World Cup’s 101 Most Memorable Moments: England come back in extra time

By Doug McIntyre
FOX Sports Soccer Writer

Editor’s note: Each day between now and the kickoff of the first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Nov. 20, we’ll unveil a different memory from World Cup history. The countdown from 101 continues with England’s extra time comeback.

No African team has ever advanced as far as a World Cup semifinal. But Cameroon came as close as any more than 30 years ago, when they were leading England 2-1 with just eight minutes remaining in their quarterfinal meeting in Naples. 

Led by 38-year-old striker Roger Milla, the Indomitable Lions became the darlings of Italia ‘90 after upsetting defending champ Argentina in the opening match. Now two goals five minutes apart in the second half against England had them on the cusp of the final four.

But with time winding down, Cameroon imploded. First they conceded a penalty that Gary Lineker converted to force 30 additional minutes. Then, during extra time, they gave up another spot kick. Lineker scored that one, too, en route to England’s 3-2 victory.

Lions battle in extra time

Cameroon couldn’t sustain their 2-0 lead over England at the 1990 World Cup.

Just two African nations — which were absent from the World Cup entirely between 1934 and 1970 — have reached the last eight since: Senegal in 2002 and Ghana, which lost to Uruguay in a shootout eight years later.

One of the leading soccer journalists in North America, Doug McIntyre has covered United States men’s and women’s national teams at multiple FIFA World Cups. Before joining FOX Sports in 2021, he was a staff writer with ESPN and Yahoo Sports. Follow him on Twitter @ByDougMcIntyre.