WORLD CUP USA ’94 : THE SOCCER EXPERT : The Own Goal

Colombia’s fall from widespread consideration as one of the favorites to win the World Cup to being one of eight teams that failed to qualify for the second round was typified by a misplay in the 34th minute against the United States on June 22 at the Rose Bowl.

HOW THE PLAY UNFOLDED

1) U.S. midfielder John Harkes, after taking a pass from Mike Sorber 10 yards inside the Colombian side of the field, dribbles up the left sideline and spots U.S. striker Ernie Stewart on the right wing.

2) Harkes curls a pass toward Stewart, who had beaten a defender, and Colombian goalkeeper Oscar Cordoba moves from his right to far left in an attempt to cut down Stewart’s shooting angle.

3) Midfielder Escobar attempts to make a sliding clear of the ball, but the ball ricochets off his leg and heads toward the net.

4) By now in position to seal off the left post from Stewart, Cordoba can only watch as the ball goes into an open net.

Source: Times staff