Brazil were crowned as World Cup winners for the fourth time in their history as football's greatest show on earth headed to the USA for the first time.

The opening game saw Germany beat Bolivia 1-0 in a dull contest that set the tone for much that followed, with the host nation, Argentina and Italy all squeaking through to round two despite finishing third in their groups.

Fortunately round two served up some better fare, with Argentina sent packing by an exhilarating display by a Gheorghe Hagi-inspired Romania, who won 3-2.

Italy needed a late equaliser and an extra-time winner from Roberto Baggio to see off Nigeria 2-1, while home hopes were ended by Brazil, who edged a 1-0 victory thanks to a Bebeto strike.

Italy edged out Spain 2-1 in the quarter-finals, while Brazil won a thriller 3-2 against Holland, Branco rifling in a superb winner after the Oranje had come from two goals down to draw level.

Romania's dream of a semi-final spot was dashed by Sweden, who won on penalties after a 2-2 draw in San Francisco.

But the game of the round saw Bulgaria, who hadn't won a game at a finals tournament before 1994, stun Germany 2-1 in New York thanks to a Hristo Stoichkov free-kick and Yordan Letchov's stunning diving header 12 minutes from time.

Romario's late header sent Brazil into the final at the expense of Sweden, while Baggio netted both goals for Italy as Bulgaria's run ended at the semi-final stage.

The final in Los Angeles was again a major disappointment, with neither side showing the intent needed to seize the game by the scruff of the neck, with 120 minutes failing to produce a goal.

Alas penalties would be needed to decide the final for the first time and Franco Baresi set the tone by blazing the first spot-kick high over the crossbar.

Marcio Santos saw his effort saved, as did Daniele Massaro, but it was left to Baggio to try and keep Italy in it, but he skied the Azzurri's fifth penalty and Brazil rejoiced as they emerged 3-2 winners.