Episode details

Radio 5 Live,07 Jun 2026,36 mins

Remember When... We Went To USA '94

Football Daily

Available for over a year

The last time the World Cup was on North American soil in 1994, many football fans were sceptical. But it planted the seed of America’s soccer culture today, and it has lived long in the memory of two nations in particular. Rick Edwards is joined by Brazil fan Edson and two Ireland fans - Rodney and Phelim - who all travelled to the United States. They describe a sometimes underwhelming atmosphere gripped by the stifling heat, but punctuated with unforgettable moments for their teams. 02:20 - Expectations of the US 1994 World Cup 05:00 - The lack of a ‘soccer culture’ 8:10 - Edson growing up watching Brazil 10:07 - Ireland coming up against Roberto Baggio’s Italy 16:35 - The excruciating heat 18:40 - John Aldridge’s famous outburst 20:40 - Why things ended in disappointment for the Irish 22:50 - An unconventional Brazil team 25:20 - Brazil vs Netherlands 27:10 - Phelim and Rodney causing chaos in Fort Lauderdale 29:15 - Brazil and Ireland welcomed home 32:30 - The significance of the 1994 World Cup for both nations

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