Country's All Time Greatest Player (18 Viewers)
- Thread starter Elvin
- Start date
Other than his amazing goal against Belgium in WC94, I don't really see anything else he contributed to his country. Saeed was not really known for his magical footwork or dribbling, but rather for his strong shots. That goal, luck really sided with him, also Majed Abdullah and Hamza Idrees distracted a couple of the Belgian defenders, which kinda made Saeed's job easier.
Rossi returned just in time for 1982 FIFA World Cup, but Italian journalists and tifosi lamented he was in very poor shape. This view seemed to be confirmed by Italy's first, appalling three matches, in which he was allegedly described as a ghost wandering over the field aimlessly.
Bearzot, however, stauncely confirmed Rossi for the decisive round robin, in which his team was to face Argentina, the reigning World Champions, and Brazil, then considered the No. 1 favourite for the final title. After defeating Argentina 2-1, Rossi scored three memorable goals to shock Brazil 3-2 to qualify for the semi finals against Poland. Here his two goals again won the match for Italy against Poland. He also scored the first of the three goals with which Italy beat Germany in the final, giving his team their third World Cup.
Italian fans hung banners proclaiming him "Man of the match". Rossi's accomplishments in Spain gained him the title of European Footballer of the Year and World Player of the Year in 1982.
Bearzot, however, stauncely confirmed Rossi for the decisive round robin, in which his team was to face Argentina, the reigning World Champions, and Brazil, then considered the No. 1 favourite for the final title. After defeating Argentina 2-1, Rossi scored three memorable goals to shock Brazil 3-2 to qualify for the semi finals against Poland. Here his two goals again won the match for Italy against Poland. He also scored the first of the three goals with which Italy beat Germany in the final, giving his team their third World Cup.
Italian fans hung banners proclaiming him "Man of the match". Rossi's accomplishments in Spain gained him the title of European Footballer of the Year and World Player of the Year in 1982.
