Roberto Baggio At 50: 10 Perfect Goals

2. ITALY Vs. Czechoslovakia (World Cup 1990)

Roberto Baggio's career at national level will forever be remembered for his infamous penalty miss during World Cup '94's shootout versus Brazil. The forward was scapegoated after the shanked shot handed the trophy to the South Americans, as an ungrateful public quickly forgot how instrumental Baggio had been in leading a run-of-the-mill Azzurri to the final.

The wayward spot-kick is inevitable in any discussion of Baggio in blue, but it was another moment in the national jersey which first gained the attention of eyes abroad Italy. In 1990, Baggio was already one of Serie A's finest players, and stories had filtered throughout Europe about the Fiorentina striker's glittering ability. As World Cup '90 rolled around, the world watched expectantly, hoping to catch a glimpse of this apparent wizard's sublime sorcery.

Despite Baggio's precociousness, coach Azeglio Vicini chose to use him sparingly, to the frustration of everybody. So when Italy's number 15 spectacularly slalomed through the bewildered Czechoslovakian team in Group A's closing contest, it was with a huge slice of "told you so." ITV commentator Alan Parry captured the moment of magic perfectly: "That's the goal they've all been waiting for!"

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.