World Cup 1994 revisited: Most memorable moments

The National staff member Graham Caygill looks back at the most memorable moments from USA ‘94.

Diego Maradona, centre, put on a show at the 1994 World Cup in the United States until he failed a drugs test. Image Forum

With World Cup 2014 to start June 12, The National staff looks back at the most memorable tournaments in a weekly series that will take us up to the kick off in Brazil. First up, Graham Caygill and USA ‘94.

Al Qwairan’s goal

Not many would have picked a Saudi Arabian to score the best goal of 1994. But that is what Saeed Al Qwairan did as he picked up the ball deep in his own half against Belgium in a Group F clash and went on a mazy run, riding challenges to his left and right, before slotting home from close range.

Maradona’s moment

It proved to be only a cameo in the end because of his failed drugs test, but Diego Maradona left his mark with a goal in Argentina's opening 4-0 victory over Greece, after which he celebrated by charging at a TV camera, screaming and with his eyes bulging.

Salenko’s five

Oleg Salenko set a record for most goals by one player in a game at the finals when he netted five times, one a penalty, during Russia’s 6-1 rout of Cameroon in Group B. Added to a penalty against Sweden, he finished as joint-top scorer in the tournament with six goals. Not a bad effort considering Russia were eliminated in the group stages.

Group E lockdown

Norway had exactly the same record of one win, a loss and a draw in Group E as Mexico, Republic of Ireland and Italy. All four sides were locked on four points and the same goal difference, but it was Norway who went out as they had scored only one goal while the others had netted at least two.

Home pride

It had been feared the United States would be the first host country not to make it out of the group stages but victory over Colombia helped them qualify in third-spot from Group A. They then pushed eventual champions Brazil hard in the last 16 before losing 1-0.

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