This video featuring the 2nd half and penalty shootout of 1990 FIFA World Cup Semi-Final Match between Argentina vs Italy….played on July 3, 1990 at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples, Italy….was a classic battle between two countries that had won a total of 5 World Cups leading into the match….3 by Italy and 2 by Argentina….along with two really outstanding players who became legends of the sport….Toto Schillaci of Italy and Diego Maradona of Argentina ….who just happened to take their teams’ 4th and final penalty shootout shot….which gave Argentina the win in a 1 – 1 game that Maradona won for Argentina by 4 – 3 a.e.t.
This first semi-final featured the host nation, Italy, and the world champion, Argentina in Naples….as ‘Toto’ Schillaci scored yet again to put Italy ahead in the 17th minute….but Claudio Caniggia equalised midway through the second half….breaking goalie Walter Zenga’s clean sheet streak throughout the tournament. There were no more goals in the 90 minutes or in extra time despite Maradona (who played for Naples in Serie A at the time) showing glimpses of magic….after there was a sending-off of Ricardo Giusti of Argentina….who was shown the red card in the 13th minute of extra time….which was followed by Argentina going through on penalties….and winning the shoot-out 4–3 after more heroics from Argentina goalie Goycochea.
For any and all futbol / soccer fans….this 1990 World Cup semi final game was a classic between two classic powerhouse countries throughout the history of FIFA World Cup competitions….which makes this video well worth watching.
