1986 Toyota Cup - River Plate v Steaua Bucharest

The 1986 Toyota Cup would be a David Vs Goliath clash as one of South America's biggest sides would take on surprise European Cup winners Steaua Bucharest from Romania.
Never before had a side from Eastern Europe won a European Cup and as the tournament began there was little indication that Steaua would change that. 
But the 1985/86 European Cup was weakened by the absence of English sides who were banned from Europe following the Heysel tragedy, and the draw was kind to Steaua who avoided the likes of Bayern Munich, Juventus and Barcelona on the way to the final.
But the odds were stacked against the team from Romania as they would face Barcelona in the final, boasting German superstar Bernd Schuster, with the final being held in Spain which would feel like a home match for Barcelona with so many Barca fans in attendance.
From the start of the final it became clear that Steaua were there to neutralise their opponents and to the detriment of the game they were successful as they frustrated Barca. Schuster and Steve Archibald were both substituted having found no way past the Romanian side and the game remained scoreless even after extra time as the game went to penalties.
Amazingly Barca lost their nerve and missed all 4 of their penalties taken, Steaua themsleves only converted 2 out of 4, but that was still enough as they celebrated in front of a stunned Barcelona whose wait for a first European Cup would go on. 
Despite the circumstances surrounding the win in the final there was no doubting Steaua were a strong side, dominant domestically and still a force in Europe as proved in the following years reaching a semi-final in 1988 and another final in 1989 where they were well beaten by a strong AC Milan side.

Their opponents in Japan were also celebrating their first Continental Championship, but River Plate were giants of South America who had at last captured the Copa Libertadores, a  trophy that had eluded them for so long. River was deserved winners of the trophy, finishing clear winners of a group including bitter rivals Boca Juniors early in the competition. Their good form continued and won both legs of the final to earn them a shot at the title of Club World Champions.


Tokyo, Japan - River Plate 1v0 Steaua Bucharest


It would be a game of few clear cut chances although Steaua found the net early on, only to have the goal chalked off for offside. The key moment of the match came just before the half hour mark when a piece of quick thinking led to the breakthrough.

Giant River forward Funes was brought down midway through the Steaua half, but Alfonso caught Steaua out with a quickly taken free-kick to Alzamendi who got in behind the Steaua defence. Alzamendi's shot was parried by the Steaua keeper, but the rebound looped up invitingly for Alzamendi who nodded the ball into the net.

Steaua were forced into attack, but found River just as dogged defensively as they were against Barcelona just months earlier as they faced a back line including players who had just won the World Cup with Argentina.
Alzamendi's strike would prove to be enough as River Plate celebrated a World Championship, which remains their only one to date.  

1995 Toyota Cup - Ajax v Gremio

AC Milan are widely acknowledged as the best European Side of the 90's, but their early  dominance of the decade was ended by one of the most exciting sides to grace European Football for years. In Holland, Ajax had young side full of attacking intent that would go on to become World Champions.
It was a side littered with names that would go on to play at the highest level for many seasons to come in all positions.
The Dutch outfit could boast Edwin Van Der Sar in goal, who would still be regarded as one of Europe's best Keepers 2 decades later, winning a Champions League 13 years after doing so at Ajax. In front of Van Der Sar were the legendary de Boer bothers, Frank and Ronald, with the midfield boasting Edgar Davids who would collect numerous titles and was one of the best aggressive midfielders of his generation. Alongside him was Clarence Seedorf, a winner of 3 European Cups with 3 different sides. In attack was one of Europes hottest talents in Patrick Kluivert, who had scored the winner in the Champions League against Milan aged just 18.

Ajax had already won the Dutch Championship for the 2nd successive season, and did so in style, not losing a game all season and added the Domestic Cup for good measure.
Any doubts that they could extend their dominance to the European stage, were soon cast aside as they marched to the Champions League final unbeaten, beating holders AC Milan 2v0 home and away, and then beat them again in the Final.

Their opponents in Tokyo would be Gremio, winning the South American Championship for the second time following a 4v2 aggregate win over Colombia's Atletico Nacional. It is estimated that between 300,00 - 500,000 fans greeted their side as they returned home to Port Alegre from the 2nd leg in Colombia.
Like Ajax, it was glorious period for the side winning domestic trophies in a side that boasted attacking talent such as a young Mario Jardel who would go on to become one of Europe's top strikers. Jardel would form a great partnership with Paulo Nunes, under the management of the legendary Phil Scolari.
But Gremio was known for their work ethic, and this was to be evident in their tightly contested match with the Dutch side.


Tokyo, Japan - Ajax 0v0 Gremio (Ajax won 4v3 on pens)

The South American side defended resolutely which contributed to a scoreline of 0v0 at half time with few opportunities foe either side. As the match wore on Ajax looked increasingly dangerous and should have taken the lead when a loose header from Gremio fell to Kluivert, The Ajax striker was cynically taken down by Gremio's Rivarola, but the loose ball fell to Litmanen who inexplicably could only produce a tame finish at the Gremio keeper. There would be some consolation for the Dutch side however, as Gremio's Rivarola was sent off for the challenge, having picked up a 2nd yellow card.

Despite the numerical disadvantage Gremio almost took the lead after a goalmouth scramble following a set-piece, but the normally prolific Jardel dragged his shot wide. Kluivert came close to opening the scoring as his header hit the bar, but Gremio continued to look dangerous on the break and again Jardel spurned a golden opportunity for his side as he poked an effort wide.

Extra time would see clear cut chances at a premium despite Ajax pressure, so the tie had to be settled from the penalty spot. The first 3 spot kicks were unsuccessful, but Ronald de Boer would score the 4th to give Ajax the early advantage in the shoot-out. There would be no more mistakes from the spot and it was left to Danny Blind to score the winner and seal the win for Ajax.

Ajax would continue their period of success, going on to win a third Dutch Championship and reach another Champions League Final, this time losing out on penalties. But transfer fees and wages were spiraling in countries such as Italy and Spain and Ajax's masters would be lured abroad as a great team were ripped apart. To make it worse the new Bosman ruling meant that players could run down their contract and leave for nothing with Reiziger, Bogarde, Davids and Kluivert exploiting the new rule, as the players departed with no financial compensation for Ajax. Manager Luis Van Gaal also departed, leaving to join Barcelona and taking the de Boer brothers, Jari Litmanen, Winston Bogarde and Kluivert with him. Others would leave for other Clubs and by the turn of the Millennium none of the starting line up against Gremio were still at Ajax.

1980 Toyota Cup - Nacional v Nottingham Forest

In the late 70's the Intercontinental Cup was dying a death. Blighted by violent clashes, European sides who valued the competition less than their South American counterparts decided that it was just not worth taking part

Ajax were the first team to refuse to participate in 1971, with the European Cup runners-up taking their place. Although Ajax officially cited financial reasons for their withdrawal, there was no disguising that the violence on the field during these games was the real reason behind their withdrawal.

Other European sides had the same opinion, it got so bad that in 1975 and 1978 there were no games played as even the European Cup runners up refused to take the place of the Champions. The format of the competition needed to change, so it was decided to make the fixture a one off game, played in a neutral venue. Japan was chosen as the venue, with Japanese car manufacturer Toyota sponsoring the match.

It proved to be an extremely successful decision, one that saved the competition. The format continued for over 20 years, until being replaced by the Club World Cup. The very first match in Tokyo saw Nacional of Uruguay take on England's Nottingham Forest.

It was a golden era for English sides in Europe, Forest's 1v0 win over Hamburg ensured that they retained the trophy, having won it the year before, ensuring the European Cup stayed in England for a 4th consecutive year.

But Forest were not a traditional giant in English Football, they were a team that were on the crest of wave that had taken them from the 2nd tier of English Football to the best side in Europe in a matter of 5 years. Much of the credit has been laid at the feet of Manager Brian Clough, the charismatic genius who masterminded their rise to glory.

Clough arrived at Forest who were a second tier side back in 1975 and by 1977 had led Forest to promotion to the First Division. Clough and his assistant Peter Taylor had brought in talent such as Peter Shilton, one of Europe's best Goalkeepers to complement existing talent such as John Robertson. Even so, no-one could have predicted the success that Forest were about to embark upon, winning the League Title in their first season back in the top flight.

The excitement of qualifying for the European Cup the following season was dampened when they were paired with domestic rivals Liverpool, who were bidding to win the trophy for a third consecutive season. But Forest ended the reign of Liverpool 2v0 on aggregate and
went on to win the European Cup in their first season in the tournament.


Like many of their fellow European Cup winners around that time, Forest declined to accept the invitation to take part in the Intercontinental Cup, but after retaining the European Cup the following year, they accepted their invite to take part in the new look Toyota Cup.


Their opponents, Nacional of Uruguay also had a dramatic turn in fortunes led by a new Managerial team, although unlike Forest, Nacional were a sleeping giant. The late part of the 1970s had been a frustrating period for Nacional, but the appointment of Juan Martin Mujica as Manager, along with trainer Esteban Gesto led to an upturn in fortunes.

The duo immediately installed a new mentality to the side, promoting hard work and an ethos that everyone had to do their role, or they were banished from the side. It would be the start of a golden period for Nacional and also for striker Waldemar Victorinho.

Victorinho's career was unremarkable before this period and as quickly as his career took off it nosedived again into obscurity, but for a brief period the striker had a habit of scoring goals in big games.

Victorinho only scored 11 goals in 19 appearances for Nacional, but among them was the winner in the Copa Libertadores Final and the winner in the Tokyo that would crown Nacional as World Champions. He replicated this midas touch for his country in the Mundalito Tournament, which was a one off tournament in 1980 played between all the previous World Cup winners (except England who refused to take part). Victorinho scored in every game for Uruguay, including the winner against  Brazil in the Final.


Tokyo Japan - Nacional 1v0 Nottingham Forest



The match against Forest was a close affair, decided by an early strike by that man Victorinho, although Forest were on top for most of the match. The English side started well and defender Viv Anderson had an opportunity after just 2mins, but blazed well over from the edge of the area. Forest continued to make the early opportunities, but were hit by a sucker punch on 10mins. Victorinho nipped in front of Burns to collect a cross from the right wing and from close range smashed the ball past Shilton to open the scoring.

Burns almost made amends straight away with a long range effort and Wallace could only find the side netting after good work from Trevor Francis as Forest went in search of a quick equaliser. Despite dominating the match, Forest could have easily found themselves further behind when after a defensive mix up from the English side, Nacional found the net again, only for the Referee to rule the goal out, much to Forest's relief.

Forest were left to rue squandering their early opportunities, as Nacional tightened up and concentrated on closing down their opponents, denying them opportunities on goal. There was little threat from Nacional, but at this stage their ambitions seemed to be to hold onto their one goal lead.

Again, Forest almost gifted their opponents  second goal, in the 2nd half a poor backpass was latched on and converted, only for the Referee to again come to the rescue as the goal was chalked off.

Despite dominating possession Forest found chances on goal hard to come by, with O' Neill getting an effort in after a weaving run, one of the few efforts on goal.

On 74mins Nacional survived a scare when Stuart Gray crashed a header onto the bar with the Keeper stranded. Forest continued to press for the equaliser, but Nacional held firm to record a historic victory.

1992 Toyota Cup - Barcelona v Sao Paulo

In a list of best club sides in World Football in the early 90's, the chances are the '92 Dream Team of Barcelona and Fabio Capello's AC Milan side would feature high on the list, but in Brazil there is a side who can rightfully lay claim to be above them all, Sao Paulo, having beaten both of the European giants in the World Club Championships of 1992 and 1993.

In 1992 it would be Sao Paulo and Barcelona contesting the title of World Club Champions. The Brazilian side had flourished under the reign of former Brazil Coach Tele Santana, winning the Brazilian Championship in ’91, then going one better by winning their first Copa Libertadores the following year.

Sao Paulo were an attacking side, containing such names as the legendary Cafu, talented playmaker Rai who would go on to win a World Cup Winners medal with Brazil and Muller, another Brazilian international who had just returned to the Club after  spell in Italy with Torino.

Their opponents Barcelona may be one of the World’s biggest clubs, but prior to 1992 in terms of European Cup success, the Catalan side were trailing their rivals miserably having never won the trophy, but Barca ‘s name was at last etched among the list of winners after beating Sampdoria 1v0 in the 92 Final.

It was far from a procession to the Final, the Catalan’s were on the verge of elimination in the early rounds after German Champions Kaiserslautern in a had overturned a 2v0 1^st leg defeat in Barcelona with a 3v0 lead in Germany, only for a late goal from the Catalan side. Barca also had to overcome a nervous final group game against Benfica to qualify for the final against Sampdoria, where a Ronald Koeman strike from a free kick in extra time would prove decisive.

The European Champions had paid a sizeable fee for Bulgarian bad boy genius striker Hristo Stoichkov and could also boast the attacking flair of Michael Laudrup, with the defence built on free kick specialist Ronald Koeman.

Barca and Sao Paulo had already met that season, in a Pre-Season Tournament in La Coruna, Spain, where Sao Paulo thrashed Barca 4v1, despite falling behind in the match. Coming into the game both sides were in good form, Barca had recorded six straight victories in their domestic League, while Sao Paulo were coming to the end of a long successful season.

The game promised to be a classic given the attacking nature of both sides, and it didn’t disappoint with both sides committed to attack in the early stages. Barca struck first thanks to a brilliant strike from Stoichkov after just 12 minutes.

Future Barca Manager Guardiola broke up a Sao Paulo attack and fed the ball to Stoichkov who was afforded too much room by the Sao Paulo defence. The Bulgarian unleashed a brilliant curling 20 yard effort, leaving the Sao Paulo Keeper rooted to the spot.But just like their Pre Season encounter, Sao Paulo would respond in decisive fashion and were level just shy of the half hour mark. Barca were momentarily down to 10 men after Stoichkov was off the pitch receiving treatment and Sao Paulo immediately took advantage.

Muller outfoxed Barca fullback Albert Ferrer and sent and drove the ball across the Barca six yard box. Rai was perfectly positioned to bundle the ball in, given the strength on the cross he just had to let the ball hit him, a scrappy effort, but just as important as the wonder goal from Stoichkov minutes earlier.

Muller continued to cause Barca problems and came close to giving Sao Paulo the lead after looping the ball over the Barca Keeper, this time Ferrer was on hand to clear the danger, hooking the ball off the line.

The two sides were trading blow for blow in the first half and Beguiristain thought he had regained the lead for the Catalan side after beating two defenders and slipping the ball past Zetti, only for Ronaldo Luiz to clear off the line for the Brazilians.

The second half continued to see both sides trade blows, but s the game wore on Sao Paulo looked the stronger side, and Rai delivered the decisive blow from an inch perfect free kick in the 78^th minute.

Even before the match Barcelona knew there would be no return to Tokyo, having already been eliminated from the Champions League after a shock defeat by CSKA Moscow, and they would have to wait more than a decade to become European Champions again.

But Sao Paulo would enjoy more success, retaining their Copa Libertadores the following year before seeing off AC Milan in the Toyota Cup  and only defeat in a penalty shoot-out to Velez Sarsfield in the final of the Copa Libertadores in 1994 ended hopes of an unprecedented 3 successive World Titles.   

Tele Santana would leave Sao Paulo in 1996 due to ill health, which signalled the end of a golden era for the Brazilian side, but they still proudly hold the record as the last side to have retained the title of World Club Champions.