Great article looking back at one of the most exciting day in world soccer... November 17, 1993. World Cup qualifying for USA '94. I remember watching Graham Leggett on Soccer Saturday doing the highlights and being totally inspired by the drama.
The final night of the old World Cup qualifying system was a sensory overload of drama that included death, 'murder', illegal aliens – and Jack Charlton almost chinning Tony Cascarino
The forgotten story of... November 17, 1993
Italy vs. Portugal
- Switzerland had a walk in the last game and would win 4-0 to qualify first in group.
Holland vs Poland
- England was playing San Marino and gave up a goal 8 seconds into the game. England went on to score 7 but Holland had Bergkamp who was absolute class)
Eire vs Northern Ireland
Spain vs. Denmark
- Northern Ireland was already eliminated but had the chance to eliminate their Catholic brethren. Spain was playing defending Euro champs Denmark as only math would dictate who qualified.
Wales vs Romania
- Former Whitecap Terry Yorath was leading a Welsh team that featured a young Ryan Giggs and with a win, would qualify for their first World Cup since 1954. Wales came a crossbar away from qualifying but Gheorge Hagi had other ideas.
France vs. Bulgaria
- How did France not qualify? Playing at home... a line-up that included Eric Cantana, David Ginola, Didier Deschamp, Marcel Desailly, Jean-Pierre Papin etc... coaching staff of Gerard Houllier and Aime Jacquet... a loss to Israel the game before didn't help. The most exciting game of the day.
To boot...
Argentina vs Australia
- Canada missed out on qualifying for USA '94 by losing to Australia in a playoff.
Enjoy
The final night of the old World Cup qualifying system was a sensory overload of drama that included death, 'murder', illegal aliens – and Jack Charlton almost chinning Tony Cascarino
The forgotten story of... November 17, 1993
Italy vs. Portugal
- Switzerland had a walk in the last game and would win 4-0 to qualify first in group.
Holland vs Poland
- England was playing San Marino and gave up a goal 8 seconds into the game. England went on to score 7 but Holland had Bergkamp who was absolute class)
Eire vs Northern Ireland
Spain vs. Denmark
- Northern Ireland was already eliminated but had the chance to eliminate their Catholic brethren. Spain was playing defending Euro champs Denmark as only math would dictate who qualified.
Wales vs Romania
- Former Whitecap Terry Yorath was leading a Welsh team that featured a young Ryan Giggs and with a win, would qualify for their first World Cup since 1954. Wales came a crossbar away from qualifying but Gheorge Hagi had other ideas.
France vs. Bulgaria
- How did France not qualify? Playing at home... a line-up that included Eric Cantana, David Ginola, Didier Deschamp, Marcel Desailly, Jean-Pierre Papin etc... coaching staff of Gerard Houllier and Aime Jacquet... a loss to Israel the game before didn't help. The most exciting game of the day.
To boot...
Argentina vs Australia
- Canada missed out on qualifying for USA '94 by losing to Australia in a playoff.
Enjoy
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