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New Kids in the World Cup: The Totally Late '80s and Early '90s Tale of the Team That Changed American Soccer Forever
In 1990, though no one knew it then, a fearless group of players changed the sport of soccer in the United States forever. Young, bronzed, and mulleted, they were America’s finest athletes in a sport that America loved to hate. Even sportswriters rooted against them. Yet this team defied massive odds and qualified for the World Cup, making possible America’s current obsession with the world’s most popular game.
In this era, a U.S. Soccer Federation head coach had a better-paying day job as a black-tie restaurant waiter. Players earned $20 a day. The crowd at home games cheered for their opponent, and the fields were even mismarked. In Latin America the U.S. team bus had a machine gun turret mounted on the back, locals would sabotage their hotel, and in the stadiums spectators would rain coins, batteries, and plastic bags of urine down on the American players. The world considered the U.S. team to be total imposters—the Milli Vanilli of soccer. Yet on the biggest stage of all, in the 1990 World Cup, this undaunted American squad and their wise coach earned the adoration of Italy’s star players and their fans in a gladiator-like match in Rome’s deafening Stadio Olimpico.
From windswept soccer fields in the U.S. heartland to the CIA-infested cauldron of Central America and the Caribbean, behind the recently toppled Iron Curtain and into the great European soccer cathedrals, New Kids in the World Cup is the origin story of modern American soccer in a time when power ballads were inescapable and mainstream America was discovering hip-hop. It’s the true adventure of America’s most important soccer team, which made possible everything that’s come since—including America finally falling in love with soccer.
For more information about the book visit newkidsintheworldcup.com
In this era, a U.S. Soccer Federation head coach had a better-paying day job as a black-tie restaurant waiter. Players earned $20 a day. The crowd at home games cheered for their opponent, and the fields were even mismarked. In Latin America the U.S. team bus had a machine gun turret mounted on the back, locals would sabotage their hotel, and in the stadiums spectators would rain coins, batteries, and plastic bags of urine down on the American players. The world considered the U.S. team to be total imposters—the Milli Vanilli of soccer. Yet on the biggest stage of all, in the 1990 World Cup, this undaunted American squad and their wise coach earned the adoration of Italy’s star players and their fans in a gladiator-like match in Rome’s deafening Stadio Olimpico.
From windswept soccer fields in the U.S. heartland to the CIA-infested cauldron of Central America and the Caribbean, behind the recently toppled Iron Curtain and into the great European soccer cathedrals, New Kids in the World Cup is the origin story of modern American soccer in a time when power ballads were inescapable and mainstream America was discovering hip-hop. It’s the true adventure of America’s most important soccer team, which made possible everything that’s come since—including America finally falling in love with soccer.
For more information about the book visit newkidsintheworldcup.com
- GenresSportsSoccerNonfiction
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 29, 2022
When the United States men’s soccer team qualified for the 1990 World Cup, that was the first time in 40 years that they played in the tournament. It was such a surprise that most people associated with the tourney and soccer felt that the United States would embarrass themselves and made many wonder why they were selected to host the next tourney in 1994. The road that team took to Italia ’90 is described in this fun book by Adam Elder.
Those readers who were not following US men’s soccer (and that would be many) at the time may be amazed to learn how different the funding, salaries and everything else that goes along with it was at that time. There was no Major League Soccer – or any professional league in the United States since the demise of the North American Soccer League in 1985. The team was concerned that they would not be able to continue playing the game they love. At the time, there was serious concern there would not be a US soccer team. In 1986, after failing to qualify for that year’s World Cup, the US team played only two official matches. It was a dark period and Elder’s writing about that time helps set up the rest of the book, which was terrific.
When the US team defeated Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the 1990 World Cup, it was the culmination of an adventure of a group of men who were unknown to most, including soccer fans and media in their own country, but coach Bob Gansler knew the talent and determination of guys like Tab Ramos, Bruce Murray, Tony Meola (who supplanted David Vanole as goalkeeper) and Michael Windicshmann. Elder’s writing about these players included using their nicknames like “Windy” (Windischmann) and “Juice” (Murray) makes the reader feel like he or she knows them on a personal level. The stories about their games and travels, especially those in Central America when the pressure was at its greatest, was mesmerizing and have many “can’t put it down” moments.
The story didn’t end with the qualification into the tournament, although it felt like that should have been the climax of the book. The writing about the three games played by the US in group play was just as good, even though they lost all three games. It was the same play-by-play account that Elder wrote for the qualifying games and he included quotes from the television announcers. This makes it apparent that part of the research was watching the games as well as interviews and the usual research methods. When one considers how different media was in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, this shows the author’s dedication.
The writing style isn’t all that typical and does read as more suited for readers of a certain age, but it’s just so darn fun to read. From naming each chapter for a popular song from that era to the liberal use of the player’s nicknames, Elder has written a book that any American reader who enjoys today’s version of soccer in the United States should read. If it was not for this scrappy bunch of players, there would not be the current high salaries for the US men’s team, there would not be the wall-to-wall media coverage and there wouldn’t even be Major League Soccer without this 1990 team.
I wish to thank University of Nebraska Press for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
Those readers who were not following US men’s soccer (and that would be many) at the time may be amazed to learn how different the funding, salaries and everything else that goes along with it was at that time. There was no Major League Soccer – or any professional league in the United States since the demise of the North American Soccer League in 1985. The team was concerned that they would not be able to continue playing the game they love. At the time, there was serious concern there would not be a US soccer team. In 1986, after failing to qualify for that year’s World Cup, the US team played only two official matches. It was a dark period and Elder’s writing about that time helps set up the rest of the book, which was terrific.
When the US team defeated Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the 1990 World Cup, it was the culmination of an adventure of a group of men who were unknown to most, including soccer fans and media in their own country, but coach Bob Gansler knew the talent and determination of guys like Tab Ramos, Bruce Murray, Tony Meola (who supplanted David Vanole as goalkeeper) and Michael Windicshmann. Elder’s writing about these players included using their nicknames like “Windy” (Windischmann) and “Juice” (Murray) makes the reader feel like he or she knows them on a personal level. The stories about their games and travels, especially those in Central America when the pressure was at its greatest, was mesmerizing and have many “can’t put it down” moments.
The story didn’t end with the qualification into the tournament, although it felt like that should have been the climax of the book. The writing about the three games played by the US in group play was just as good, even though they lost all three games. It was the same play-by-play account that Elder wrote for the qualifying games and he included quotes from the television announcers. This makes it apparent that part of the research was watching the games as well as interviews and the usual research methods. When one considers how different media was in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, this shows the author’s dedication.
The writing style isn’t all that typical and does read as more suited for readers of a certain age, but it’s just so darn fun to read. From naming each chapter for a popular song from that era to the liberal use of the player’s nicknames, Elder has written a book that any American reader who enjoys today’s version of soccer in the United States should read. If it was not for this scrappy bunch of players, there would not be the current high salaries for the US men’s team, there would not be the wall-to-wall media coverage and there wouldn’t even be Major League Soccer without this 1990 team.
I wish to thank University of Nebraska Press for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
November 16, 2022
Adam Elder writes an extremely fun, entertaining, and informative book on the 1990 US World Cup team, which essentially ushered in the modern history of US Soccer. In its pages you will get to know the coach and players that qualified for the 1990 World Cup, the first tournament the Americans qualified for since 1950. Much of the book takes you through the qualification games against regional opponents often played in hot humid conditions in front of hostile crowds. The author then provides detailed game summaries of each of the team’s games once they reached the tournament in Italy. Mr. Elder does a good job building suspense and intrigue in his descriptions of the games as well as providing behind the scenes accounts of road trips, training, and the all important “Victory” music video. Throughout, he also sprinkles nuggets of 80s/90s pop culture. You also get a feeling for the pressure these guys were under since they failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1990, FIFA may have stripped the hosting 1994 World Cup from the US, which was vitally important for the games growth to come. If you want to know how far the US has come from a soccer standpoint both internationally and domestically, just read this book. Mr. Elder ends the book with a snapshot of just how far the game has come with much of the credit belonging to the New Kids at the World Cup. I highly recommend this book.
December 28, 2025
I read this to get ready for the World Cup and it did not disappoint! It’s tricky to write a game outcome in a way that’s exciting, but this book pulls it off. I had no idea how far US soccer has come—this is a must read for US soccer fans!
June 22, 2023
"New Kids in the World Cup" by Adam Elder is an engaging and captivating account of the United States' remarkable journey prior to and during the 1990 World Cup. Elder's writing style makes for an enjoyable read, transforming match commentary into a digestible and entertaining narrative. The author's skillful storytelling shines throughout the book, evident from the very beginning with the compelling tale of Paul Caligiuri, a former NCAA athlete, mixing in with Hollywood's elites at a Michael Lippman mansion party.
Elder's ability to bring the story to life goes beyond the on-field action. He seamlessly weaves in the narratives of key figures such as Werner Fricker and Walt Chyzowych, showcasing their significant contributions to the turnaround of US soccer. By providing a broader context, the book highlights the team's accomplishments in the context of the sport's history, making it all the more impactful.
One of the standout features of "New Kids in the World Cup" is the recognition of the team's achievement in breaking a four-decade-long drought for the United States in the World Cup. Elder expertly conveys the magnitude of this accomplishment, emphasizing the impact it had on the fate of US soccer. The book effectively captures the excitement, hope, and pride that swept the nation during this transformative period.
At just the right length, "New Kids in the World Cup" strikes a balance between providing sufficient detail and keeping the reader engaged. Elder's writing style ensures that even readers with limited knowledge of soccer can follow the story and immerse themselves in the journey of the US team. The book is a testament to the author's ability to make complex sporting events accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.
"New Kids in the World Cup" is a well-written and compelling account of the United States' performances leading up to and during the 1990 World Cup. Adam Elder's storytelling prowess, combined with his ability to convey the historical significance of the team's achievements, makes for a captivating read. Whether you are a soccer enthusiast or simply interested in the rise of US soccer, this book provides an engaging and informative perspective on a defining moment in the sport's history.
Elder's ability to bring the story to life goes beyond the on-field action. He seamlessly weaves in the narratives of key figures such as Werner Fricker and Walt Chyzowych, showcasing their significant contributions to the turnaround of US soccer. By providing a broader context, the book highlights the team's accomplishments in the context of the sport's history, making it all the more impactful.
One of the standout features of "New Kids in the World Cup" is the recognition of the team's achievement in breaking a four-decade-long drought for the United States in the World Cup. Elder expertly conveys the magnitude of this accomplishment, emphasizing the impact it had on the fate of US soccer. The book effectively captures the excitement, hope, and pride that swept the nation during this transformative period.
At just the right length, "New Kids in the World Cup" strikes a balance between providing sufficient detail and keeping the reader engaged. Elder's writing style ensures that even readers with limited knowledge of soccer can follow the story and immerse themselves in the journey of the US team. The book is a testament to the author's ability to make complex sporting events accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.
"New Kids in the World Cup" is a well-written and compelling account of the United States' performances leading up to and during the 1990 World Cup. Adam Elder's storytelling prowess, combined with his ability to convey the historical significance of the team's achievements, makes for a captivating read. Whether you are a soccer enthusiast or simply interested in the rise of US soccer, this book provides an engaging and informative perspective on a defining moment in the sport's history.
November 3, 2022
Loved this book.
I knew all about the ‘94 team, and pretty much every other team that came afterwards. But really didn’t have an understanding of the ‘90 team. For those of us later to US Soccer, who might only know the names on the squad as present-day coaches, or general managers, or commentators, it was delightful to get a depiction of what they were like back then, before all the success of the following decade.
It was a fun, exciting read. It’s hard to give play-by-play commentary of a game in text form — just pick up *Inverting the Pyramid* for a comparison — but Adam did that well here. There’s also a ton of stories outside the games that were fun to read- you could almost hear the laughter from the real-life interviews that lead to these chapters.
I knew all about the ‘94 team, and pretty much every other team that came afterwards. But really didn’t have an understanding of the ‘90 team. For those of us later to US Soccer, who might only know the names on the squad as present-day coaches, or general managers, or commentators, it was delightful to get a depiction of what they were like back then, before all the success of the following decade.
It was a fun, exciting read. It’s hard to give play-by-play commentary of a game in text form — just pick up *Inverting the Pyramid* for a comparison — but Adam did that well here. There’s also a ton of stories outside the games that were fun to read- you could almost hear the laughter from the real-life interviews that lead to these chapters.
January 3, 2023
This is a story that needed to be told. I played soccer in high school and college in the 70's and 80's, and coach it to this day. I lived this story from afar, watching all the games and following all the players who shaped soccer in the United States. The author clearly shows a love and respect for the game that is much appreciated. While some of the writing felt a touch awkward, the author's telling of the story was heart-felt and inspiring.
Thank you Adam Elder for this book. I hope younger fans of the beautiful game in America will read it and understand where some of us old guys came from.
Thank you Adam Elder for this book. I hope younger fans of the beautiful game in America will read it and understand where some of us old guys came from.
January 8, 2024
If you want a book that lets you relive the 1989-1990 U.S. Men's National Soccer team games leading up and in the 1990 World Cup. This book is just the ticket.
I loved reading about the journey of these amateur and extremely dedicated soccer players in a time in the US when soccer just was not basketball, baseball or football. Now that the sport has taken off with the MLS, the success of our women's team and a bigger love of the Premier League and other leagues abroad, this is a great book for those that have loved soccer forever and grown up with it like me OR for those who are just getting into the sport and want to learn how the popularity launched off.
I loved reading about the journey of these amateur and extremely dedicated soccer players in a time in the US when soccer just was not basketball, baseball or football. Now that the sport has taken off with the MLS, the success of our women's team and a bigger love of the Premier League and other leagues abroad, this is a great book for those that have loved soccer forever and grown up with it like me OR for those who are just getting into the sport and want to learn how the popularity launched off.
June 6, 2022
Adam Elder has written a joyous romp through US Men’s Soccer’s hardcore return to the World Cup stage. Writing in an active “reporter on the scene” style that captures the action, while drawing on significant waves of nostalgia, you’ll walk away a soccer fan. Thanks to the University of Nebraska Press and NetGalley for the chance to preview this book. #newkidsintheworldcup #universityofnebraskapress #netgalley
May 17, 2025
Good book, although I did feel like there was a bit too much of the “oh this is what a player said on the field” stuff that I didn’t really care much for, more wanted the history, but still very much enjoyed
August 14, 2023
Required reading for all US soccer fans. Superb chronicle of the US national team in the 1990 World Cup.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews