Brazil’s 1994 World Cup triumph: the return of a football dynasty

When we talk about Brazil and the World Cup, the mind immediately travels to moments of pure footballing magic, feats of legends, and unforgettable glories. But in 1994, the Brazilian national team carried the weight of an uncomfortable drought and a period of frustrations. Since the triumph of 1970, Brazilian football had been on a relentless quest for its fourth world title. Nearly a quarter of a century had passed since Pelé, Tostão, and their teammates lifted the Jules Rimet trophy in Mexico. Between that triumph and the start of the 1994 World Cup, Brazil faced a series of disappointments—a nation obsessed with its own legacy, waiting for the return of its lost glory. And it was in the United States, far from the Latin heat and European mystique, that Brazil was reborn as a superpower of world football.

The 1994 World Cup in the USA marked a break from the past. Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, known for his pragmatism and focus on defensive solidity, led a team that broke away from the stereotype of the “Jogo Bonito” that had always defined the Brazilian national team. For many, that Brazil seemed much more rigid and calculating than romantic and spontaneous. But Parreira knew he needed results. He built a team that blended the creative talent of Romário and Bebeto in attack with a solid defence led by Aldair and Márcio Santos, alongside a combative midfield featuring Dunga, who would become the symbol of a new generation.

The path to the title was not without its obstacles. In the group stage, Brazil began to show what they were made of, beating Russia 2-0 and Cameroon 3-0, with Romário shining in both games. In the third match, a 1-1 draw with Sweden was enough to secure first place in the group. As the knockout stages progressed, the team started to face tougher challenges. In the round of 16, a tense encounter against the host Americans resulted in a narrow 1-0 victory, with a goal from Bebeto. The match, marked by Leonardo’s red card after an elbow to Tab Ramos, showed that this Brazilian team was not just about magic, but also about nerves and pragmatism.

In the quarter-finals, Brazil faced the Netherlands in one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament. After a goalless first half, the second half was an emotional rollercoaster. Romário opened the scoring, and Bebeto doubled the lead in one of the most iconic moments of the World Cup, celebrating with his “rocking the baby” gesture in honour of his newborn son. But the Netherlands quickly responded, equalising with goals from Bergkamp and Winter. Just when the game seemed to be slipping away from the Brazilians, Branco stepped up, unleashing a long-range free-kick, sealing a 3-2 victory and booking Brazil’s ticket to the semi-finals.

The semi-final brought a rematch with Sweden, a familiar opponent from the group stage. This time, Brazil faced more difficulty, but Romário’s talent prevailed once again. With a header, the “Little One” secured a 1-0 win, taking Brazil to their first World Cup final in 24 years. Romário solidified himself as the tournament’s standout star, the man who carried the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders and consistently delivered.

And then came the big day. On July 17, 1994, Brazil took to the field at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to face Italy, an old rival, in a rematch of the 1970 and 1982 finals. It was the first time in World Cup history that the final would be decided by penalties. The match itself was scrappy and tense, with few clear chances for either side. Over 120 minutes, it was a battle of strategies, where defences prevailed over attacks. The 0-0 scoreline reflected the tension felt by millions of fans around the world.

The penalty shootout turned into a psychological drama. Brazil began with Márcio Santos, whose shot was saved by Pagliuca. But Taffarel, the goalkeeper who would become legendary that night, stopped Massaro’s kick, giving new life to the Brazilians. With precise kicks from Romário, Branco, and Dunga—the man most criticised before the tournament, now the undisputed leader and captain—Brazil took the lead. And then, the decisive moment. Roberto Baggio, the Italian star who had carried Italy throughout the tournament, was tasked with keeping the Azzurri alive. He ran up, took the shot, and the ball soared over the bar and far from the goal.

It was the cry of liberation for a country that had waited 24 years for that moment. Emotions exploded. Brazil were world champions for the fourth time. That title represented much more than just a trophy. It was confirmation that, even without the absolute brilliance of “Jogo Bonito,” Brazil could win with different formulas, showing that resilience, discipline, and courage are also part of the soul of Brazilian football.

In 1994, Brazil not only reclaimed their place at the top of world football but reinvented themselves. The team of Parreira and Zagallo was criticised but proved to be historic. Romário, with his brilliance, became the hero of a new generation. Dunga, with his leadership and determination, exorcised the ghosts of 1982 and 1986. And Brazilian football, with all its styles and facets, once again conquered the world.