Before The Game Was Gone · https://beforethegamewasgone.news/opinion/how-frances-usa-94-nightmare-paved-the-way-for-zidane-171393
How France’s USA 94 nightmare paved the way for Zidane
22.10.26, 10:22 Updated 01.11.26, 10:18 7 Minute Read
It’s 17 October 1993, France are locked at 1-1 with Bulgaria in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The Paris crowd knows that Eric Cantona’s 31st minute goal (even though it had been cancelled out by an Emil Kostadinov strike six minutes later) would be enough to see their nation qualify for the 1994 World Cup.
A shock 3-2 defeat at home to Israel in the previous match had threatened to see Gérard Houllier’s side miss out but as they entered stoppage time against Bulgaria, they were on track to qualify as runners-up behind Sweden in their group. That’s when Ginola changed the course of footballing history.
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Rich Chamberlain
EditorI grew up on football of the 90s, hearing stories from my dad and elder brother about the glory days of the 80s. In a 20-year writing career, I have written for several magazines and penned books about Coventry City and Euro 96.