1994 FIFA World Cup final

World Cup final, held in the United States April 2022 April 2026 1994 FIFA World Cup final 2018.06.17 Over the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA USA 0040 (42855674681).jpg Rose Bowl stadium, the final venue, photographed in 2018. 1994 FIFA World Cup Brazil BRA 30px 0 Italy ITA 1946 30px 0 After extra time Brazil won 3–2 on penalties July 17, 1994 Rose Bowl Pasadena, California Sándor Puhl (Hungary) 94,194 Scattered clouds38 °C °F fliphttps://www.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2014/factbox-dates-and-weather-at-previous-world-cups_sto3945963/story.shtml FACTBOX-Dates and weather at previous World Cups July 17, 1994 Eurosport June 29, 2019 1990 1998 The final match of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th edition of the quadrennial soccer competition organized by FIFA for the men's national teams of its member associations, took place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, United States, on July 17, 1994. Brazil beat Italy 3–2 on penalties to claim its fourth World Cup title when the game finished 0–0 after extra time.http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/1994/final_bra_v_ita.html 1994 FIFA World Cup Final Details Planet World Cup October 11, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20040622141516/http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/1994/final_bra_v_ita.html June 22, 2004 live This was the first time Brazil lifted the FIFA World Cup Trophy; for their previous three titles, last won in 1970, they were awarded the Jules Rimet Trophy. This is also the first FIFA World Cup final held in the United States, with the second being the 2026 final. It is to date the only World Cup final to be scoreless after 120 minutes, and the first to be decided by a penalty shoot-out. Silver Ball winner Roberto Baggio missed the decisive penalty for Italy.Divine by moniker, divine by magic: Roberto Baggio Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com June 1, 2014 dead June 2, 2014 http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174363/ https://web.archive.org/web/20140602200053/http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174363/ Brazil had previously beaten Italy in the 1970 final, marking the 1994 final as the second time that the same teams had met in two different World Cup finals, after Argentina and West Germany met in 1986 and 1990.Bevan Chris May 27, 2010 The Story of the 1994 World Cup https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chrisbevan/2010/05/the_story_of_the_1994_world_cu.html BBC Sport October 11, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20100530090316/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chrisbevan/2010/05/the_story_of_the_1994_world_cu.html May 30, 2010 live John F. Molinaro 1994 World Cup: Coming to America http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/1994-world-cup-coming-to-america-1.779022 CBC Sports (CBC/Radio-Canada) November 21, 2009 February 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20140328081245/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/1994-world-cup-coming-to-america-1.779022 March 28, 2014 live Played at 12:30 pm local time, this was the last World Cup final to be played in broad daylight until the 2026 final. FIFA awarded the final game of the tournament to the famous college sports stadium near Los Angeles on June 30, 1992; the Rose Bowl was the largest stadium used for the tournament.https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-30-sp-1347-story.html Rose Bowl Gets Final of World Cup June 30, 1992 Rone Tempest Los Angeles Times March 8, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402174924/http://articles.latimes.com/1992-06-30/sports/sp-1347_1_world-cup-ticket April 2, 2015 live With over 94,000 spectators, the 1994 final is the most recent World Cup final to have an attendance of 90,000 or more as of 2026. The Brazilian team dedicated its win to the late triple Formula One motor racing world champion Ayrton Senna, who had died in an accident at that year's San Marino Grand Prix in Italy two and a half months before.Alex Bellos Brazil still in thrall to the Senna legend https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/apr/22/formulaone.comment The Guardian Guardian News and Media April 22, 2004 February 26, 2015 With Italy finishing as runner-up, Franco Baresi became the sixth player in history to win gold, silver, and bronze medals at the FIFA World Cup.Milan and Italy's imperial sweeper: Franco Baresi Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com January 10, 2014 http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174375/ https://web.archive.org/web/20140110162108/https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174375/ dead January 10, 2014 Previously this result was attained in 1974 by five German players: Sepp Maier, Franz Beckenbauer, Wolfgang Overath, Jürgen Grabowski, and Horst-Dieter Höttges. Background Brazil–Italy football rivalrythumb|An example of the Adidas Questra ball used in the game|alt=View of the game ball The 1994 FIFA World Cup was the 15th edition of the World Cup, FIFA's competition for national teams, held in the United States between June 17 and July 17, 1994.live World Cup: History & Winners Tikkanen Amy Augustyn Adam Levy Michael https://web.archive.org/web/20210828023709/https://www.britannica.com/sports/World-Cup-football August 28, 2021 Ray Michael Luebering J. E. Lotha Gloria Young Grace Shepherd Melinda C. Sinha Surabhi Rodriguez Emily Encyclopædia Britannica August 19, 2021 September 22, 2021 https://www.britannica.com/sports/World-Cup-football World awaits cup draw BBC Sport December 4, 1997 October 29, 2021 https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/36829.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20021101074559/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/36829.stm November 1, 2002 live The finals featured 24 teams, with the United States qualifying for the finals automatically as tournament host, along with Germany as the 1990 winner.World Cup 1994 Qualifying December 30, 2019 April 22, 2022 https://www.rsssf.org/tables/94q.html Karel Stokkermans Sergio Henrique RSSSF Jarreta April 26, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250426171948/https://www.rsssf.org/tables/94q.html live The remaining 22 spots were decided through qualifying rounds held between March 1992 and November 1993, organized by the six FIFA confederations and involving 147 teams.Historical Dictionary of Soccer Tom Dunmore illustrated Scarecrow Press 2011 109 https://books.google.com/books?id=9j1wbp2t1usC&pg=PA109 978-0-81087-188-5 In the final tournament, the twenty-four teams were divided into six groups of four with each team playing each other once within the group in a round-robin format. The two top teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, advanced to a knockout phase.World Cup 1994 Stokkermans Karel Jarreta Sergio Henrique July 5, 2018 April 22, 2022 RSSSF https://www.rsssf.org/tables/94f.html July 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210716090616/http://www.rsssf.com/tables/94f.html live The game was played at the Rose Bowl, in the city of Pasadena, California, part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.Rose Bowl Gets Final of World Cup Tempest Rone Los Angeles Times June 30, 1992 April 22, 2022 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-30-sp-1347-story.html April 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402174924/http://articles.latimes.com/1992-06-30/sports/sp-1347_1_world-cup-ticket live With a capacity of 102,000, it was the largest of the venues selected for the World Cup and had previously hosted the gold medal match at the 1984 Summer Olympics and five Super Bowls, as well as the annual Rose Bowl Game in college American football.Rose Bowl Stadium: The Story of an L.A. Icon Discover Los Angeles August 21, 2019 April 22, 2022 https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/visit/rose-bowl-stadium-the-story-of-an-la-icon December 30, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211230132013/https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/visit/rose-bowl-stadium-the-story-of-an-la-icon live The ball for this game was the Adidas Questra, which was introduced at the start of the World Cup.Fifa World Cup match balls through time dead The Daily Telegraph November 27, 2009 November 30, 2009 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/pictures/6670565/Fifa-World-Cup-match-balls-through-time.html?image=22 https://web.archive.org/web/20091130205759/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/pictures/6670565/Fifa-World-Cup-match-balls-through-time.html?image=22 November 30, 2009 The ball was lighter than those previously used. Canadian journalist Scott McKeen described it as having been "engineered to created more excitement for soccer, in a land where there has been little soccer excitement".July 8, 1994 1 Edmonton Journal McKeen Scott Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100242146/ Questra adds bounce, but givers players fits April 22, 2022 May 9, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220509061114/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100242146/edmonton-journal/ live The ball's controllability was praised by strikers in the tournament, but goalkeepers criticized what they said was its unpredictable tendency to deviate in flight. Brazil had won the title three times before—in 1958, 1962, and 1970—while Italy had also recorded three wins in the 1934, 1938, and 1982 tournaments. The winner would therefore be the first nation to record a fourth World Cup win.36 News-Press Wilner Barry Italy, Brazil battle for global power Associated Press Newspapers.com July 17, 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100253447/news-press/ April 22, 2022 April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220422172748/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100253447/news-press/ live The two teams had met four times previously in the World Cup with two wins each – in the semifinal of the 1938 tournament, which Italy won 2–1; the 1970 final, which Brazil won 4–1; the match for third place in 1978, won 2–1 by Brazil; and four years later in the group stage, where Italy won the game 3–2.Italy national football team: record v Brazil 11v11 AFS Enterprises October 29, 2021 https://www.11v11.com/teams/italy/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Brazil/ April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220422180343/https://www.11v11.com/teams/italy/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Brazil/ live World Cup 1938 finals April 22, 2022 RSSSF https://www.rsssf.org/tables/38full.html June 29, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160629194457/http://www.rsssf.com/tables/38full.html live World Cup 1970 finals April 22, 2022 RSSSF https://www.rsssf.org/tables/70full.html July 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160701154217/http://www.rsssf.com/tables/70full.html live World Cup 1978 finals April 22, 2022 RSSSF https://www.rsssf.org/tables/78full.html December 7, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221207104128/https://www.rsssf.org/tables/78full.html live World Cup 1982 finals April 22, 2022 RSSSF https://www.rsssf.org/tables/82full.html July 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160701154256/http://www.rsssf.com/tables/82full.html live Brazil began the tournament as the favorite, with both pundits and bookmakers regarding it as the most likely team to win. Commentators cited the team's star players such as Raí and Romario, as well as the hot weather conditions, which they said would favor Latin American teams.Brazil seeks ultimate glory 33 Albuquerque Journal Orange County Register Himmelberg Michele Newspapers.com June 17, 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100253638/albuquerque-journal/ April 22, 2022 April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220422173656/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100253638/albuquerque-journal/ live Italy was also listed before the tournament among the teams likely to win the competition, although some commentators thought it might face difficulties based on poor recent performance and a failure to adapt to manager Arrigo Sacchi's preferred attacking style of play.Group E 41 The Desert Sun Newspapers.com June 17, 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100254630/the-desert-sun/ April 22, 2022 April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220422180235/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100254630/the-desert-sun/ live In the 1990 World Cup, Brazil had been eliminated in the round of 16, losing to Argentina, while Italy finished third in the tournament, on home soil, beating England in the match for third place after losing to Argentina in a penalty shootout in the semifinal.World Cup 1990 Stokkermans Karel Jarreta Sergio Henrique July 5, 2018 April 22, 2022 RSSSF https://www.rsssf.org/tables/90f.html July 20, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220720114856/https://www.rsssf.org/tables/90f.html live Route to the final Brazil Brazil at the FIFA World Cup + Brazil's route to the final Opponent Result1 First group gameRussia2–02 Second group gameCameroon3–03 Third group gameSweden1–1R16 Round of 16United States1–0QF QuarterfinalNetherlands3–2SF SemifinalSweden1–0 Brazil was in Group B at the World Cup, joined by Cameroon, Russia, and Sweden.World Cup 1994 finals March 11, 2022 RSSSF https://www.rsssf.org/tables/94full.html December 19, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171219031509/http://www.rsssf.com/tables/94full.html live Its first game was the tournament opener at Stanford Stadium in California, on June 20 against Russia.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97520970/ Newspapers.com The Guardian Paul Wilson Brazil ease quickly into their stride 18 June 21, 1994 April 22, 2022 March 13, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220313110140/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97520970/the-guardian/ live Brazil opened the scoring after 26 minutes, when Romário evaded his marker following an in-swinging corner and hit the ball into the goal.1994 FIFA World Cup USA : Brazil – Russia Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com June 20, 1994 July 12, 2025 https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/337/3057 October 14, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251014082549/https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/337/3057 live Brazil scored again after 52 minutes, when Raí converted a penalty following a foul by Vladislav Ternavsky on Romário, and went on to complete a 2–0 win.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97521025/ Newspapers.com The Boston Globe John Powers John Powers (journalist) Brazil begins with a win 62 June 21, 1998 April 22, 2022 March 13, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220313110140/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97521025/the-san-francisco-examiner/ live Its second game was against Cameroon on June 24, once again at Stanford.1994 FIFA World Cup USA : Brazil – Cameroon Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com June 24, 1994 July 12, 2025 https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/337/3067 Romário gave Brazil the lead after 39 minutes after receiving a pass from Dunga and hitting it past goalkeeper Joseph-Antoine Bell.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97600191/ Newspapers.com The Guardian Paul Wilson Brazil ease into next stage 18 June 25, 1994 April 22, 2022 March 14, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220314144510/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97600191/the-guardian/ live In the second half, Cameroon defender Rigobert Song was sent off for a foul on Raí, before Márcio Santos and Bebeto added two further goals to complete a 3–0 win for Brazil.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97600387/ Newspapers.com Detroit Free Press Brazil 3, Cameroon 0 5B June 25, 1994 April 22, 2022 March 14, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220314144509/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97600387/detroit-free-press/ live The result meant that Brazil had qualified for the round of 16 with one game to spare. Brazil's final group game was against Sweden at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan on June 28. Kennet Andersson gave Sweden the lead after 23 minutes, following a long pass by Tomas Brolin, before Romário equalized for Brazil with his third goal of the tournament shortly after halftime. The game finished 1–1, which was sufficient for Brazil to finish as group winner.1994 FIFA World Cup USA : Brazil – Sweden Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com June 28, 1994 July 12, 2025 https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/337/3080 October 14, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251014043309/https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/337/3080 live https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97600580/ Newspapers.com The Guardian David Lacey Romario the great leveller 20 June 29, 1994 April 22, 2022 March 14, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220314144349/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97600580/the-guardian/ live Brazil faced the host United States in the round of 16 on July 4, American Independence Day. Brazil's performance through most of the game was described by The Guardian Paul Wilson as "wholly unconvincing as aspiring champions", until Bebeto scored the game's only goal after 72 minutes.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97607421/ Newspapers.com The Guardian Paul Wilson Bebeto spoils America's day 20 July 5, 1994 April 22, 2022 March 14, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220314191123/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97607421/the-guardian/ live 1994 FIFA World Cup USA : Brazil – USA Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com July 4, 1994 July 12, 2025 https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/338/3090 December 6, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251206045637/https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/338/3090 live Both teams finished the game with 10 players after Brazil's Leonardo was dismissed for a violent foul while American Fernando Clavijo was sent off for a second bookable offense. In the quarterfinals, Brazil played the Netherlands at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on July 9.1994 FIFA World Cup USA : Netherlands – Brazil Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com July 9, 1994 July 12, 2025 https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/796/3098 December 6, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251206050209/https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/796/3098 live After a goalless first half, Romário gave Brazil the lead from a Bebeto pass after 53 minutes, before Bebeto himself scored a second ten minutes later.https://www.baltimoresun.com/1994/07/10/brazil-italy-pull-back-from-edge-branco-free-kick-fends-off-dutch-3-2-world-cup-1994/ John Powers John Powers (journalist) Boston Globe Newspapers.com The Baltimore Sun Brazil, Italy pull back from edge 1C, 12C July 10, 1994 April 22, 2022 April 21, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220421201553/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-07-10-1994191168-story.html live The Dutch players disputed the second goal, saying that Romário had been caught by their offside trap when Branco passed forward to him in the build-up, but the goal stood. Rob Witschge of the Netherlands later said that the linesman was "absolutely blind".Los Angeles Times https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97619208/ Newspapers.com The Guardian Mike Penner Mike Penner Dutch Wait, but Whistle Stays Silent C9 July 10, 1994 April 22, 2022 March 14, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220314193121/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97619208/the-los-angeles-times/ live The Netherlands pulled a goal back a minute later through Dennis Bergkamp, and then equalized with 14 minutes remaining, through Aron Winter. Brazil scored again after 81 minutes when Branco hit a free kick from 30 yards m to seal a 3–2 win.https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002321/19940710/545/0046 British Newspaper Archive Sunday Tribune Brazil Win Epic Battle Paul Radford July 10, 1994 subscription April 22, 2022 March 19, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220319110045/https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/account/register?countrykey=0&showgiftvoucherclaimingoptions=false&gift=false&nextpage=%2Faccount%2Flogin%3Freturnurl%3D%2Fviewer%2Fbl%2F0002321%2F19940710%2F545%2F0046&rememberme=false&cookietracking=false&partnershipkey=0&newsletter=false&offers=false&registerreason=none&showsubscriptionoptions=false&showcouponmessaging=false&showfreetrialmessaging=false&showregisteroptions=false&showloginoptions=false&isonlyupgradeable=false live Brazil's semifinal was against Sweden at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on July 13.1994 FIFA World Cup USA : Sweden – Brazil Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com July 13, 1994 July 12, 2025 https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/3461/3099 December 6, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251206045532/https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/3461/3099 live Sweden defended deeply throughout the game and was reduced to 10 players when Jonas Thern was sent off in the 63rd minute for a foul on Dunga. Brazil had much of the possession and several chances throughout the game, but did not score until the 81st minute when Romário headed the ball into the Swedish goal from a Jorginho cross. Brazil won 1–0 and earned a place in the final.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97924627/ The Guardian Paul Wilson Romario sets up the final carnival Newspapers.com 24 July 14, 1994 March 19, 2022 April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220319110038/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97924627/the-guardian/ live Italy Italy at the FIFA World Cup + Italy's route to the final Opponent Result1 First group gameRepublic of Ireland0–12 Second group gameNorway1–03 Third group gameMexico1–1R16 Round of 16Nigeria2–1 QF QuarterfinalSpain2–1SF SemifinalBulgaria2–1 Italy was drawn in Group E at the finals, alongside Mexico, Norway, and the Republic of Ireland. It began its campaign on June 18 against the Republic of Ireland at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Italy was one of the pre-tournament favorites to win the World Cup,https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97395161/ Sydney Morning Herald Saturday Pick Spectrum p. 20A June 18, 1994 March 11, 2022 April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220311180719/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97395161/the-sydney-morning-herald/ live but the crowd was predominantly Irish, many of them Irish Americans. Ireland won the game 1–0 through an 11th-minute goal by Ray Houghton,Frank Dell'Apa The Boston Globe Irish have reason to smile – they upset Italy Newspapers.com 65, 68 June 19, 1994 a result later described by The Irish Post as "one of Ireland's greatest ever sporting moments".Twenty-five years ago Ray Houghton's goal against Italy shook the Irish nation Brent Harry The Irish Post June 21, 2019 March 11, 2022 https://www.irishpost.com/sport/twenty-five-years-ago-ray-houghtons-goal-italy-shook-irish-nation-168323 December 19, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201219093210/https://www.irishpost.com/sport/twenty-five-years-ago-ray-houghtons-goal-italy-shook-irish-nation-168323 live Italy's second game was against Norway on June 23, once again at Giants Stadium. Goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca was sent off after 22 minutes for a professional foul, but Italy recovered to win the game 1–0, Dino Baggio scoring the winner after 69 minutes.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97408762/ Hartford Courant Cup update: Thursday's highlights Newspapers.com F7 June 24, 1994 November 24, 2022 April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221124020817/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97408762/ live Its final group game, against Mexico at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., began with all four Group E teams level on points.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97448214/ Cup at a glance The Fresno Bee C15 June 28, 1994 March 12, 2022 April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220312132719/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97448214/the-fresno-bee/ live The Italian supporters were again outnumbered by the opposition, but their team took the lead shortly after halftime on a low shot by Daniele Massaro. Massaro almost added a second after 56 minutes, but then Mexico equalized a minute later through Marcelino Bernal.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97448532/ The Guardian Paul Wilson Sluggish Italians scrape through Newspapers.com 20 June 29, 1994 March 12, 2022 April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220312132719/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97448532/the-guardian/ live The game finished 1–1, while Norway and the Republic of Ireland also tied, leaving all four teams on 4 points with identical goal difference. With the most goals scored, Mexico was first in the group, while Norway was bottom with fewest goals. Italy and the Republic of Ireland both had two goals each, but Ireland took second place through its win over Italy. Italy qualified for the next round, however, as one of the better-performing third-place teams, with its progress confirmed when Cameroon was defeated by Russia later that day.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97924675/ North County Blade-Citizen Associated Press Mexico advances with 1–1 tie against Italy Newspapers.com C-6 June 29, 1994 November 24, 2022 April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221124020817/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97924675/ live Italy's round of 16 opponent was Nigeria, at Foxboro Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 5.1994 FIFA World Cup USA : Nigeria – Italy Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com July 5, 1994 July 12, 2025 https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/338/3091 December 6, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251206045527/https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/338/3091 live Nigeria took the lead after 25 minutes, when Finidi George took a corner which bounced off Italian defender Paolo Maldini before being struck into the goal by Emmanuel Amunike. After 75 minutes, Italy's Gianfranco Zola, who had come on as a substitute, was sent off for a foul on Augustine Eguavoen, immediately after he had been denied a penalty.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97964781/ Despite a red card, Italians shake upset bid The Orlando Sentinel D-5 Gola Hank July 6, 1994 Newspapers.com April 22, 2022 March 19, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220319224920/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97964781/the-orlando-sentinel/ live Despite this setback, Italy equalized after 88 minutes when Roberto Baggio hit a low shot past the Nigerian goalkeeper. With the score at 1–1, the game went to extra time and the game was decided when Roberto Baggio scored his second goal after 102 minutes, sealing a 2–1 Italian win.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97962610/ Newspapers.com The Guardian David Lacey Baggio awakes to end African dream 20 July 6, 1994 April 22, 2022 March 19, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220319224626/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97962610/the-guardian/ live Italy's quarterfinal game was against Spain in Foxborough on July 9. Dino Baggio gave Italy the lead after 25 minutes, before Spain's José Luis Caminero equalized shortly before the hour mark.1994 FIFA World Cup USA : Italy – Spain Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com July 9, 1994 July 12, 2025 https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/796/3097 December 6, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251206045532/https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/796/3097 live For the second game in a row, Roberto Baggio scored after 88 minutes, scoring from a tight angle following a run into the penalty area, and Italy won 2–1.July 10, 1994 Fort Worth Star-Telegram Newspapers.com Robertson Linda Baggio lifts Italy past Spain, 2–1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100173128/ April 22, 2022 April 21, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220421130151/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100173128/fort-worth-star-telegram/ live It returned to Giants Stadium on July 13 for a semifinal against Bulgaria.1994 FIFA World Cup USA : Bulgaria – Italy Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA.com July 13, 1994 July 12, 2025 https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/3461/3100 December 6, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251206050006/https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/3461/3100 live Bulgaria had defeated previous champions Argentina and Germany en route to the match, but Italy started strongly, Roberto Baggio scoring twice in the first half hour for a 2–0 lead. Bulgaria's Hristo Stoichkov pulled a goal back through a penalty shortly before halftime, and protested about two denied penalty claims in the second half, but Italy held on for a 2–1 win and a place in the final.World Cup '94; Italians Save Their Best for the Cup's Next to Last Mifflin Lawrie New York Times July 14, 1994 April 22, 2022 https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/14/sports/world-cup-94-italians-save-their-best-for-the-cup-s-next-to-last.html April 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220422081901/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/14/sports/world-cup-94-italians-save-their-best-for-the-cup-s-next-to-last.html live Match Summary thumb|Brazilian radio personality Arnaldo Santos at the game. The penalty shootout score is marked on the scoreboard behind him. Brazil's Mazinho was booked in the fourth minute for a foul on Nicola Berti. In the 13th minute, Romario had a chance to score with a header from close range, following a cross by Dunga, but his header went straight to the goalkeeper. Four minutes later, Romario passed the ball through to Bebeto on the left side of the penalty area. Instead of shooting, Bebeto attempted a cross, but it deflected behind off Paolo Maldini.World Cup giants fail to break deadlock 26 The Birmingham Post Rob King Newspapers.com July 18, 1994 April 23, 2022 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100304150/the-birmingham-post/ April 23, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220423150550/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100304150/the-birmingham-post/ live Italy then had one of its best chances of the game when Daniele Massaro beat two defenders and was one-on-one with Taffarel, but his shot was directed straight at the Brazilian goalkeeper.Players hope victory lifts Brazil's morale 9B The Miami Herald Le Batard Dan Newspapers.com July 19, 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100363475/the-miami-herald/ April 28, 2022 April 24, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220424133835/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100363475/the-miami-herald/ live After 21 minutes, Brazil's Jorginho had to leave the game following an injury sustained a few minutes previously and was replaced by Cafu. Italy made a replacement after 34 minutes, bringing Luigi Apolloni on for Roberto Mussi, moving Maldini to the left back position. Roberto Baggio attempted a pass through to Antonio Benarrivo late in the first half but Aldair was able to intercept it. Late in the half, Brazil had two further opportunities, first from Romario, whose shot was parried by Gianluca Pagliuca without falling to a Brazilian player, and then through Branco whose free kick was saved. The free kick resulted from a foul by Apolloni on Romario, for which Apolloni received a yellow card, while Italian defender Demetrio Albertini was also booked for not being sufficiently far from the ball during the free kick. The first half concluded with the score at 0–0. In the second half, Cafu hit a shot that went across the face of the Italian goal, after which Bebeto attempted to score with a header which was saved by Pagliuca and was also flagged for offside.This L.A. Jolt Is Felt All Over The World Mike Downey C14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100455912/ Newspapers.com The Los Angeles Times July 18, 1994 April 28, 2022 April 25, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220425210153/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100455912/the-los-angeles-times/ live Roberto Baggio had a chance for Italy, when he received a pass from Dino Baggio and was able to run at the Brazilian goal, but Márcio Santos tackled him and kicked the ball out, ending his run. Silva attempted a top-spin shot from distance which bounced off the goalpost, after which Mazinho also had a chance but Pagliuca was able to stop the ball. Other than that, the second half was largely devoid of scoring chances, as Brazil was unable to break through the center-back pairing of Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. The lack of attacking play in the game was down to strong holding midfield play by Dino Baggio for Italy, and by both Dunga and Mauro Silva for Brazil. As extra time began, chances became more plentiful as Brazil began to dominate play. Romário had another chance early in extra time after Pagliuca made an ill-advised decision to come for a cross, leaving the goal exposed, but Bebeto was unable to find him. Roberto Baggio, who had been quiet for most of the game after having picked up an injury earlier in the tournament, had his only sight of goal in the entire game in the first half of extra time, hitting a shot from around 25 yards, but Taffarel pushed the shot over. Zinho had a chance on the stroke of halftime in extra time, hitting his shot well from inside the area, but Pagliuca saved well at his near post. In the second half of extra time, Romário missed a golden chance to hand Brazil the trophy, as Cafu had found him inside the six yard box. With Pagliuca at least four yards away from him on the other side of the goal, and the entire goal to aim at, the off balance Romário put his shot wide of the post. This was the first time the World Cup was decided on penalties. Italian captain Baresi took the first penalty and blazed his penalty over the bar. Brazilian center-back Márcio Santos went next, but Pagliuca saved the Brazilian defender's effort low to his right. Demetrio Albertini went next for Italy, scoring his penalty into the top corner. Romário was next for Brazil, and he scored his penalty, placing it so far in the corner that it went in off the post, tying the score at 1–1. Alberico Evani went third for Italy, he scored, putting his penalty high and in the middle, as Taffarel dove to the right. Branco went next for Brazil, and he scored in the bottom left corner. Massaro, who had scored twice in the Champions League Final less than two months previously, went next for Italy, but he was unable to put the ball in Taffarel's net just as he had been unable to do in the game, as the Brazilian keeper saved to his left. Brazilian captain Dunga was next, and he comfortably placed his shot into the bottom left corner, making it game point. With Italy needing to score to keep its dreams alive, talisman Roberto Baggio stepped up to take the penalty. In what would become an infamous moment in World Cup history, Baggio blazed his penalty over the bar, in similar fashion to Baresi, and giving Brazil their fourth title. Details 1994 7 17 12:30 p.m. PDT (UTC−7) BRA 1994 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Final 0–0 1994 FIFA World Cup final yes ITA 1946 Rose Bowl, Pasadena 94,194 Sándor Puhl (Hungary) Márcio Santos Romário Branco Dunga 3–2 Baresi Albertini Evani Massaro R. Baggio https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/84/3459/3104 Brazil vs Italy Final 1994 FIFA World Cup USA FIFA May 1, 2026 http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=3459/match=3104/index.html 1994 FIFA World Cup USA – Matches – Brazil v Italy FIFA May 1, 2026 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20171220141329/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=3459/match=3104/index.html December 20, 2017 _bra94h _bra94h _bra94h _umbro23 _bra94hl FFFF00 FFFF00 FFFF00 246BCE FFFFFF Brazil _ita94h1 _ita94h1 _ita94h1 _ita94h1 0000BF 0000BF 0000BF FFFFFF 0000BF Italy GK 1 Cláudio TaffarelRB 2 Jorginho 21CB 13AldairCB 15Márcio SantosLB 6 BrancoRM 17Mazinho 4CM 5 Mauro SilvaCM 8 Dunga (c)LM 9 Zinho 106CF 7 BebetoCF 11RomárioSubstitutions:DF 14Cafu 87 21FW 21Viola 106Manager:Carlos Alberto Parreira300px GK 1 Gianluca PagliucaRB 8 Roberto Mussi 35CB 6 Franco Baresi (c)CB 5 Paolo MaldiniLB 3 Antonio BenarrivoRM 14Nicola BertiCM 13Dino Baggio 95CM 11Demetrio Albertini 42LM 16Roberto DonadoniCF 10Roberto BaggioCF 19Daniele MassaroSubstitutions:DF 2 Luigi Apolloni 41 35MF 17Alberico Evani 95Manager:Arrigo Sacchi Officials Linesmen: Venancio Zárate (Paraguay) Mohammad Fanaei (Iran) Fourth official: Francisco Oscar Lamolina (Argentina) |}Game rules 90 minutes 30 minutes of extra time if necessary Penalty shootout if scores still level Two substitutions permitted, plus one for the goalkeeper Post-match U.S. vice president Al Gore, UEFA president Lennart Johansson and FIFA president João Havelange were among those present at the stands during the awards ceremony. In the presentation ceremony, Gore handed the trophy to Brazil's captain, Dunga.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLPM_JSbGvI https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/pLPM_JSbGvI December 21, 2021 live Brazil v Italy – The Final – 1994 FIFA World Cup USA Fédération Internationale de Football Association April 6, 2018 YouTube video In popular culture In 2023, Italian comedy metal band Nanowar of Steel and Joakim Brodén released a song called "Pasadena 1994" about the match. See also 1970 FIFA World Cup final – the previous final contested between Brazil and Italy 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup final – another World Cup final that was also held at the Rose Bowl and also decided by penalty shootout after neither finalist scored 2026 FIFA World Cup final – the most recent World Cup final held in the East Coast of the United States contested between Spain and Argentina References Match reports Report Association football Greater Los Angeles 1990s Brazil Italy 1994 1994 1994 1 Final 1994 Final Category:Sports competitions in Pasadena, California Category:Soccer competitions in Los Angeles County, California Category:International sports competitions in California FIFA World Cup final Category:20th century in Pasadena, California FIFA World Cup final Category:Men's soccer matches in the United States Category:Men's international association football finals in North America