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Romario scored five goals as Brazil lifted its fourth World Cup in 1994. Ben Radford/Allsport |
Romario's World Cup calling has been no bed of roses despite his status as one of the world's deadliest snipers in the penalty area. A national hero in 1994, the veteran striker's World Cup career began with just one game in Italia 1990 as the Brazilians were unceremoniously knocked out by the Argentines in the second round.
Romario came into his own when he led his country to victory in the U.S. in 1994. A blistering header against Sweden 10 minutes from time ensured the Brazilians' passage into the final, where they beat Italy on penalties to lift their fourth World title. His winning partnership with striker Bebeto helped him notch up 5 goals during the tournament, finishing as the overall third top scorer.
But it was all to end in tears on the eve of France 1998 when a niggling calf muscle injury forced Romario out of the Brazilian squad. To this day the striker insists he was fit to play, his frustration compounded as Brazil capitulated 3-0 to France in the final.
Romario's dream of one last World Cup is sadly not to be after he was left out of the 2002 team, sparking national uproar. Despite finishing as top scorer in last year's Brazilian championship and averaging a goal a game this year, his shock exclusion from the squad has been deeply unpopular. At 36 years of age, Romario remains one of the world's best, and his grace and ability will be sorely missed in Japan and South Korea this summer.
