USA World Cup 1994 was a disaster for me as an England fan, because England didn't even make the World Cup! I was not as big a fan of Argentina compared to 1990, although I still supported Batistuta and Maradona. I bascially did not have a supporting team. I really hate Roberto Baggio and wanted him to lose. Italy was a very lucky team in 1994, although Baresi and Maldini were two top class defenders. Brazil was never my favorite team, but I preferred them to win. Eventually, I am satisfied with a well-organized defensive Brazil team led by two sensational scorers Romario and Bebeto won the tournament with over-rated Roberto Baggio deservedly lost in the final. Other joyful moment was surprising team Bulgaria eliminated Germany. Another surprising team was Sweden which advanced to the semi-final. Romania supertar Hagi was my personal pick of sensational player of the tournament. This is the 1st time World Cup got some exposure in the North America, where televised football match was rare. It's especially tough on a massive football fan like myself living in Canada where hockey is the one-and-only sports in the country.
1996 was a year of great moment for all English fan. After the shocking failure of qualifying for 1994 World Cup, England had played the best foootball since 1990 in Euro 2006 on home soil! Gazza,Macmanaman, Anderton, Shearer and Sheringham have played some great attacking football with confidence and class! Unfortunately, England once again lost to an unimpressive but disciplined German team in semi-final through penalty shoot-out again! German eventually beat an impressive Czech in the final. When will Three-Lions fan witness such an excellent performance from their national team again?
1998 France World Cup got me more excited, because my team England was involved. Moreover, Liverpool super youngster Michael Owen made his name in the tournament with a famous solo-goal against Argentina. England was sure not stood with a chance under poor coaching of Hoddle. France was a deserved winner with their display of rock-solid defense and counter attack led by superstar Zidane. Ronaldo's Brazil was impressive throughout the torunament until the final when they lost to France 0-3. Many stupid fans were saying there was no way Brazil could have lost to France 0-3 in the final and suspected that Brazilian players received money before the match and intentionally lost big to the host. I felt sorry for those stupid fans knowing nothing about football. To me, French style and tactics counter Brazilian attacking tactics perfectly. A 5-men midfield formation of 4-3-2-1 proved to be "arch heel" for the attacking Brazil which found it extremely hard to break through the defensive + counter-attack of France. Croatia and Holland have played neat stuff in the tournament. Who can forget the great goal from Dutch Bergkamp vs Argentina and the brillance of Croatian striker Suker?
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