What It Is: Not notoriously known as a country that celebrates “the beautiful game,” the United States of America was selected to host the biggest tournament in the sports world…the World Cup. A country without a domestic league and no real clout, building from the ground up a national team that was in shambles. From experienced players to college wunderkinds, the boys will try to procure interest in a sport no one was really watching and whose name, football, means something totally different within its borders.

What We Think: I love world football. This love stems from this exact moment in time. I can fondly remember that summer day. Balloons everywhere, a celebration of a sport that in the 30 plus years since has gained some traction. This particular summer, in its entirety, has been covered by an equally great June 17, 1994 which was part of ESPN’s 30 for 30. Here though our focus is on how this ragtag group of dudes became a team their country could believe in, if only for a week. The interviews here, particularly with head coach Bora Milutinovic, are a highlight. He’s a character, but he’s also a hell of a storyteller, thanks to the captions. Hearing about the entire process that went into making this team happen was probably the most interesting part.

Our Grade: A-, A fascinating look into a great time to be alive. The early nineties, for me at least, were such a great time. As the son of an immigrant, soccer was the first sport my dad ever taught me. Building a full size goal in the backyard out of spare pipes. Day in and day out practicing. It’s because of this event and what it did for its sport that makes this look worthwhile. See this. It’s exceptional (unlike the recent run of form from the USMNT). Poch, the world and this critic will be watching next month. Don’t let us down.