WFI‘s Adam Brandon counts down to Russia 2018 with 90 World Cup goals in 90 days, scored in the minute corresponding to the day in the countdown.
Context
Italy’s passage to the final we saw in 74, they followed that quarter final win over Brazil with a victory over Poland in the semis with two more goals from Rossi.
Their opponents in the final were West Germany who were fortunate to beat France in the other semi-final.
In a tight first half Italy were awarded a penalty, but Antonio Cabrini fired it wide. Just before the hour mark Italy were awarded a free kick thirty yards from goal, they took it quickly catching the German defence unaware and Rossi scored with a diving header to put the Italians 1 up.
The Goal
Italy work the ball to defensive midfielder Marco Tardelli, he appears to mis-control the ball before hitting it sweetly in to the corner of the net.
The celebration that followed is more famous than the goal itself as we see Marco Tardelli expressing every happy emotion possible:
What Happened Next?
Italy scored again before West Germany got a consolation goal. West Germany would suffer more heartbreak in the 1986 final before finally winning the World Cup for the third time in 1990.
Tardelli continued to win titles with Juventus before slowly winding down his playing career with Inter, and St Gallen in Switzerland. He became a manager and had spells in three countries.
He managed the Italian U21 side as well as a couple of clubs. He also had a spell as Egypt head coach before becoming assistant to Giovanni Trappatoni for the Republic of Ireland.
Extras
Tardelli’s celebration would provide inspiration for Grosso’s in 2006…
The Guardian looks at the best celebrations in sport in the 1980s