Flashback: No 15. USA 1994: Ireland upset Italy and Baggio misses with final kick

(GETTY IMAGES)

Ray houghton lobs Gianluca Pagliuca for the goal that secured a remarkable triumph for Ireland against the Italians in their first game of the 1994 World Cup.

Jack Charlton's side, roared on by the vast majority of a 75,000-strong crowd at Giants Stadium, were worthy winners but it was to prove the highlight of their tournament, which ended with defeat to the Netherlands in the last 16.

For the Italians, there was far more to look forward to, although they would also eventually taste bitter disappointment. Arrigo Sacchi's side battled to a goalless draw with Brazil in the final, only to lose on penalties after Roberto Baggio's unforgettable miss.

If the final was poor, the tournament as a whole was not. The highlight came, perhaps, with a Gheorghe Hagi-inspired Romania's 3-2 victory over Argentina in a last-16 match.