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Soccer

Who won the 1990 World Cup? Golden Boot winner, key stories from Italia ‘90

Who won the 1990 World Cup? Golden Boot winner, key stories from Italia ‘90DAZN

The 1990 World Cup in Italy was a tournament which many fans continue to look back on to this very day. 

Whether it be England's memorable run to the semi-finals or Cameroon writing themselves into football history, Italia '90 has cemented itself as one of the most iconic periods in World Cup history. 

DAZN delves into this unforgettable World Cup below. 

When did the 1990 World Cup take place?

The 14th edition of football's biggest tournament took place between June 8 and July 8.

Who hosted the 1990 World Cup?

Italy was awarded the tournament on May 19, 1984. 

This meant that Italy was only the second nation to host two World Cup tournaments after Mexico in 1986. 

While the football played may not have been to a high standard with just an average 2.2 goals per game, it still became one of the most watched events in television with an estimated 26.69 billion viewers over the course of the tournament. 

Who won the 1990 World Cup? 

West Germany were crowned world champions for a third time after beating Argentina 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome with a late penalty from Andreas Brehme separating the two teams.

Argentina despite having Diego Maradona within their ranks failed to paint themselves in glory in the final. Despite only coming on in the 65th minute, Pedro Monzon became the first ever player to be sent off in the World Cup final following a foul on Jurgen Klinsmann.

Argentina were then reduced to nine men in the closing stages when Gustavo Dezotti received a second yellow after hauling Jurgen Kohler to the ground. 

Who claimed the Golden Boot at the 1990 World Cup?

Italy's Salvatore Schillaci claimed the Golden Boot for this tournament with six goals. 

Key stories from the 1990 World Cup

Roger Milla captured the hearts of a nation 

Roger Milla World Cup 1990Getty Images

One of the first images to come to mind when it comes to Italia '90 is that of Cameroon striker Roger Milla dancing after scoring any of his four goals during the tournament, all as a substitute. 

Scoring twice in Cameroon's 2-1 win over Romania, Milla became the oldest player to score at a World Cup at 38 years and 20 days, he then went onto break this record four years later. 

Despite not being the most glamorous team to watch, Cameroon went onto become the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals before being knocked out by England, but while they may not have reached the last four, FIFA took notice of the team's achievements and increased the number of African nations to compete at the next World Cup from two to three. 

This history making team is the focus of the DAZN Originals documentary 'Green Lions', find out how you can watch it here

England and West Germany ignite rivlary

England v Germany_1990 World CupDavid Cannon/Getty Images

The 1990 World Cup was a watershed moment for English football. The game in its spiritual home was rock bottom with hooliganism rife, and it was down to Sir Bobby Robson's team to restore some pride in the national sport. 

His squad did exactly that and made the country believe the men's team could win their first tournament since 1966, but they would fall at the semi-final stage when they came up against eventual winners West Germany. 

A classic footballing rivalry was renewed on that July night in Turin and it was Germany who took the lead in the 60th minute, but England's star striker Gary Lineker made it all-square 20 minutes later.

Extra time saw both teams battle for the win and many will remember Paul Gascoigne picking up his second yellow card of the tournament, which ruled him out of the final if England got there. This was followed by the iconic image of Gascoigne sobbing into his shirt when he realised the implications of his foul on Thomas Berthold. 

The match eventually went to penalties and saw West Germany triumph 4-3 after Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed their spot kicks for England. 

Maradona tries to split Italy 

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The first semi-final of Italia '90 saw Argentina take on hosts Italy and saw Diego Maradona return to Naples, this time in an Argentina shirt. 

Maradona was worshipped in the city after his exploits for Napoli and he attempted to bring those fans onto his team's side by highlighting the tensions between the North and South of Italy.

The match was an intense one with Argentina not afraid to make heavy challenges. Five players from Argentina were booked while Ricardo Giutsi was sent off. 

After 120 minutes of football, the game ended 1-1 and went to penalties, and it was Maradona who would score the decisive spot kick to send his team through to second successive final with a 4-3 win. 

Fans can learn more about the career of Diego Maradona in the DAZN Originals documentary 'Maradona: The Fall' which looks into the fallout of his positive drugs test at the 1994 World Cup, find out how to watch it here