ROBERTO BAGGIO 'THE DIVINE PONYTAIL'

Brazil v Italy: World Cup Final:
Pasadena Rose Bowl: Sunday 17th July 1994:

Hanging by a mere thread to Roberto Baggio's 'Divine Ponytail', Arrigo Sacchi's Italy stumbled and staggered to the Pasadena Rosebowl final against Brazil, where after an exhausting 120 goalless minutes they reached checkmate.

For the first time a dreaded penalty shootout would decide who laughed and cried for the next four years. And so they gathered in the centre circle. What followed broke hearts, destroyed and defined careers.

The great Libero Baresi fired high over the bar and collapsed to the turf, his tearful face etched in grief. Then Milanese teammate Massaro missed also. Not though Brazilian Captain Dunga who smashed past Pagliuca to ensure Italy had to score their next spot kick.

It fell to Roberto Baggio to keep alive Azzurri hopes of a fourth World cup trophy. No other player in Italian history gave more than 'II Divino Codino'. A magnificent five goal tally throughout USA 94 proved invaluable, no more than his magnificent brace during the epic semi-final against Hristo Stoikhov's fine Bulgaria.

Sadly a hamstring injury saw Baggio substituted in the second half and as he limped horribly off, clearly sobbing in searing pain, any hopes of being fit for the final looked doomed.

But in USA 94 miracles became Robert Baggio's forte and play he did. Though only a shadow Baggio's sheer presence meant the Brazilian defenders could ill afford to give him an inch. Now half crippled through cramp and that torturous hamstring injury he appeared incapable of walking, let alone take a penalty.

Up strode Baggio to thrash a wearily effort high into the Californian crystal, blue sky. He stood with hands on hips, desolated. For when there is nothing left to give and all to lose no amount of genius or courage can prevent the fall. This cruel game handed the divine one a finale he never deserved.

John ludden
Cfieldsoffire@aol.com