Super enjoyed the look back at your recollections of those WCs. I had similar experiences. It really got my juices flowing, although this time, I will be stateside for the lads. Safe travels and keep the stories rolling for us back home. Go Yanks!
This is a great story to get me psyched for another World Cup! I've been a fan since 1994 (a natural start, although I caught the final in 1990), and it's always special when the U.S. is a part of it (cough, cough, every WC since except for THE WC THAT SHALL NOT BE NAMED). One thing I enjoy is the odd start times here on the West Coast--I can remember watching USA play Germany in that 2002 quarterfinal at 5 in the morning at a friend's apartment, and drinking in the bars while watching matches at 9 a.m. other years. I will NEVER forget that Donovan goal to beat Algeria--I leapt up in the soccer bar, pointing at my Donovan jersey and celebrating amid total bedlam. There was also Timmy Howard in 2014 and his amazing performance in a knockout round match.... Those are the kinds of memories that World Cups can create, and I look forward to a few more in this year's edition!
Grant - do you think Steffan’s FA Cup howlers this year and last for Man City contributed to Berhalter’s thinking, and being worried about Steffan when the lights were brightest?
Super enjoyed the look back at your recollections of those WCs. I had similar experiences. It really got my juices flowing, although this time, I will be stateside for the lads. Safe travels and keep the stories rolling for us back home. Go Yanks!
Oh my gosh I love this column. The World Cup is so much fun, and reading your reminisces makes me smile.
This is a great story to get me psyched for another World Cup! I've been a fan since 1994 (a natural start, although I caught the final in 1990), and it's always special when the U.S. is a part of it (cough, cough, every WC since except for THE WC THAT SHALL NOT BE NAMED). One thing I enjoy is the odd start times here on the West Coast--I can remember watching USA play Germany in that 2002 quarterfinal at 5 in the morning at a friend's apartment, and drinking in the bars while watching matches at 9 a.m. other years. I will NEVER forget that Donovan goal to beat Algeria--I leapt up in the soccer bar, pointing at my Donovan jersey and celebrating amid total bedlam. There was also Timmy Howard in 2014 and his amazing performance in a knockout round match.... Those are the kinds of memories that World Cups can create, and I look forward to a few more in this year's edition!
Great stuff Grant! Have you seen “FIFA Uncovered?” FIFA bribery is an epidemic. I hope receiving that vase was on the up-and-up! Lol
I humbly offer my services as your companion/shadow for any future World Cups you cover. It’s the least I can do :)
Grant - do you think Steffan’s FA Cup howlers this year and last for Man City contributed to Berhalter’s thinking, and being worried about Steffan when the lights were brightest?
Thoroughly enjoyed this! Especially your walk through the previous World Cups you have covered. Sounds like it has been quite a ride.
Great read! Thanks for the trip down memory lane and great meeting you in person on Thursday night in NYC. Safe travels!