USA 94: The World Cup that Changed the Game

by Matthew Evans

A group of volunteers begged, borrowed and remortgaged a house on their way to convincing FIFA to hand them the keys to the 1994 World Cup. When they got the green light, the USA was tasked with presenting the greatest show on earth to a nation of non-believers, with a press corps just waiting for them to fail. Six years later, the country famed for its glitz, glamour and razzmatazz delivered a glorious summer of memorable kits and billowing goal nets, confounding the doubters as they shattered attendance records and drew fans in their millions. The full-throttle journey to the global phenomenon that football is today had begun. It was a tale of two missed penalties, a car chase, internal politics, triumph and tragedy in equal measure. Heroes were born, dreams were shattered and for many life would never be the same. If Italia 90 unlocked the door to the modern game, then USA 94 kicked it open and nailed it to the wall. The revolution was here, and it was televised.

Genres: Sports, Football

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Charlotte Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I couldn’t stop once I started it. Evans lays out the story of USA 94 brilliantly, detailing how the US managed to secure being hosts, the trials and tribulations of teams vying to obtain a place at the World Cup and the stories of some of the teams. Thoroughly enjoyed this, particularly as someone who was not alive when this tournament was played. Evans tells the story well and guides the reader through the results and outcome of the World Cup with great attention to detail

[Roop Gill Axelsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for the fans of USA ‘94. If, like me, you picked up this book to educate yourself, you might find yourself relying a bit too much on Google and YouTube for context. If, however, you want to relive your memories of ‘94 through brilliantly researched and beautifully written essays, this is the one.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

As some of you might notice, I am a huge lover of books about football and at home I have a modest collection of over 50 books about the subject.

Recently I have made it a mission to find copies of books which deal specifically with various editions of the World Cup. Currently I own three of these (Espana 82, Mexico 86 - which I read two months ago - and USA 94, all in hardback editions).

Matthew Evans provides a very well-researched book about the uniqueness and greatness of the WC held in the States 28 years ago. The record attendances, the searing heat, the memorable matches (except the final till the penalties), the figures emerging (Stoichkov, Romario, Baggio, Dahlin), the surprises.

Evans doesn't deal with the topic chronologically (thank God as that would have been boring) but by subject, which makes for more compelling reading.

A definite must-read if you like/love football.

[Ray Smillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had forgotten what a decent tournament this was, apart from the dreadful final. It helped not having England (wouldn't enjoy it until they were knocked out) and Scotland (get knocked out in the first stages) meaning I could relax and enjoy the football. Still vividly recall John Aldridge calling the official a "Fookin twat", the immense defending of Trifon Ivanov, Sweden surprising everyone by getting to the semis and the intense heat of some of the games.

Also liked the way this was written not going down the usual chronological path. All in all one of the better world cup books.

[Paul McCormack · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit repetitive in the format it was written. Brings back good memories for sure