ITALIA 90

Ah, Italia 90. The drama, the passion, the pizza.

Nessun Dorma (None shall sleep) sent shivers down the spine of a nation, as Pavarotti belted out the tournament anthem. Aside from the music, Italia 90 was notable for the rise in the African nations. Cameroon somehow managed to beat World Champions Argentina in the tournament opener. Their spirit, athleticism and their inability to make a clean tackle made them one of the most watchable teams of the summer.

In the "Group of Sleep", England, Ireland and Holland all drew with each other, before England beat Egypt through a Mark Wright header to progress. Then the REAL drama began. After 120 minutes of fairly unmemorable action against Belgium, Paul "issues" Gascoigne floated over the perfect free-kick for David "he's filled out a bit, now" Platt to swivel and volley in a superb winner. Cue Pavarotti again.

Meanwhile Italy unveiled a young man, nicknamed the Divine Ponytail. Roberto Baggio had an incredible talent for running at defenders from all areas of the pitch, whilst keeping perfect balance. Just ask Czechoslovakia. Italy topped their group without conceding a goal, and were looking strong. Eventual finalists Argentina actually finished third in their group, but progressed due to a favourable points tally. Brazil dispatched Scotland on their way to the knock out rounds whilst West Germany scored an amazing 10 goals in three games.

England played Cameroon in the quarter final. Two Gary Lineker penalties (a further result of the opposition’s inability to tackle) put them through 3-2, where they faced West Germany. Chris "diamond lights" Waddle went close with a 50 yard screamer, Paul Parker deflected Andreas Brehme's free kick over Peter "quite short for a keeper" Shilton before Gary Lineker scored again to take it to penalties. We all know what followed - Stuart "psycho" Pearce scuffing from 12 yds, and Chris Waddle proving that he was more accurate from 50 yds. Cue Pavarotti again.

The Republic of Ireland had surprised everyone by making it through to the quarter finals through a thrilling penalty decider over Romania, before eventually falling to the host nation. West Germany had the Dutch salivating (geddit?) over their performance as they won 2-1. Champions Argentina beat Brazil in an awful game.

The final itself, between West Germany and Argentina, was such an anti-climax. Four years earlier, these teams had shared a 5 goal thriller, but this game was marred by Argentina's tactic of not actually playing football. Eventually their dirty play was rewarded with a late West German penalty which was converted by Andreas Brehme. Game, set and tournament. Pavarotti wobbled off into the distance. The fat Tenor had sung.