WORLD CUP USA ’94 ROUND OF 16 : SPECIAL REPORT : Colombia’s Escobar Murdered in Medellin

Andres Escobar made a mistake. He allowed a ball to bounce off his foot into the Colombian goal in a game June 22 against the United States. It cost Colombia the game. It cost Escobar his life. The talented Colombia midfielder was murdered Saturday in his hometown of Medellin. One gunman said, “Thanks for the auto-goal,” before pumping 12 bullets into Escobar’s body. After each shot the group of assailants shouted “goal.” Now, a day after this shocking incident, a Times special report looks at the circumstances surrounding Escobar’s death and how this incident fits into the specter of world competition.

* Please see Section W, immediately preceding this section.

* Main story, A1.