Cameroon 1-0 Argentina (1990)
By Conor Hogan
The date was 8 June 1990, the place was the San Siro.
Mexico 86 champions Argentina began the defence of their title with a shock 1-0 loss to Cameroon (playing in only their second World Cup). What made the result even more amazing was that the Cameroonians finished the match with only nine men (Andre Kana-Biyik was sent off in the 61st minute, Benjamin Massing in the 89th).
Rennes forward Francois Omam-Biyik netted the only goal of the contest when his scrappy 67th minute header was spilled by Argentina goalkeeper Nery Pumpido. Maradona’s performance was hampered by an ankle injury, Argentina played wretchedly and the win was no more than the Indomitable Lions deserved.
The match marked the World Cup debut of 38-year-old Roger Milla, who came on as a sub in the 81st minute. His two goals against Romania helped Cameroon top the group (despite a negative goal difference), while Argentina scraped through as one of the best third place teams (despite this, they managed to bore their way to the final playing some extremely negative football).
As for Cameroon, they defeated Colombia 2-1 in the round of 16, thanks to two extra- goals from super-sub Roger Milla (and an abysmal mistake from Rene Higuita). They were eventually beaten 3-2 (after extra time) in the quarter finals by England, despite an exceptional peformance where they took a 2-1 lead.
Â
The highlights clip didn’t include this bit, but we just had to post a separate video: there was always going to be one winner when Benjamin Massing met Claudio Caniggia. “He won’t get past that challenge,” said ITV commentator Brian Moore, matter-of-factly. Flicking a little kick out at Argentina’s Jorge Burruchaga was the icing on a rather petulant cake.
Â
