Although it was vigorously denied by FIFA and the Italian organisers, there were suspicions that the seedings had been arranged to ensure that England played in Sardinia in order to contain the hooligan element that traveled to their away games. The group proved to be very tight indeed, with all but one match drawn.
1990 Overview | Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Knock Out Stages
England
Republic of Ireland
England made a bright start, Lineker giving them an early lead but they failed to capitalise and they rapidly lost cohesion. Twenty minutes from time Kevin Sheedy equalised for the Irish.
Netherlands
Egypt
The Dutch were European Champions and strongly fancied to win the World Cup but they conceded a late penalty in their opening match against the outsiders from north Africa.
(Julio López)
England
Netherlands
England dominated but could not break through although Lineker had a goal disallowed and Stuart Pearce later had the ball in the net but this was also disallowed because it came from an indirect free-kick. As in 1986, England's captain, Bryan Robson was injured and would play no further part in the tournament.
(Julio López)
Republic of Ireland
Egypt
In what was probably the dullest match in the history of the World Cup, neither side managed to get a single shot on target throughout.
England
Egypt
A headed goal from Mark Wright proved decisive and meant that England finished top of the group.
Republic of Ireland
Netherlands
For the second time, the Netherlands conceded a late equaliser, scored by Niall Quinn in the 71st minute. The teams finished with identical records so lots were drawn to decide the final placings. This put Netherlands second but Jack Charlton's Ireland still qualified in third place for the next round.
(Julio López)