Brief History Of The 1994 World Cup In The United States

In 1994, the United States proved global critics wrong as hosts of the World Cup.

Skeptics in Europe and South America argued that a country without a top-tier professional league, paired with a population that supposedly didn't "understand" the game, was a questionable choice for the world’s biggest sporting event.

But what unfolded over the course of the summer was a memorable tournament witnessed by massive crowds at stadiums that were known more for the other kind of football. American soccer had its long-awaited defining moment.

Let's take a look back on the summer of soccer took over the United States.

The USA squad in 1994. (Photo by George Tiedemann /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) 

If you remember or have seen clips of the U.S. men's national team at the 1994 World Cup, a couple of things stood out. One was the amazing hairstyles. You had Alexi Lalas. Cobi Jones. Marcelo Balboa. Tony Meola. All American soccer icons rocking such a unique blend of looks.

Building on its appearance at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, in which it went winless in three games, the USA wanted to ensure that it would make a better impression as hosts.

The United States men's national team opened the group stage against Switzerland at the Pontiac Silverdome — then home to the NFL's Detroit Lions — on a temporary grass pitch. 

The first match in World Cup history to be played indoors, the stadium had been designed to keep the winter weather out and was not equipped with air conditioning. USA midfielder Thomas Dooley later called it "the worst place I have ever played at."

USA star Eric Wynalda, center, ahead of the opener. (Photo by Lutz Bongarts/Bongarts/Getty Images)

But it was thanks to a wonder-goal against the Swiss by the USA