10 Biggest FIFA World Cup "What Ifs"

In 1994, Roberto Baggio was not only considered the best player in the world, but already seen as one of the all time greats. Held in the same esteem as Maradona, Cruyff, Beckenbauer and Platini, he was undoubtedly the game's biggest star.

Imagine combining Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Andrea Pirlo. Baggio was all of the above. Tactically more versatile and adept than Messi, a better all-round passer than Xavi, more skilful than Iniesta, and as cool as Pirlo. With this on pitch presence, he captivated fans from all over. He was Serie A's poster boy when the league was the strongest in the world.

Italy's run to the World Cup final was less than impressive. They struggled to get out of the group stages and made hard work of their knockout games. However, Baggio made the tournament his own by bailing Italy out every time. His performances resembled those of Maradona in 1986. The tournament proved once and for all that he had no equal.

The final was one of the tensest encounters in tournament history. After 120 minutes of close calls and near misses, penalties. One of the most iconic moment in football followed. Every fan remembers that miss. If Baggio scored, Italy had the upper hand going forward in the shootout.

Had Italy won, Baggio would not have had to carry the burden of losing the final, one which undoubtedly weighed heavily on his shoulders and affected his career dramatically afterwards. Instead, we would have seen Baggio grow into the biggest star the game had ever seen.