In a candid interview with The Athletic, Italian football icon Roberto Baggio opened up about the devastating aftermath of his penalty miss in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil. The miss, which ultimately led to Italy`s defeat, left Baggio in a state of profound despair.
“The pain was so intense that I felt like ending my life,” Baggio confessed. “If I had access to any means, I might have harmed myself. That`s how overwhelming the moment was for me.”
Despite Baggio`s miss not being the decisive kick in the shootout, as Brazil still had one penalty remaining, the emotional impact on him was immense. The Italian star had played a crucial role in guiding his team to the final, making the outcome even more heartbreaking.
Challenging Conditions of the 1994 World Cup
Baggio also shed light on the difficult conditions players faced during the tournament. “The extreme heat affected every match, not just for our team,” he explained. “We had to push ourselves beyond normal human limits to perform.”
Despite these challenges, Baggio highlighted the team`s motivation: “Our passion and the support from Italian immigrants in the USA gave us extra strength to overcome obstacles. We felt their pride, which drove us forward.”
This revelation provides a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional challenges faced by players in that memorable World Cup, adding context to one of football`s most iconic moments.