By Matt John
“It’s great the USA is hosting the World Cup, we should hold it again next year.”
In 20 years it would be safe to say we have all come so far.
Despite a disappointing final, the tragedy of a murdered player and the disgrace of a legend’s failed drugs test, USA 94 succeeded for FIFA in conquering what was football’s final frontier – the United States.
A skeptical global fan base questioned the ability of America in putting on a ‘soccer’ (this will be the first and only time it is referred to as such) tournament but surely not their ability to stage n extravaganza. The opening ceremony was in the bank. However, Diana Ross in her moment of glory, did not reign supreme.
From a disco diva to the ‘Divine Ponytail’, USA ’94 ended in the same way it began with the horror of a missed penalty. While we still laugh at clips of Ross making a hash of her spot-kick, it is still hard to watch Baggio’s tears after his blasted penalty relegating him from Roberto to Dino.
We were, however, right to be suspicious. It was the first World Cup with 3 points for a win along with changes to the offside, and back-pass rules. Perhaps coincidence, but it became difficult to find humor in meddling with the beautiful game when we heard ‘jokes’ of American TV executives lobbying for bigger goals due to the fear of a 0-0 draws, and for games to be split into quarters to allow for more advertising during the intervals. Deep breaths.
I would love to continue to mock but the truth is that history has proved us doubters wrong. In a remarkably short amount of time USA has become a credible footballing nation with frequent displays they can compete with the tradition superpowers of the game. Despite being drawn in the group of death and safe money suggesting Team USA will struggle to progress, I don’t see any potential upset being viewed in the traditional sense. It will hardly create waves throughout world football and merely suggest the competent group of players, directed by their experienced manager, ‘got it right.’
It’s fair to say it all began far earlier for the USA, and it is a shame that Joe Gaetjens is not a household name as similar achievements elsewhere would have him crowned a national hero. The last time the World Cup was held in Brazil in 1950, a hastily assembled U.S. team composed of part-time players defeated tournament favorites England 1–0, Gaetjens scored the game’s only goal.
So America beat England at their own game not when the world was watching anticipating the inevitable cultural or sporting gaff, but 44 years earlier, long before the USA was even recognized as a joke on the international footballing stage. Regardless of previous upsets, it’s fair to say that in the last 20 years, football in the United States has come a long way.
Matt John is a former professional Badminton player and collegiate athlete at the sports focused and pre-eminent Loughborough University. He is currently an assistant to the Rt Hon Justine Greening MP.
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