three and out against the hosts, Czechoslovakia and Austria. It was however the first of six straight appearances for the Americans.

Hosts Italy were hoping that home field advantage would carry them to their fourth title, but they fell short at the semifinal hurdle against Argentina in a penalty shootout. The Germans also survived a semifinal shootout against England, but managed to put the brakes on the Albicelestes in the final and needed only Brehme’s spot kick to raise the trophy.