Interesting how Bora thinks of himself as leaving a "legacy" in US soccer b/c he coached a few of the players that are still on the Nats. While that may be true, his coaching style when he was with the Nats is a style we left in the dust years ago. Nonetheless, he seems like a likeable guy.
Great column. Really interesting insight into a man who will be forever intertwined with US Soccer history. I've had the opportunity to meet him myself, but obviously Mark has a very good relationship, and describes Bora's "aura" very well. As for Bora's legacy, had the US not done as well as it did in 1994, I sometimes wonder where soccer would be today. He has a place at the US Soccer table, just maybe not at the head.
He has a place in my heart for giving the building process it's first "real" legs with respect to solid training facilities, plans for the future, etc. No disrespect meant *at all* to those involved in US Soccer before Bora - thank you for your help! Bora's timing was part of is "legacy" as well. Great ambassador for the game.
Great article Being a fan only since '93 (the year i came here) I must agree Bora is someone to be appreciated as a big part of why the US has gotten better and better....Laying foundations is a hard thing...Gansler (even though i never got to see him coach the Nats) and Bora were a big part of why the US team is what it is today
agree.Gotta give Bora his due.His "thing" is getting OK results with mediocre teams.I would not want him now but he did a very good job in 1994.
Bora deserves recognition for his job because after all he's kinda what got the ball rolling for USSF. However, when it's all said and done Arena will have the biggest legacy and rightfully so.
I think he did leave us a legacy. It wasn't so much that there a few guys still around. It's that he made the US realize that even without any world class players, they were capable of challenging any world class team and coud win.
IMO: Getting the US and Costa Rica into the second round in those cups were far more than ``okay'' results, as it is stretching the truth to say they were _ before that point _ mediocre teams for WC finals. Qualifying with that pathetic bunch from China was a flat out miracle. As for his boring tactics, I challenge anyone to find a more entertaining side than his 98 Nigeria squad. The game against Spain ranks as mu all time favorite, end to end, creative, offensive minded. His problem there was he should have gone further, thus vindicating the defense uber alles strategy he employs with far less talented sides. Bora and Gansler will always have places at the table of those who cherish the game in America.