PSG and the World Cup: Act II, the 1990s

Four years after reaching the semi-finals in Mexico, France missed out in qualification for Italia ‘90. But three Parisians still headed to the World Cup to defend the Rouge et Bleu.

Yugoslavia, with Safet Susic and Zlatko Vujovic, went all the way to the quarters. At 35 years of age, Susic retired from international football at the end of the tournament: “I was worried about not playing well, like in Spain eight years earlier. I was upset by critics who cited my age, but perhaps I just need to be attacked to bring out the best in myself – it motivates me!”

The Argentine Gabriel Calderon, that eliminated Yugoslavia in the last-8, lost the final to West Germany (0-1, 08/07/1990). It was a disappointing finish for the South American who had just left the capital club: “I was only called up at the last moment, but I was good in training and I helped the team when I was called upon. In Italy, I rediscovered my best form.”

Four years later, it was off to the USA and once again, without Les Bleus. Following Ricardo’s withdrawal from the Brazil squad just days before the tournament, his compatriot Rai was Paris’ only representative.

Everything began well for Capitaine Rai as he netted a penalty in Brazil’s opening win over Russia (2-0, 20/06/1994). Then the No.10 lost his place in the starting XI and the armband to Dunga. Rai remained on the bench during the final and the penalty shootout win over Italy (0-0 a.e.t, pens. 3-2, 17/07/1994). “I am world champion, I was in the squad and I helped my teammates. The World Cup isn’t just one month of competition. I was captain of my country and spent three years preparing and qualifying. I played in the first three matches in the USA and played well in the first three games. In the third game, everyone played badly, but it remains a great memory. But I’m not complaining!”

 PSG and the World Cup: Act I, the 1980s >>>