The U.S. men’s national soccer team has a momentous opportunity on Monday night, aiming to reach the World Cup quarterfinals right at home. Should they secure a win against Belgium, they’d join the “Elite Eight” and achieve their best performance since 2002.
Soccer really took off in the U.S. back in 1994 when the national team made it to the finals. John Harkes, who played then, gained quite a bit of attention. It’s interesting, there’s a documentary series titled “Summer of ’94” that feels, perhaps, like this year’s events are a full-circle moment.
Harkes recently shared his feelings about the ongoing tournament, saying that watching the national anthem always stirs emotions for him. It reminds him of the contribution they made to the sport in ’90 and ’94. “It was a big deal being on home turf,” he reflected. “Now, 32 years later, it’s crucial for us to tell our story; people need to know the history of soccer in this country,” he mentioned in an interview.
He emphasized the power of winning, claiming it not only showcases talent but also lifts the spirits in the stadium during games. Harkes acknowledged feeling some “pressure” to promote the sport domestically while striving for the coveted trophy, a challenge they have accepted willingly. After defeating Colombia to advance, this year’s squad is energized, especially after a thrilling 2-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Currently, Harkes serves as the technical director for McLean Youth Soccer in Virginia, also coaching the U.S. U15 team. There’s a hope, he noted, that as soccer grows, so do the values among coaches. “We are building a platform for kids not just to compete, but to learn crucial life skills too. Coaching involves being there for the players and their families,” he explained. The focus should be on leading by example and ensuring win-at-all-cost attitudes don’t overtake the joy of the game.
Harkes believes the emotional impact of the 1994 World Cup was significant and this year’s event could create an even bigger impression. He reflects on how amazing the summer of ’94 was, noting their unprecedented success. “We’ve generated passion for the men’s game, and those stories have endured. Let’s support our U.S. team and push them as far as they can go,” he concluded.
