WORLD CUP USA ‘94: SEMIFINALS : Spotlight : THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

“Whatever the sting may bring to the tale, this has become the most memorable World Cup in a quarter of a century.

“The gamble of taking the game to America, for reasons of commerce first, sport second, has paid off in a way no one could have imagined. For while the host nation tries to come to terms with the body blows to the sporting ethic of O.J. Simpson, Mike Tyson and Tonya Harding, soccer, which many swore was alien to U.S. culture, has scored bonus points for good behavior.

“Hundreds of thousands of spectators have attended 48 matches so far without sight or sign of violence. . . . Above all, we are enjoying the element of surprise that spices up life and is vital to sports. We are seeing the reaffirmation that soccer knows no bounds of culture, class or creed, and that 11 players from just about anywhere can knock 11 supposed sporting gods out of the biggest tournament on earth.”