The 1990 World Cup in Italy created so many memories, as well as surprises, for spectators across the globe. The first of those came in the curtain-raiser thirty years ago today. Nine-man Cameroon defeated the World Champions, Argentina.
30 Years Since Cameroon Shocked World Champions Argentina
This was Cameroon’s second-ever World Cup, with their previous appearance coming back in Spain just eight years before.
The African nation were drawn into a difficult group, which included the USSR, Romania, and of course, the holders Argentina, who had legendary Diego Maradona in their ranks.
Their squad included Benjamin Massing, the Biyik brothers of André and François, and their 38-year-old veteran, Roger Milla.
It was a game of a few and far chances, but undoubtedly it had its fair share of talking points.
An Opening Night, for Cameroon to Remember
Cameroon could have taken the lead in the first half when Cyrille Makanaky was through on goal. His attempt had beaten goalkeeper Nery Pompido. But future Swindon Town winger, Néstro Lorenzo, was there to clear it off the line.
Just a minute into the second half and Argentine defender Oscar Ruggieri was forced off with an injury. He was replaced by the pacy and skilful winger, Claudio Canniggia.
It was Caniggia’s first-ever match at a World Cup and it would be a debut to remember, for mainly the wrong reasons.
On the hour mark, the winger sprinted away from the Cameroon defence. He was brought down from behind by Kana-Biyik, who was then sent off.
But Cameroon continued to press. And five minutes later, they were awarded a free-kick. The set-piece was swung in and found the head of François Oman-Biyik.
It looked to have been an easy save for Pompido. However, the goalkeeper fumbled, and put Oman-Biyik’s header, into the net.
Oman-Biyik was surrounded by his jubilant teammates in the celebrations and rightly so. He had just given Cameroon the lead over the World Champions, Argentina at the San Siro.
Argentina Continued to Press, but the Cameroonians Hold Out
With two minutes to spare, the holders went looking for an equaliser. Caniggia once again surged forward, with Kunde, and N’dip attempting to take him down.
But Atalanta’s Winger would be taken out by defender Benjamin Massing. The defender was promptly shown the red card by the referee, Michel Vautrot, meaning Cameroon would finish the match with nine men.
But ultimately it paled into insignificance. Cameroon held out and defeated the World Champions, in the opening match Italia 90′. Going down as one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
It was a setback for Argentina. However, they would go on to reach the final, where they were beaten 1-0 by West Germany, in Rome.
But it was a memorable tournament, for the African nation. They would defy the odds and reach the last eight, where they were knocked out by England.
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