1994 World Cup

 This tournament was hosted by the United States and held from June 17 to July 17. Most financially successful tournament as well as most attended tournament,  with 3,587,578 people attending the games. That's  not average of 68,991 per game. Last tournament to have 24 teams. Tournament expanded to 32 in 1998. Greece, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia makes debut,  as well as Russia (after break up of Soviet Union) and a unified Germany. The final was at ghe Rose Bowl  and was the first final to be decided by penalties. In a 6-1 Russia win over Cameroon,  Oleg Salenko of Russia became first player to score 5 goals in a game. In the same game Roger Milla of Cameroon became the oldest player st score a goal. The first ever world cup game played indoors was the opening game between United States and Switzerland that was played to a 1-1 tie.  First time 3 points for a win was in this tournament. Only time bronzes were handed out ho both teams. Group A: Romania*, Switzerland*, United States* and Colombia. Group B: Brazil*, Sweden*, Russia and Cameroon. Group C: Germany*, Spain*, South Korea and Bolivia. Group D: Nigeria*, Bulgaria*, Argentina* and Greece. Group E: Mexico*, Ireland*, Italy* and Norway. Group F: Netherlands*, Saudi Arabia*, Belgium* and Morocco.  Group E had all four teams with 4 points.  Norway is eliminated due to scoring one goal. Round of 16: Romania 3 Argentina 2, Sweden 3 Saudi Arabia 1, Netherlands 2 Ireland 0, Brazil 1 United States 0, Bulgaria 1(3) Mexico 1(1), Germany 3 Belgium 2, Italy 2 Nigeria 1 (et), Spain 3 Switzerland 0.  Quarterfinals: Sweden 2(5) Mexico 2(4), Brazil 3 Netherlands 2, Bulgaria 2 Germany 1, Italy 2 Spain 1. Semi finals: Brazil 1 Sweden 0, Italy 2 Bulgaria 1. 3rd place: Sweden 4 Bulgaria 0. Bulgaria's highest finish to any tournament up to this point.  Final: Brazil 0(3) Italy 0(2). Brazil wins 4th championship.  Tomorrow, 1998 in France. Here is the poster to this tournament.