Americans-What are your memories of the 1994 World Cup? Did you even notice it?

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It was held in the US so that Americans would finally learn to love football = soccer.

So did you
1) know it was on 2)watch any games on TV 3)go to any games?
Any teams/players/incidents you remember? Have you followed football in any way since?
Or should the rest of the world accept that Americans are perfectly happy with their own sports and will never really take to soccer (even though the US is one of the top 20 ranked teams in the World)?

― Joe Kay (feethurt), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:43 (twenty-two years ago)

Ha, good quesion. I think they are only interested if they have a better than evens chance of winning.

― mark grout (mark grout), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:45 (twenty-two years ago)

can we Brits contribute? i thought it was a terrific tournament despite absence of England. so many incredible goals, perhaps the highest amount ever? shame the final was a letdown but that's normal i guess.

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:45 (twenty-two years ago)

Hell on the subways late at night with drunken football louts getting on the 7 train going the wrong way. Early bad experiences may have contributed to my growing hatred of footie...

― not really kate, Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:46 (twenty-two years ago)

Is that the tournament where Iran played the USA and everyone in the world wanted Iran to win - authoritarian theocracy an' all?

― Dadaismus (Dada), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:47 (twenty-two years ago)

OJ SImpson was the real star that Summer of course

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:47 (twenty-two years ago)

Nope, that was France 98, Dada.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:48 (twenty-two years ago)

I have great memories of watching games with Mikey G in a big house in Winton that we rented on the cheap, great Nigerian goals - the matches against Argentina and Italy were fantastic. I also remember getting very drunk

― chris (chris), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:50 (twenty-two years ago)

Brazil v Holland one of the classic encounters

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:51 (twenty-two years ago)

This thread is hateful.

― Be sure to Loop! Loop, Loop, Loop. (ex machina), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:52 (twenty-two years ago)

I was in the Italian Alps between the end of the group stage and the semi-finals so I missed a large chunk of it. We watched Brazil knock out the USA and then the Dutch beat Ireland. Then Sweden beating Romania on penalties. Letchkov's header against Germany made me dance the giddy goat when I got home and saw it properly tho.

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:53 (twenty-two years ago)

Hateful on so many levels.

― Possibly Kate Again (kate), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:53 (twenty-two years ago)

OJ SImpson was the real star that Summer of course

And he, appropriately 'nuff'nuff, didn't play football.
And he prolly nevah has.

*nods head wearily*

― t\'\'t (t\'\'t), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:54 (twenty-two years ago)

i've got so much love to give to this thread :p

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:55 (twenty-two years ago)

AMERICAN FOOTBALL RULZ, YOU FAGGOTS

― Be sure to Loop! Loop, Loop, Loop. (ex machina), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:55 (twenty-two years ago)

The Republic of Ireland beating Italy and Bulgaria beating the Germans will stay with me forever. Also STOICHKOV!

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:55 (twenty-two years ago)

"And I wouldn't mind Diana Ross before every game...singing of course"
- Des Lynam, post opening ceremony

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:56 (twenty-two years ago)

Alan Hansen going "that defender should've been shot" a matter of days after the Escobar murder. D'oh!

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:56 (twenty-two years ago)

ooh yeah, Letchkov's header was a thing of glory, cannoning off that bald pate like bullet from a glock

― chris (chris), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:56 (twenty-two years ago)

Maradona's face after scoring against Greece almost made me love him

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:58 (twenty-two years ago)

I think Iran- USA was in '94.

― Julio Desouza (jdesouza), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:58 (twenty-two years ago)

whacked out on goofballs is a phrase made for that moment

― chris (chris), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:59 (twenty-two years ago)

http://sunsite.tus.ac.jp/wc94/images/photos/ARGvsGRE.2.0620.gif

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Iran were not in USA 94. It was 98. I am positive on this one.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 11:59 (twenty-two years ago)

The Republic of Ireland beating Italy and Bulgaria beating the Germans will stay with me forever. Also STOICHKOV!

OTM, am hoping that after Euro 2004 people will be saying PETROV!

― Dadaismus (Dada), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:00 (twenty-two years ago)

By sheer coincidence, I was in Pasadena for the final. It was brilliant. There were guys cruising up and down waving Brazilian flags out of their cars and everyone seemed to be really into it. There were parties down at the Rose Bowl on the day of the match and a great time was had by all.

I was in NZ for the last World Cup and they don't give rat's ass about soccer. The night of the Ireland-Germany match, a whole bunch of European backpackers gathered in the awful local pub to watch the match and we had to plead with the woman who owned the pub not to kick us out before the nail-biting end. She was sweeping up around us and putting chairs up on tables and she and the bouncer were openly mocking the low-scoring progress of the game. It wasn't rugby and it wasn't cricket so they just didn't care.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:01 (twenty-two years ago)

Matt is bang on, the USA played Switzerland, Colombia and Romania in the group stages iirc then got knocked out by Brazil

― chris (chris), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:02 (twenty-two years ago)

Is it me, or are there no Americans on this thread?

― Possibly Kate Again (kate), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:02 (twenty-two years ago)

maybe that answers the question?

― chris (chris), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:03 (twenty-two years ago)

i gather that not much attention was paid to the USA's sterling efforts at the last World CUp either

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:03 (twenty-two years ago)

(x-post - it's a little early for the Americans still isn't it?)

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:04 (twenty-two years ago)

i am seeing (some variant of) the '94 world cup winning squad on sunday, hurrah!

it's just like watching brazil!!!

― CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:04 (twenty-two years ago)

(I am actually interested in the actual question rather than this jumpers for goalposts bollocks)

― Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:04 (twenty-two years ago)

OK, to answer the actual questions:

Yes, I knew it was happening, because I was in NYC at the time. No, I did not go to any of the games. No, it never made me want to follow football again, in fact, quite the reverse.

There you go, you're welcome.

― Possibly Kate Again (kate), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:07 (twenty-two years ago)

This was the world cup where watching brazil was not like watching brazil.

''Is it me, or are there no Americans on this thread?''

Jon 'fucking faggot' williams has posted here.

― Julio Desouza (jdesouza), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:09 (twenty-two years ago)

Brazil '98 > Brazil '94 > Brazil '02

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:11 (twenty-two years ago)

i gather that not much attention was paid to the USA's sterling efforts at the last World CUp either

A-hem, I for one did exchange a couple of messages on this particular topic with Frank Kogan back then.

― t\'\'t (t\'\'t), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:13 (twenty-two years ago)

nah julio, jon left, didnt you see that other thread?

― gareth (gareth), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:14 (twenty-two years ago)

Odds on Freddy Adu to become the youngest ever player to play World Cup football in '06, anyone?

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:15 (twenty-two years ago)

I get really annoyed by the (european) football threads that aren't clear that they're about football from the topic.

PS - JULIO R U A HATER?

― Be sure to Loop! Loop, Loop, Loop. (ex machina), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:15 (twenty-two years ago)

I was 13 and didn't care about sports one way or the other. So I didn't notice it at all. However I really enjoy football now and am lamely excited about Euro 2004. (I don't know if that's because it'll kill time before the NFL season starts or what though.)

Also I like Adu and all but come on, he's really not that great--not that one has to be to excel in MLS.

― adam (adam), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:17 (twenty-two years ago)

Was this the one in Dallas? Because I was in Dallas at the time, and remember lots of tourists in town for that. One English guy came into the record store where I worked and bought bands from England. I asked him why, and he said because it was cheaper to buy them here.

Didn't see any of the games though, as I have no interest in soccer.

― dleone (dleone), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:18 (twenty-two years ago)

he will come on yes, to fulfill his marketing man's dream destiny (mind you, will he be younger than Norman Whiteside in 82?)

― chris (chris), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:19 (twenty-two years ago)

Best football hair. Ever.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38321000/jpg/_38321457_valderama1.jpg

― Onimo (GerryNemo), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:21 (twenty-two years ago)

I get really annoyed by the (european) football threads that aren't clear that they're about football from the topic.

annoyed? blimey, how can anyone get annoyed by anything so trivial? If you don't know what it's about ask "Excuse me, what is this thread about?" Christ.

― MarkH (MarkH), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:23 (twenty-two years ago)

i get annoyed by jon, and amerkans who think their cute little game with the helmets and the odd shaped ball is 'football'. aw jus messin witcha there. this is about FOOTBALL tho. getcha own name.

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:26 (twenty-two years ago)

MarkH, a lot of times I'm on dialup loading a long thread just to see that is about some football clubs I care nothing about is freaking annoying and a waste of time (that said, I wish it was more popular in the US).

― Be sure to Loop! Loop, Loop, Loop. (ex machina), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:26 (twenty-two years ago)

Stevem, I refer to that as AMERICAN FOOTBALL always!

― Be sure to Loop! Loop, Loop, Loop. (ex machina), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:27 (twenty-two years ago)

Best World Cup ever!

Except for the other ones, possibly.

― the bellefox, Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:27 (twenty-two years ago)

"If he'd done that to me he'd have had the hand of Bob in his face" - Wilson's finest moment, on the subject of Maradona.

Brazil '94: greatest Brazil team ever, obv. And we'll be seeing a version of the team on Sunday! (Tickets still available folks).

I thought Freddy Adu looked pretty good the other week, but then I now have a vested interest in him becoming a major worldwide megastar icon thing because I saw his first competitive goal.

― Tim (Tim), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:27 (twenty-two years ago)

come on steve, its only jon, its not like anyone takes seriously

― gareth (gareth), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:28 (twenty-two years ago)

I remember reading an article just prior to USA '94 when it was saying that Americans used different terms for some of the words used in football, e.g. extra time' was called 'overtime'. Recently however I have noticed several British commentators referring to extra time as overtime. I don't know what this proves.

― MarkH (MarkH), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:29 (twenty-two years ago)

hmm, was that the year that mia hamm took off her shirt?

― Ask For Samantha (thatgirl), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:29 (twenty-two years ago)

Brazil '94 v '98, Romario v Ronaldo, Paneira v Luxembourg..i think the '98 team were a little more solid AND flairy personally

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:30 (twenty-two years ago)

Anyone remember that Dennis Pennis/ Paul Kay sketch about how Americans would commentate on the Premiership? "... and the Manchester Reds offensive line is really bearing down on the Newcastle Stripers... throw on!!!!!!!!" etc etc etc

― Dadaismus (Dada), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:31 (twenty-two years ago)

so yeah I think my answer's no. I have vague recollections that this was hosted here. was it in various cities or all one place?

― Ask For Samantha (thatgirl), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:32 (twenty-two years ago)

hmm, was that the year that mia hamm took off her shirt?

she must've been pretty rancid in all those other years (whoever she is).

― MarkH (MarkH), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:32 (twenty-two years ago)

I think a lot of the "USA yawns at soccer" bullshit is a deliberate distortion. The Brazil game in the round of 16 was a front page story in the major newspapers, and was close to the top of the network news. Same thing with the collapse in France 98, and the wins over Portugal and Mexico in 2002. The range of things people pay attention to here is incredibly diffuse-- something like 6% of the country can't name the president, for God's sake.

Trust me, there was as much coverage of USA 94 and Japan/Korea 02 as any other major sporting event here (the World Series, Super Bowl, etc.) Part of that is due to the length of the World Cup, and, especially in the early 90s, when the national team was finally adequate enough to avoid embarrassing itself, there has been a polarized view of the sport, but "Americans don't care" seems aimed at slighting the considerable success soccer has had here.

I'm happy to talk about USA 94, but not to an audience who are girded for dismissing anything to do with soccer in the USA. The discussion of the last world cup on ILE reflected a lot of the cynical overseas reporting on how shocking it was that every bar in the country didn't have the matches on. It seemed a way of dismissing any accomplishments that had been made here. When not out of ignorance, it's a smarmy and stock response that seems to reflect some sort of agenda, and it precludes meaningful discussion.

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:33 (twenty-two years ago)

re Pennis sketch - didn't see that but the Mary Whitehouse Experience did something like that back in '92 - "Barry Spineker, Nottingham Hotspurts! Playing alongside Neil Webb, nicknamed The Shit!"

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:33 (twenty-two years ago)

brazil '98, runners up.

brail '94, winners.

brazil '94 > brazil '98.

― Julio Desouza (jdesouza), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:34 (twenty-two years ago)

i saw man united vs man city in a hotel room in nashville last december, on some us channel (it wasnt espn either), it was kind of strange, they had an overly cockney guy in the studio, for the beginning, halftime and end bits, and then alan parry commentating in a weird way during the match.

mary asked me if parry was being deliberatly dumb for the american audience. i just thought it was standard itv commentary though

― gareth (gareth), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:34 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh but Steve TS: GRINDING IT OUT vs BLOWING IT COMPLETELY.

Dadaismus: I kinda had that feeling in real life the other week when someone was booked and over the tannoy came the announcement "[player name] has received the yellow caution card", which sounded very strange indeed to me.

I thought watching football in the US was grebt.

― Tim (Tim), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:34 (twenty-two years ago)

Arrigo Sacchi was such a complete cunt.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:35 (twenty-two years ago)

I think a lot of the "USA yawns at soccer" bullshit is a deliberate distortion.

*yawn*

not really.

― Ask For Samantha (thatgirl), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:35 (twenty-two years ago)

Sam, it was all over the place. The Cotton Bowl had a few games, including the Holland-Brazil quarterfinal, which was a hell of a game.

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:36 (twenty-two years ago)

Cool Ben, it did seem like the UK media were eager to report on supposed American indifference to football tournaments they're involved in as it perhaps perpetuates the idea that they are ignorant of football's greatness or something, offering some comfort to us oh-so-inferior Brits, somewhat perversely.

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:36 (twenty-two years ago)

see I had vague recollections of it being in more than one city. I even thought I remembered there being a game in TX but I thought it was Houston for some reason.

― Ask For Samantha (thatgirl), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:38 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm sure I was talking to a very skewed sample, but a lot of the Americans I talked football with on my recent Stateside jaunt know more than I do about footy (Mr. D. Pike among them). Not as much about English Conference footy, admittedly, but that's hardly a criticism.

― Tim (Tim), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:42 (twenty-two years ago)

It's funny, there was a long memory of individual players who did well that persisted well past the point that said players could legitimately play football, to the extent that MLS kept these guys around for nearly a decade after the world cup: Valderrama, who stopped playing here before the 2003 season; Stoitchkov; Alain Sutter of Switzerland; Marco Etcheverry (sent off immediately for Bolivia against Germany); Branco, who played in NY in 1997 despite being able to do nothing but hit a dead ball hard as hell; and a score of USA players who have held on (Stewart, Jones, Meola, and Moore all still play in MLS, and Stewart-- whose scored in the 2-1 win against Colombia-- gets the occasional cap).

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:45 (twenty-two years ago)

Best World Cup ever!

― cozen (Cozen), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:46 (twenty-two years ago)

Gareth, that's Fox Sports World. They have that cockney carnival barker to introduce the game and to shill for some internation telephone calling code business. Worse than his blather bracketing the game itself is when FSW gets him to do match commentary. That's when I switch to Fox Sports World Espanol.

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:48 (twenty-two years ago)

this one had ray houghton's goal, andy townshend/charlton sideline fiasco, letchkov's header, stoichkov's free kicks, maradonna being INSANE mad, 5 goals fr oleg salenko, did it have the nigeria-spain game?, if it did then it had: mutiu adepoju: wow! (this might have been 1998 actually hah!), other things (i.e. baggio!)

― cozen (Cozen), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:48 (twenty-two years ago)

Also Daniel Amokachi! The El Hadji-Diouf of his day - blinding in the World Cup and then disappointing thereafter on Merseyside. Except putting Everton into the FA Cup Final at the expense of Tottenham the following season.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:52 (twenty-two years ago)

CAMEROON! That's what I remember. Didn't get to go to any games (closest ones I think were in Chicago), but I watched a fair amount on TV.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:53 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.biw.fh-deggendorf.de/alumni/2001/wintermeier/weltmeisterschaft

Just for Dom.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:54 (twenty-two years ago)

I thought Freddy Adu looked pretty good the other week, but then I now have a vested interest in him becoming a major worldwide megastar icon thing because I saw his first competitive goal.

Tim, I have a vested interest in hating him because plays for the bad guys, and because he scored his first competitive goal against the Metros, but he scored an absolute monster of a Maradona-esque goal last week (and against a good side). I'm sure it's up for Goal of the Week on the mlsnet website, so it's possible to have a look at it.

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:54 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.biw.fh-deggendorf.de/alumni/2001/wintermeier/weltmeisterschaft/bilder/rbaggio.jpg

That went all a bit wrong.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:55 (twenty-two years ago)

I remember its impact over here. I watched every game I could. It helped that just the summer before I started playing football/soccer. I rooted for Italy.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:55 (twenty-two years ago)

Said al Owaran (was that his name) for Saudi Arabia against Belgium.

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:56 (twenty-two years ago)

wasn't this also the tournament where the Colombian player scored that own goal, then went home to get gunned down for it?

Also, Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66 > Brazil '94. That said, they were still fun to watch.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:58 (twenty-two years ago)

also lay off Freddy Adu, he's 14 for chrissakes!

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 12:59 (twenty-two years ago)

The Argentina v Romania game was my favourite of the '94 tournament. I loved getting back from the pub to watch more games, such was the time difference. The whole thing was very well supported though wasn't it? I do need someone to tell me the name of the mascot as I have forgotten (it was a dog thing). It wasn't quite up to the big footballing orange of Spain '82 but it was cooler than Footix.

― Jonnie, Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:00 (twenty-two years ago)

I do need someone to tell me the name of the mascot as I have forgotten

I think it was "Striker." Allegedly a dog.

I liked Footix.

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:01 (twenty-two years ago)

andy townshend/charlton sideline fiasco

actually John Aldridge not Townsend

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:02 (twenty-two years ago)

I really almost missed this one - I was in London that summer working on the Lab0ur leadership election; I watched Ireland Italy in an MPs office, and missed the exciting knock out matches (though recall Tab Ramos getting poleaxed by Leonardo). I watched the USA - Switzerland game as I wanted to see what football was like indoors. In general though, I remember reading about it far more than watching it - I made up for this in 98 by watching every single match apart from the double-headers at the end of the group stages.

Anyone interested in really good discussions on US football should visit the WSC messageboard which has a fair few ex-pats who start interesting threads about the MLS, Adu, US football etc.

ps - Adu will not be as young as Norman Whiteside.

pps - I shall be meeting some of the boys from Brazil at the braz1lian emba55y on Thursday < / world cup slut >

x post - I rooted for Italy They have world cups in this?

― Dave B (daveb), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:02 (twenty-two years ago)

the only international football game I've attended was Argentina vs. Mexico in the 1996 Olympics. Argentina was a shell of its former self, Birmingham was getting rocked by major thunderstorms that night (and I think it might've been later that night that the pipebomb went off in Atlanta), but it was still a lot of fun. 60,000 fans in Legion Field doing the Macarena can't be wrong.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:04 (twenty-two years ago)

Ack! The pooters won't let me download Adu's goal!

It's tight in the Eastern COnference after 7/8/9 games, innit?

― Tim (Tim), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:04 (twenty-two years ago)

Tim - link to it!

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:06 (twenty-two years ago)

US beat Colombia in a big upset involving dude getting a goal on his own team. Dude was later shot to death shortly after returning home to Colombia. Was rooting for Italy in final. Never liked Brazil, those colors are disgusting. Really kind of exciting, followed a lot of it. Rooted for Korea in 02. Didn't pay much attention in 98.

Should perhaps point out that I was in France & the UK for the majority of World Cup 94 since we were over there playing gigs in support of the D-Day 50 celebrations. Probably would have gotten quite different coverage of the event stateside.

I can't really be bothered to give a flying fuck about sports nowadays.

― TOMBOT, Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:07 (twenty-two years ago)

Tab Ramos getting poleaxed by Leonardo

He honestly was never the same after that. He developed the personality of a friendly puppy who had been mauled by a rabid German Shepard-- a kvetching walking red card who dribbled elegantly in the opposite direction of any defender in his path. Utterly useless.

Adu will not be as young as Norman Whiteside

But he would be younger than Pele, if he were to play, which I doubt he will. If the defense improves dramatically, maybe he'll play, but I think Arena is gonna regard a teenaged Adu-- with only MLS experience-- as an extravagant liability.

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:09 (twenty-two years ago)

my parents were in France about a day before the final in '98, but didn't stay longer, as they were convinced by one of their travelling partners to change the schedule. They still make fun of him for that. They did happen to be in the Netherlands during the quarters, though.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:09 (twenty-two years ago)

Tom, that was the Escobar incident mentioned upthread.

Matt: you have to click on the "Goal of the Month" link on here: http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/index.jsp

― Tim (Tim), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Ack! The pooters won't let me download Adu's goal!

It's tight in the Eastern COnference after 7/8/9 games, innit?

I'll see if I can't find a way to get it to you, Tim.

Yeah the east is a logjam. It'll settle out soon-- probably with Chicago at the top, sadly.

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:11 (twenty-two years ago)

I mentioned Colombia and nobody noticed. *quietly hums Leonard Cohen songs to himself*

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Hey Ben, don't let a 3-0 reverse at Soldier Field get you downhearted.

I'd like to know about that San Jose game though.

― Tim (Tim), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:23 (twenty-two years ago)

Damn straight I knew it was on. Watched as many games as I could via the Spanish-language channels since I knew they couldn't fuck up the coverage (and didn't). Would have loved to try for one of the Rose Bowl games but didn't get my act together enough. US team got a fairly high profile in corners -- Cobi Jones I'll always remember because he and I attended UCLA at the same time and we regularly ate at the same dorm hall, his hairstyle was impossible to miss. The Escobar incident, Stoichkov, the Swedish team and Dahlen in particular (for some reason) -- missed the final and That Penalty Miss by Baggio though since I was away on a family reunion trip elsewhere. Still follow the game as I can (Houllier being fired = bemusing; fake Wimbledon being relegated = Nelson laugh; Gillingham JUST missed relegation so I'm happy for the escape act) and was waking up at around 3 am most nights for Korea/Japan coverage.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:23 (twenty-two years ago)

I was on vaction at Cinncinati, and Louisville, and Mammoth caves. I remember when near mammoth caves really begging my parents to go for the hotel room with cable TV so we could watch some of the games.

― A Nairn (moretap), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:25 (twenty-two years ago)

I saw the US-Columbia game, and the Argentina-Romania game after spelunking.

― A Nairn (moretap), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:28 (twenty-two years ago)

I was in Louisville all summer working as an ice cream man.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Fox Sports world was very odd, that cockney impersonator especially. We watched a few games, notably the Mabnyoo v Chelsea game. The weirdest thing was switching it on to find they were broadcasting two hours of skysportsnews followed by a really old episode of Dream Team.

― chris (chris), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:36 (twenty-two years ago)

that ice cream sucked!

I also remember some Mexico game, and Brazil game. I would try and get my family to schedule our excursions around the games so we would always either leave after a game was over or get back in time for a game.

― A Nairn (moretap), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:37 (twenty-two years ago)

haha, did you remember to phone your friends and relatives at home with vip communications to discuss the game? yes, that guy (nick webster, I think?) is quite annoying. despite its problems, I can't say many other bad words against fox sports world though - this year they carried games from england, germany, holland, france, brazil, argentina, the copa libertadores, fa cup, and uefa cup, as well as the u.s., so it's a bit of a godsend for americans. (apparently next year they are dropping loads of the continental stuff and focusing almost entirely on england, however.)

anyway, I have lots of memories from the 94 cup: I attended all of the detroit area matches, including one of the u.s.'s victories (over the swiss thanks to a lovely free kick from eric wynalda). Those games were technically in pontiac at the silverdome and the city had a series of parking lot concerts to coincide with the WC (mostly dire 90s alternarock). I'm sure the atmosphere was improved in more compact urban areas - chicago, nyc, etc. - but it was still nothing compared to the 90 and 98 WCs of course (which I was lucky enough to attend). most of the on-field highlights were already mentioned: the germany-bulgaria, holland-brazil matches, maradona's goal. he and effenberg being sent home, baggio's late-match heroics. it was a very entertaining tournament (except for the final match, of course). The u.s. media paid much more attention to it than they did in 98 because we were hosts and punched above our weight (frontpage coverage, it was discussed on the talk shows rather than derided - but that has all to do with the U.S. doing well: I did some spots in both 98 and 02 for U.S. radio and the difference was amazing: xenophobic jokes v. an actual attempt at engaging with the game**), but despite the high attendance and media coverage most of the public didn't seem swayed: e.g. the ann arbor pub in which I watched the midday brazil-u.s. match was half full and most of the ppl were Brazil fans - eight years later they had to turn dozens away from a three-room chicago pub for the early AM U.S.-Germany match. U.S. soccer continues to come a long way in short bursts of time.

** unsurprisingly and perhaps understandably, the U.S. sports media seems much more willing to engage with the sport at either its top level despite the u.s.'s only brief flirtations with those heights or when it is impressed by off-field notions of financial size and/or celebrity. J/K 02 was well covered and respected in large part because we did well, but imho since then the biggest inroads that soccer has made in the U.S. media have almost all been financial and/or off-field rather than competitive: man u touring here last year, tim howard to man u, freddy adu's promise and potential, the beckham saga last summer -- which was very well covered (america in fascination w/sex, celebrity, money, redemption non-shockah). All of those off-field things seem to have done more to improve soccer's position in mainstream sports media than all MLS games combined (unfortunately), but as a result, over the past nine months or so the whole of the sport seems to enjoyed a bit of a coattail effect -- now that the average sports fan at least knows who adu or beckham or howard are or what man u and real madrid is, the on-field accomplishments of those (and others - henry and arsenal, for one) are more likely to make ESPN sportscenter highlights. bah, sorry for rambling on. oddly though, many american soccer fans seem to somehow resent all of this, not recognizing that the sport itself needs to gain greater respect from the media and that, say, espn doesn't have an obligation to do that via MLS games or w/the U.S. national team.

(btw, adu's second mls goal can be found here: http://www.mlsnet.com/sierra/sierra_mist.html)

― scott pl. (scott pl.), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:42 (twenty-two years ago)

that ice cream sucked! hey so I gots to get paid whether it's truthfully or untruthfully. : (

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:43 (twenty-two years ago)

In all seriousness, I did get ice cream at a store near the end of one of the main streets (near the baseball hall of fame, possibly the opposite side of the street), and it wasn't bad.

― A Nairn (moretap), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:47 (twenty-two years ago)

you mean near the Louisville Slugger Museum? I don't even think it was open in 1994! And I sold crappy stuff on a stick from a van to kiddies, so you didn't buy ice cream from me (unless you went to the last Rodan show in Louisville, or something).

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:48 (twenty-two years ago)

I've got vague recollections of a bizarre game involving Mexico(?) with loads of weird decisions (disallowed goals, people booked and sent off for _nothing_, people _not_ getting sent off for serious assault), a penalty shoot out and possibly a broken goalpost being replaced? Anyone remember and want to help me out? Am I even thinking of the right World Cup?

― Onimo (GerryNemo), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:50 (twenty-two years ago)

okay yeah I call time-weirdness - Louisville SLugger Museum opened in '95 (I will stop talking about baseball on the football thread soon, I promise).

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:51 (twenty-two years ago)

The Mexican goalkeeping kit in that World Cup was one of the most garishly bizarre garments I've ever seen.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:52 (twenty-two years ago)

I watched on TV as much as I could - but I was only 16 at the time and couldn't convice my parents to buy me tickets to a game in Chicago or Detroit. I think it did raise the profile of football in the US - wasn't the term Soccer Mom coined at that time?!

― marianna, Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:53 (twenty-two years ago)

didn't Campos design it himself (and fancy playing as striker)?

― chris (chris), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:54 (twenty-two years ago)

http://sunsite.tus.ac.jp/wc94/images/photos/MEXvsNOR.1.0619.gif

I think in all seriousness Campos had this amazingly high goal record for a keeper. Probably not in the World Cup though.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:55 (twenty-two years ago)

I think in all seriousness Campos had this amazingly high goal record for a keeper. Probably not in the World Cup though.

You might be thinking of the Paraguayan keeper Chilavert who, being a penalty and free kick taker, has 54 professional goals.
Campos started off his career as a striker but I don't think he's scored (m)any as a keeper.

― Onimo (GerryNemo), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 14:00 (twenty-two years ago)

I saw Mexico-Bulgaria at the Meadowalands during the '94 world cup -- the only international match I've ever seen. I know I was lucky to see Stoitchkov play, and even for a total neophyte it was obvious how amazing he was. The entire stadium was filled with raucous Mexico supporters, except for a few tiny pockets of Bulgarians, among which we were seated. It went to penalty kicks, which Mexico botched laughably (in my sorta hazy recollection).

― Hurlothrumbo (hurlothrumbo), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 14:24 (twenty-two years ago)

Only soccer match I've ever attended was during the '94 Cup - Saudi Arabia/Belgium I think. I remember being pretty bored.

― Vinnie (vprabhu), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 14:43 (twenty-two years ago)

Pretty sure this was Mexico-Bulgaria, as mentioned up there. 90 Minutes magazine called the referee "Terry Fuckwit", with good reason. He was Saudi I think. We watched the match degenerate into utter chaos with jaws dropping further all the time

― DJ Mencap (DJ Mencap), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:16 (twenty-two years ago)

I attended all of the detroit area matches, including one of the u.s.'s victories (over the swiss thanks to a lovely free kick from eric wynalda).

this game actually finished 1-1, tho the free-kick was indeed greatness

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Saudi Arabia/Belgium I think. I remember being pretty bored.

but it features that AMAZING Owairan goal

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:22 (twenty-two years ago)

this game actually finished 1-1, tho the free-kick was indeed greatness

Yeah, between wins over Colombia and Portugal, the US lost world cup games to Romania and Brazil in 1994, and Germany, Iran, and Yugoslavia in 1998. Outside of Copa America 1995 (3-0 over Argentina, then a semifinal loss) and a draw in qualifying at the Azteca, that whole cycle got pretty bleak. Steve Sampson seems to be doing fine coaching Costa Rica, though.

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:29 (twenty-two years ago)

I had second-row corner seats to Spain v. Switzerland at RFK, compliments of Dan Rostenkowski. The drumming was as interesting as the football. Very good time.

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:31 (twenty-two years ago)

am I on crack or is no one mentioning CAMEROON??!?

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:31 (twenty-two years ago)

whoa, gabbneb, Dan Rostenkowski used to be my neighbor.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Stence are those two options mutually exclusive?

― Tim (Tim), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:37 (twenty-two years ago)

(I didn't get the tix from him personally; I went with a roommate who was interning on Ways and Means) I also went to a great World Cup-related free concert at the Washington Monument filled with soccer people. And I paid attention to the semi, I'm pretty sure, and final, I think. It wore off, though, like most sports do for me.

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:37 (twenty-two years ago)

Dan Rostenkowski used to be my neighbor

Not at the Oxford FCI I hope.

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Cameroon were rubbish at WC94, tho some enjoyment was had out of the fact Roger Milla was also 94

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:42 (twenty-two years ago)

FCI

FCI = Federal Correction Institution, nothing to do with football club

― Dickerson Pike (Dickerson Pike), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:42 (twenty-two years ago)

naw, Rostenkowski lived down the street from me in Chicago.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:43 (twenty-two years ago)

this game actually finished 1-1, tho the free-kick was indeed greatness

ah, of course! i went all dewy-eyed and my memory failed me.

― scott pl. (scott pl.), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:45 (twenty-two years ago)

gabbneb how did you know rostenkowski?????

― cinniblount (James Blount), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:45 (twenty-two years ago)

how far did Cameroon get? I'm so forgetful.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:46 (twenty-two years ago)

they didn't progress beyond the group stage, thus failing to better their performance at Italy 1990 where they famously reached the quarter-finals before losing dramatically to someone or other.

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:51 (twenty-two years ago)

ah maybe it's 1990 I'm remembering so fondly.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 15:52 (twenty-two years ago)

Italia '90 was a fantastic tournament and got into football, plain and simple. I eulogised it at some self-indulgent length as part of Stylus' "I Love 1990" a while back.

USA '94; really not as good for me. Partly the obvious factor that England weren't there... but also maybe the lack of affinity Americans had, as a host nation, for the sport, when compared with the Italians. Ireland's win over Italy was quite something, however... as was one absolutely stunning Gheorghe Hagi goal from an impossible angle; anyone remember that?

― Tom May (Tom May), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:07 (twenty-two years ago)

I was unemployed and watched a hella lot of it. Can't say I remember much more of it now than Baggio's miss and STOICHKOV. Even today, Stoichkov is pretty much the first thing that comes to mind when I see the word 'Bulgaria'.

Lots of people noticed it. I think Americans' main problem with soccer/footie is that the MLS is a minor league. When you watch MLB/NFL/NBA/NHL, you can be reasonably assured that you are watching the best in the world at that sport, and that just isn't the case with MLS. How long before Freddy is off to Europe to play with the big boys?

― mookieproof (mookieproof), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:08 (twenty-two years ago)

When you watch MLB/NFL/NBA/NHL, you can be reasonably assured that you are watching the best in the world at that sport...

this will be the case in MLB only if/when there are more Cubans in the league.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:09 (twenty-two years ago)

plz stence - if/when baseball world cup happens cuba'll be lucky to finish third

― cinniblount (James Blount), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:14 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't mean national teams, blount, I mean you can reasonably say we're not seeing the best in the world at baseball NOW because not enough Cubans can play in MLB.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:16 (twenty-two years ago)

i was living in chicago in 94, and i also remember we were having an 8th grade graduation luncheon at the top of some tall building, and it was overlooking soldier field, and I saw a lot of colors and balloons! it sure was pretty, that world cup.

― phil-two (phil-two), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:21 (twenty-two years ago)

I can't fucking find the Aldridge giving the fingers to the official pic.

― Ronan (Ronan), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:26 (twenty-two years ago)

I attended the Brazil / Sweden match in Detroit at the Silverdome. I remember they were using some experimental grass that had been developed at Michigan State, so they could hold the matches indoors. I had a great time. The Brazilian fans were nuts. There was a large group of them in our section, in the upper deck. Pretty funny to contrast them with the more sedate Swedish fans. Brazil won, I'm assuming - this was the 2nd round, right? I can't remember. 10 years is a long time. It's hard to believe it's been that long. I watched all the matches I could, but my memories are hazy; though I do remember most of the highlights that folks have mentioned upthread, and of course the scoreless final.

― Broheems (diamond), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:47 (twenty-two years ago)

I, too, attended the Brazil / Sweden match in Detroit!

― nabiscothingy, Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:50 (twenty-two years ago)

this one had ray houghton's goal

Houghton's goal was about 6 years earlier :)

― Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:54 (twenty-two years ago)

I am a bit ashamed to admit I don't remember the score of that match, it being my only World Cup game and all. I want to say it was 2-1 Brazil.

Then again, I don't really remember the Super Bowl that year either (was that SF-SD??)

― Broheems (diamond), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 16:56 (twenty-two years ago)

but it features that AMAZING Owairan goal

I'll have to take your word for it - I was 12 and not very into watching any sports. Only some ridiculously high-scoring, players-jumping-up-20-feet-and-bicycle-kicking-every-shot game would have interested me at the time.

― Vinnie (vprabhu), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 17:07 (twenty-two years ago)

brazil/sweden in pontiac was group play - although those teams did meet in the semifinals, as well. I *think* the one in the silverdome one was 1-1. Brazil and Sweden had already clinched advancement to the next round and the game was a bit lackluster. the match going on at the same time as that one was russia trouncing whomever they played w/oleg salenko scoring, like, five goals. every time they'd update that score on the siverdome scoreboard, I was sort of wishing I had been watching that match.

(nits - did you go to any of the pontiac rooftop shows that summer?)

― scott pl. (scott pl.), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 17:07 (twenty-two years ago)

No, Ray Houghton did score the only goal of the Italy-Ireland game, and quite the long-range-effort, it were...

― Tom May (Tom May), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 17:24 (twenty-two years ago)

The only thing I remember from the '90 Cup was that after a whistle (for a foul, maybe?) a frustrated England player (Gascoigne, maybe?) just drilled a ball from the midfield circle that went like a laser about a foot over the crossbar

― mookieproof (mookieproof), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 17:32 (twenty-two years ago)

With their Union Jacks all them English fans for victory they were set
Until Ray Houghton got the ball and he stuck it in the net
What happened next is history, brought tears to many eyes
That day will be the highlight of many people's lives

― Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 17:42 (twenty-two years ago)

surpassed now by the rugby victory.

― Ronan (Ronan), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 17:43 (twenty-two years ago)

Traffic in Pasadena was terrible.

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 17:43 (twenty-two years ago)

x-post

I think andrew's referring to some england-ireland houghton goal?

italia 90 ws ace too!

― cozen (Cozen), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 17:44 (twenty-two years ago)

I seem to recall a lot Central/South Americans driving around DC like maniacs with big flags hanging out of their cars. It may have been b/c of soccer.

― bnw (bnw), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 17:50 (twenty-two years ago)

I think andrew's referring to some england-ireland houghton goal?

Sirbobby's nadir - 0-1, 1-3 and 1-3 in Euro88, the last game not even screened live (we saw the Irish thwarted by a late, late Dutch goal).

― Michael Jones (MichaelJ), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 17:57 (twenty-two years ago)

I seem to recall a lot Central/South Americans driving around DC like maniacs with big flags hanging out of their cars.

sometimes it's for non-US national holidays. Cinco de Mayo in Humboldt Park to thread.

― hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 18:13 (twenty-two years ago)

The Asian qualifying final play-offs for 94 were a scream, fwiw. Two went to the WC from Japan, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi, North Korea and Qatar. Oh, if only they had been dancing in the streets of Baghdad and Pyongyang come final-day time, what a tournament USA '94 could've been.

And a last-minute equaliser for Iraq that knocked out Japan and sent their 'mates' (ha !) the South Koreans through instead is still known as the "Tragedy of Doha" in the Japanese media.

― darren (darren), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 18:15 (twenty-two years ago)

Brazilians be going crazy in DC in '98

― mookieproof (mookieproof), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 18:15 (twenty-two years ago)

I was driving in
post-game Soldier's Field jam...
pedestrian hell!

― Begs2Differ (Begs2Differ), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 18:19 (twenty-two years ago)

It was `chris Waddle who dun the blag. I am now officially emotional again.

― Dave B (daveb), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 21:42 (twenty-two years ago)

only thing i remember is World Cup pinball.

yeah, it had that dog thing on it, too.

― Kingfish Disraeli (Kingfish), Tuesday, 25 May 2004 21:55 (twenty-two years ago)

USA '94 gave rise to that annoying quiz question regarding who missed the first penalty in the competition. I felt sorry for Diana, there seemed to be some encroachment.

Pretty much all my memories are covered above, I remember finding out my degree result on the night of the Nigeria vs Italy game and also locking myself out the house for another and having to watch it from the garden through the window.

Chris found me asleep in the porch when he got home.

― Mikey G (Mikey G), Wednesday, 26 May 2004 08:08 (twenty-two years ago)

I was hoping Ben might give us his take on this game: http://www.metrostars.com/gameday/2004/05082004.shtml

Sounds like a laugh.

― Tim (Tim), Wednesday, 26 May 2004 08:17 (twenty-two years ago)

"...and after fighting off the attention of a trio of Earthquakes, unleashed a shot.."

ha ha

― Mikey G (Mikey G), Wednesday, 26 May 2004 08:20 (twenty-two years ago)

Chris Brown was substituted in the 89th minute!

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Wednesday, 26 May 2004 08:22 (twenty-two years ago)

I recommended him to their boss (in my best George Weah voice)

― Mikey G (Mikey G), Wednesday, 26 May 2004 08:25 (twenty-two years ago)

one year passes...

What World Cup?

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Monday, 22 May 2006 12:49 (twenty years ago)

I was nine years old and didn't care about sports at all but I read Sports Illustrated for Kids while waiting for my brother to finish his lesson at our piano teacher's and it was really hyped up there. Also I don't know whether my parents bought them for me or if I got them as part of a free promotion at the Taste of Chicago or something like that but I had three pins of that dog kicking a soccer ball and carrying a flag, one each for Italy, Ireland and the USA.

― k t (matchstick), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 10:48 (twenty years ago)

I rocked them all at once on the mini backpack I took to summer camp

― k t (matchstick), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 10:51 (twenty years ago)

plz stence - if/when baseball world cup happens cuba'll be lucky to finish third

-- cinniblount (littlejohnnyjewe...) (webmail), May 25th, 2004 1:14 PM. (James Blount) (link)

lol

― INSANE CLOWN FOSSE (Adrian Langston), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 12:58 (twenty years ago)

The USA had a World Cup team? Do we still have one?

― Fluffy Bear (Fluffy Bear Hearts Rainbows), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:12 (twenty years ago)

Um, YES.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:19 (twenty years ago)

didnt the french win that one? do they still play the world cup? I thought it was a one off thing to promote soccer

― Mr Jones (Mr Jones), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:22 (twenty years ago)

no, yes, no.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:26 (twenty years ago)

USA are in the upcoming world cup, playing Italy in the group which should be a fairly decent game to watch.

― Ste (Fuzzy), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:28 (twenty years ago)

Come on you Eyeties!

― Samuel KB Amphong (Dada), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:30 (twenty years ago)

surely usa will win - they are the best!

― Mr Jones (Mr Jones), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:30 (twenty years ago)

The mistake FIFA made in the US was not to rename the tournament The World's Cup

― Samuel KB Amphong (Dada), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:33 (twenty years ago)

surely usa will win - they are the best!

FIFA Agrees!

(World rankings, April 2006)


1 	Brazil
2 	Czech Republic
3 	Netherlands
4 	USA
5 	Spain
6 	Mexico
7 	France
8 	Portugal
8 	Argentina
10 	England
11 	Denmark
12 	Nigeria
13 	Turkey
14 	Italy
15 	Cameroon
16 	Sweden
17 	Japan
18 	Egypt
19 	Greece
19 	Germany

― Onimo (GerryNemo), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:35 (twenty years ago)

I still can't believe that ranking. I'm *happy* with it obviously but I still can't believe it.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:36 (twenty years ago)

The Brazilians sing such a soft bossa nova, but they can kick that ball hard!!!!

― Mr Jones (Mr Jones), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:37 (twenty years ago)

That's fine Ned, no-one else believes FIFA rankings either

― Samuel KB Amphong (Dada), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:38 (twenty years ago)

I had this poster in my bedroom:

http://home.att.net/~naslpics/teampics/76_kicks.jpg

I got this a year later, when I was 4. I stopped caring about soccer in 1981. Go Kicks!

― Fluffy Bear (Fluffy Bear Hearts Rainbows), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 13:43 (twenty years ago)

Note to Americans - don't get carried away, you only finish that high in the rankings becuase you spend most of your time playing Canada and Guatemala.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:07 (twenty years ago)

Hooray!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:08 (twenty years ago)

Also bludy hell I know FIFA rankings are bollocks but are the Germans really that low down these days?

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:09 (twenty years ago)

Don't worry, we won't get carried away.

― Nemo (JND), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:09 (twenty years ago)

Note to Matt DC: DUH WE IZ MURKUNS HOW DO WI SHOT FUTBOL WITHOUT USE OF HANDZ

― Haikunym (Haikunym), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:10 (twenty years ago)

Also: are you really going to brag about your qualifying victories over Wales, Poland, Azerbaijan (oops) and Northern Ireland (oops again)? I mean, as long as you're talking shit, let's do this right!*

*NB: I am not saying that we have a better chance in our (difficult) opening group than you have in your (easy-ass) group.

― Haikunym (Haikunym), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:20 (twenty years ago)

USA are gonna get sonned by Ghana in the World Cup. I'm shoving a tenner on a 3-0 victory for the (whatever Ghana's nickname is, considering they're an African team its something like "Grandiose Panthers of Doom")

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:24 (twenty years ago)

Dude, the English will brag over any footballing victory, no matter how small or undeserved.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:25 (twenty years ago)

xpost: Englisher in "all African countries are the same and their savage ways are humourous to me" NON SHOCKER. But you might well be right about Ghana.

― Haikunym (Haikunym), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:27 (twenty years ago)

Call me English again and I'll slap you.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:28 (twenty years ago)

stop acting like you're straight off "Little Britain" then

Ghana's team is the Black Stars, by the way

― Haikunym (Haikunym), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:29 (twenty years ago)

as i'm going to be in the States for the final i would very much like USA to do well, i think thats hoping a lot for them to go all the way though.

― Ste (Fuzzy), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:30 (twenty years ago)

I think it will be fun to see the USA team, but there are about five other teams I will be rooting for with more intensity and love.

Dom: I have only seen "Little Britain" twice, it was a rubbish insult because I didn't really mean it

― Haikunym (Haikunym), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:32 (twenty years ago)

i think USA will definitely win one match in Germany, against either the Czechs or Ghana - but i think the Czechs will pip them to second round. Ghana were terrible at Africa Nations so are unfancied now but who knows.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:37 (twenty years ago)

This is how I see the Italy/Czech/Ghana/USA group going.

Italy turn up disorganized after the recent "Italian football is a sham from top to bottom" scandals. Ghana start fired up, and take an early 1-0 lead after about 20 minutes. Italy scramble against it for the whole match before scoring an undeserved equaliser from a set piece in the 86th. Commentators use the word "plucky" a lot.

The Czechs beat the Yanks 1-0 in a tight, unexciting match.

Italy finally find their feet against the US, Toni scores a brace, comfortable 2-0 victory. Commentators say "And the Azzuri are back on course". Czech Republic vs Ghana: exciting 2-2 match of the tournament contender.

Ghana thrash USA 3-0, Freddy Adu carted off with career ending cruciate problems on 63 minutes. Italy manage 27 shots on target against the Czech Republic but can't tuck a single one away. Totti is brought on on the 67th minute for Gillardino, and promptly gets sent off for punching a Czech defender apropos of nothing. Match ends 0-0, Nesta misses an injury time penalty. Ghana qualify as winners, Czechs as runners up on goal difference, Berlusconi reported "shook".

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:37 (twenty years ago)

I'm backing Ghana _because_ the "fancied" African team (this year: Ivory Coast) always turns up and does absolutely zip. Plus this is the first time since 86 when nobody's been talking up a legit African contender (probably because of the falls of the houses of Cameroon and Nigeria). So Ghana to "shock" "us" "all".

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:41 (twenty years ago)

Plus America tends to have one "on" tournament followed by one "off" tournament. Great in 94, great in 02, an absolute abortion in 98.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:49 (twenty years ago)

I remember my girlfriend in 1994 having a puffy sticker of the cartoon dog that was the mascot. I remember as I was driving into Chicago seeing a billboard with a three-dimensional soccer ball sticking out of it.

And that's pretty much it.

― Pleasant Plains /// (Pleasant Plains ///), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:50 (twenty years ago)

call us "America" again and Brazil and Argentina and Mexico and Canada and a lot of other countries will slap you

― Haikunym (Haikunym), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:54 (twenty years ago)

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:55 (twenty years ago)

[8--[]

― Haikunym (Haikunym), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:56 (twenty years ago)

Is that meant to be Landon Donovan?

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 14:59 (twenty years ago)

If an African team ARE going to do well at this World Cup I think it will be Tunisia, but this is kinda off-topic so will stop now.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 15:02 (twenty years ago)

i remember the 1998 world cup very very well, because i lived on Little Brasil Street (aka 46th St) in Manhattan at the time. i have never seen such a quick change of mood.

― Tracey Hand (tracerhand), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 15:02 (twenty years ago)

I remember the 1994 world cup. Some of the games were held in Pontiac (the street signs saying "WORLD CUP 1994" were still up on Woodward Ave the last time I was there). I remember my parents were out of town so I had the house to myself, and I invited over a bunch of friends to watch the match against Brazil (on July 4!). Then, after Brazil went ahead and we knew that the U.S. didn't have a chance of getting an equalizer, we spent the rest of the day setting off illegal fireworks in the backyard. Good times.

― Aaron W (Aaron W), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 15:50 (twenty years ago)

the only thing I remember about the 1994 World Cup was that it spawned an okay pinball game.

― Shakey Mo Collier (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 19:01 (twenty years ago)

Yeah, forgot about that one.

http://www.bmigaming.com/Images/world_cup_soccer-1994-f-1.jpg

― Pleasant Plains /// (Pleasant Plains ///), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 19:16 (twenty years ago)

I remember that July 4 - I was walking down Pennsylvania Ave around 24th that was completely dead except for this raucous crowd spilling out of a Brazilian restaurant and I think a string of flags across the street and some motorcycle cops.

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 19:19 (twenty years ago)

bang it in the mixer!

― Teh HoBBercraft (the pirate king), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 22:24 (twenty years ago)

The 1994 US team was staying at the Dana Point Resort in Orange County, where my sister worked. I saw Cobi Jones and his girlfriend have an argument as they smoked cigarettes.

― polyphonic (polyphonic), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 22:29 (twenty years ago)

Those Bono commercials for the world cup make me want to kick someone in the face.

― The Mercury Krueger (Ex Leon), Tuesday, 23 May 2006 22:30 (twenty years ago)

Morocco 1 (90th minute) US 0 in tonight's friendly. They looked sloppy and tight, defense played well, offense was tentative. Also, Reyna out with hamstring thing.

― mcd (mcd), Wednesday, 24 May 2006 01:44 (twenty years ago)

Hang on, the Dutch are THIRD in the world rankings!??? That is actually madder than the American one.

― Gravel Puzzleworth (Gregory Henry), Wednesday, 24 May 2006 02:15 (twenty years ago)

Morocco 1 (90th minute) US 0 in tonight's friendly. They looked sloppy and tight, defense played well, offense was tentative. Also, Reyna out with hamstring thing.

Doesn't bode well does it.

― Aaron W (Aaron W), Wednesday, 24 May 2006 13:01 (twenty years ago)

Hang on, the Dutch are THIRD in the world rankings!??? That is actually madder than the American one.

esp. as they've beaten the #2 nation twice since Euro 2004.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Wednesday, 24 May 2006 13:03 (twenty years ago)

I remember my brother and I wrapping ourselves in Holland flags (because he had just been there to play soccer) in our tiny living room right before our parents split up. And not caring about any teams except US and Holland.

― jocelyn (Jocelyn), Thursday, 25 May 2006 04:07 (twenty years ago)

I lived in Dallas and remember working at a music store, and having a lot of Europeans come in to buy stuff. One guy bought a Radiohead CD and said it was cheaper here than in the UK.

― Dominique (dleone), Thursday, 25 May 2006 11:51 (twenty years ago)

that pinball table was ACES, they used to have it in the tut and shive in cheltenham...

― CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Thursday, 25 May 2006 14:12 (twenty years ago)

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