Date: June 08 – July 08
After losing the previous two World Cup Finals (Spain 82 and Mexico 86), the Federal Republic of Germany finally lifted the trophy after beating Argentina one nil. It was a rematch of the 1986 Final, however, only six players participated in both matches. For the Germans, Lothar Matthäus, Rudi Völler and Andreas Brehme; Diego Maradona, Jorge Burruchaga and Óscar Ruggeri for Argentina.
The final was decided in the dying minutes of the game, when Andreas Brehme scored from the penalty spot (minute 85), following a foul by Roberto Sensini on Rudi Völler. Argentina finished the match with 9 players on the pitch, since Pedro Monzón (minute 65) and Gustavo Dezotti (minute 87) were both sent off.
The hosts achieved third place, defeating England two goals to one. Italy and England almost reached the final, losing against Argentina and West Germany respectively in the penalty shootout.
France, third place in Mexico 86, did not qualify to this tournament, unable to overcome the European Qualifiers.
Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Ireland participated in their first World Cup. UAE failed to get past the group stage, Costa Rica lost in the Round of 16, and Ireland in the quarter-finals.
Format
There were no changes in the format. Six groups of four teams, with the two best reaching the knockout stages (Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semifinals).
1990 World Cup Italy: Federal Republic of Germany 
1990 World Cup Italy: Federal Republic of Germany
Results
Semifinals
Federal Republic of Germany vs. England: 1 – 1 (penalties: 4 – 3)
Goals: Andreas Brehme 60′, Gary Lineker 80′
Italy vs. Argentina: 1 – 1 (penalties: 3 – 4)
Goals: Salvatore Schillaci 17′, Claudio Caniggia 67′
Third Place
Italy vs. England: 2 – 1
Goals: Roberto Baggio 71′, David Platt 81′, Salvatore Schillaci 86′ (penalty)
Final
Federal Republic of Germany vs. Argentina: 1 – 0
Goal: Andreas Brehme 85′ (penalty)
Top Scorers
| Player | Country | Games Played | Goals |
| 1. Salvatore Schillaci | Italy | 7 | 6 |
| 2. Tomás Skuhravy | Czechoslovakia | 5 | 5 |
| 3. Gary Lineker | England | 7 | 4 |
[Images property of Ficha Deportiva: Panini S.p.A. – Modena Album]
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