World Cup History - What was the the Best World Cup?

World cup history will always be determined by the era that you first enjoyed the game of soccer but world cup video clips and goals are a great way of looking at the history of the world cup and applauding some soccer legends

This is a hot debate among soccer fans who all have their own World Cup memories and often ask each other " What was the best world cup ever ? " . There is no correct answer as it probably depends on your age and the team you support ?

Let's have a look at some recent candidates.

World Cup Spain 1982

I have some fantastic memories from Espana 1982 World Cup , I was only 8 years old at the time and just starting to get the football bug ! Brazil had a superb team with top players such as Zico and Eder. Argentina had the talent of a young Diego Maradona and England had top players such as Kevin Keegan and Bryan Robson.

As with every world cup the samba beat of Brazil were most pundits tip for the trophy so it was a real surprise as I cheered on a fantastic Dave Narey strike for my home nation Scotland as they went 1-0 up in a group game ! However, Brazil stepped up a gear and thrashed the Scots 4-1 !

Brazil moved onto the next round but were shocked when the star of the tournament, Italy's Paulo Rossi hammered a glorious hat-trick to give Italy a 3-2 win over the Brazilians and send them home.

And who could forget the famous goal Gerry Armstrong scored for minnows Northern Ireland as they beat the the host nation Spain 1-0 !

Italy went on to lift the world cup with veteran goalkeeper Dino Zoff being the oldest captain to lift the world cup.

Fantastic football, controversial matches and the Italians clinched their world cup yet again !

World Cup Italia 1990

Italians love soccer but unfortunately their team failed to deliver the goods as the host nation started well but were knocked out by world cup specialists Argentina.

The host nation had superstars such as Baggio, Donadoni and Baresi but it was the unlikely striker Toto Schilachi who emerged as the star of the tournament.

I had the pleasure of being on holiday in Portugal at the time Italia 1990 was on and despite staying in a small fishing village called Carvaiero, world cup fever was all around us. England had high hopes of success with players such as Gary Linekar, Paul Gascoigne and Chirs Waddle.

The great thing about any world cups is that there is always one country that emerges as giant killers and Italia 1990 would be blessed by the flair of Cameroon who had their veteran striker Roger Milla banging in the goals. Costa Rica were also shock troops as they defeated Scotland, although being a Scot this result was not that surprising ! Ireland were also emerging under Jack Charlton as they beat Romania on penalties but went out to the host nation Italy in the next round.

English hearts were broken in the semi final as they went out on penalties to West Germany who then went to win the world cup by defeating Argentina in a drab affair as Brehme scored from the spot to clinch victory.

World Cup France 1998

The host nation will be legends as they defeated Brazil 3-0 in a one side final which will be remembered for the mysterious incidents involving Ronaldo and his inclusion in the Brazil team for the final.

I was lucky enough to attend the 1998 World Cup but unfortunately picked the wrong game as Scotland went down 3-0 to Morocco ! The atmosphere at the world cup was unique, it was an amazing experience that it is not possible at local club football.

France had some great players in their team including Vierrra and Zidane , but they played the whole whole world cup without a recognised prolific scorer. Indeed it was the midfielder Zidane who scored 2 goals in the final.

England yet again failed to progress as they lost in a penalty shoot out to Argentina who took advantage of a young David Beckham getting sent off.

Any world cup final that ends with the host nation lifting the trophy is special and many people have fond memories of France 1998.

South Korea / Japan 2002

I am not a big fan of splitting venues but this world cup was ok mostly due to the fairytale journey of the South Korean team who reached the semi final. The Koreans were well organised and super fit and claimed the scalps of the Italian team on their way to the semi final. The home nation were right behind their team and every game was packed with a sea of read and white Korean fans roaring on their team.

After the disappointemnt of France 1998 Ronaldo had a point to prove and he delivered the goods as he finished top goalscorer and helpled Brazil defeat Germany in the final. Germany had struggled in qualification for the world cup which included a 5-1 home defate against England but they had a fortunate draw and made it all the way to the final. German keeper Oliver Kahn was a hero in most games but it was his mistake which gave Brazil the lead in the world cup final.

Ireland had a great support with them and played Spain off the park only to go out on penalties, England blew their chances as ten men Brazil took advantage of a David Seaman error and sent them packing.

Some of the games were pretty poor at the 2002 world cup but the amazing run of the South Koreans put a smile on the face of most soccer fans...

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