The best individual moments from the 1994 FIFA World Cup

Following the negative gameplay in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, FIFA introduced widespread changes that were implemented in the 1994 tournament to make it more exciting. For starters, a win would give teams three points in the group stages instead of two. The back-pass rule was introduced and referees were told to be a bit more lenient on the offside rule.

The result was that the 1994 World Cup saw much more vibrant and attacking games than the previous tournament. The offense-oriented mindset of the tournament also produced some fabulous moments on the pitch. Moments that can be defined as epic wins of the 1994 World Cup.

Saeed Al-Owairan goal vs Belgium

In the group stage, Saudi Arabia defeated Belgium and finished above them in the table. This was one of the major upset of the 1994 World Cup. Only one goal was scored in this match but that one goal became the difference between both the teams.

Saeed Al-Owairan got the ball in Saudi’s half, after a misplaced pass from the Belgium player. Al-Owairan then embarked on a brilliant run with the ball, going past five Belgian players. At last, the Saudi midfielder took a shot which ended at the back of the net. This goal was a pure package of pace, dribbling, composure, vision and clinical finishing. In addition, it was the goal that won a game for Saudi Arabia against the talented Belgians.

Marc Overmars shot saved by Michel Preud'homme

In this match, Belgium was up against the Netherlands in a group stage match. The Belgium side got one goal which separated both the sides and Belgium got three important points. The Dutchmen tried their best on the field, but were denied by the brilliance of Michel Preud'homme. Even Ed de Goey made many saves in this game but Preud'homme made one save that evoked multiple ‘how did he do that’ comments.

Marc Overmars took a shot from the outside of 30-yard-box, destined for the top-right corner of the goal. However, Preud'homme’s jumped and punched the ball which rattled the crossbar, preventing a Dutch goal. Preud’homme’s acrobatics and athleticism prevented what would have been a certain draw via Overmars’ strike. No wonder he was named the best goalkeeper of the 1994 World Cup.

Samson Siasia goal vs Argentina

Samson Siasia got an early lead to Nigeria, but it went in vain as Argentina scored two goals in the comeback and won the game. Although Nigeria couldn’t win the game, they won the heart of everybody after giving a tough fight to the South Americans heavyweights.

Siasia grabbed the headlines after scoring with the help of a chip from right outside the 30-yard-box. The Nigerian after getting the ball on the edge of the box, nutmegged an Argentine defender and then placed the ball right above the head of Luis Islas into the back of the net. One of the sweetest strikes you’ll see at a World Cup.

Ion Andoni Goikoetxea goal vs Germany

In this game, the defending champions Germany were up against La Furia Roja. Germany was a better side, but the German strikers failed to capitalize on numerous occasions to win the game.The game ended in a draw with both the sides sharing one point each.

Although, not many goals were scored in this game Ion Andoni Goikoetxea’ early strike received applause from everybody present on the ground. The Spaniard’s shot from right side of the flank hit the post and left the German keeper, Bodo Illgner, flummoxed.

Gheorghe Hagi goal vs Colombia

Gheorghe Hagi, the Maradona of the Carpathians, was one of the standout performers at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. His dribbling, playmaking and attacking instincts caught the eye of fans throughout the world as he led Romania to a quarter-finals appearance after defeating 1990 runners-up Argentina in the Round of 16.

Before becoming Argentina’s bane, Hagi downed another South American team with an exquisite goal. In their first group stage game, the former FC Barcelona star executed an audacious chip from long range that beat Oscar Cordoba in goal. Taking the ball on the left flank, Hagi saw Cordoba off his line and released a superb left-footed chip that found the right corner of the net. One of the best goals scored in World Cup history and definitely an ‘epic win’ in our book.