Roberto Baggio had dragged Italy to the 1994 World Cup Final almost on his own. He scored five goals in the knockout rounds. The man with the ponytail was the story of the tournament.
The final, on 17 July 1994 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, was against Brazil. It became the first World Cup Final ever settled by a penalty shootout.
When Baggio walked up to take the decisive penalty, he had to score to keep them alive. He struck the ball cleanly, and it sailed over the bar.
Baggio did not collapse or cover his face. He just stood there, head bowed, hands on hips, while Brazil celebrated behind him. Brazil won the shootout 3-2 and lifted their fourth World Cup.
Why does Baggio's miss hurt more than most?
Because of who missed it. Plenty of players have missed penalties in shootouts. Very few had carried their team the way Baggio carried Italy that summer, and the player who got them to the final was the one who lost it for them.
- Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, 17 July 1994
- Firsts: the first World Cup Final decided on penalties
- Baggio's tournament: 5 knockout goals
- Shootout: Brazil 3-2, for a fourth title
The picture of him standing still, ponytail hanging, became one of the most famous photographs in football. It shows the cruelty of the shootout about as clearly as a single image can. Italy lost a final, and one of their finest players had to carry the blame for it for years afterwards.
Tomorrow: number 8.
