What the papers said about . . . USA '94

'What goes around, comes around. USA '94 began with Diana Ross missing the goal from the penalty spot and ended with Roberto Baggio doing the same.' Times

'Snow White was mugged by the dwarves, Donald Duck was covered in sauce a l'orange and Cinderella's foot proved too big for the glass slipper. And as for the 'beautiful game', well, that has more wrinkles than a Californian prune and is in urgent need of cosmetic surgery.' Sun

'What it amounts to is an acute awareness of heritage, the fluency and style for which Brazilian football is famous. Above all, the realisation that Brazil proved to be a very good team but not a great one.' Independent

'It was not a classic final . . . yet it did emphasise that when God was making footballers he had Brazilians in mind.' Express

'Eric Cantona in handcuffs, Diego Maradona doped to the eyeballs. Who'll ever forget USA '94? Nowhere will it be remembered longer, or more bitterly, than among the family of Andres Escobar.' Mirror

'As if virgin territory had confronted football with its own decadence and corruption, the game stood up and rejected the tactical cowardice, the brutal villainy and the rampant cheating which had dragged it to the precipice of self-destruction four years ago.' Mail

'This World Cup proved that, given the right circumstances and the co- operation of all those involved, players and spectators alike, it is possible to watch matches for pleasure in a relaxed, friendly manner.' Guardian

'Seven games, six victories and a draw. A fourth World Cup for Brazil. Memories of Romario and linked arms and surges of heat and light that again drew millions to the magnetic glow of their TV sets. It is hard - very hard - to criticise.' Telegraph

'Soccer is cruel, fate is relentless and the most coveted championship in the world hinged on the caprice of a leather boot striking a leather ball on a chalk spot 12 yards from a goal.' Los Angeles Times

'Such a shame that the biggest match of all, preceded by Three Tenors, wasn't worth two bob.' Sun