OPPOSITION LEGENDS

MARCELO BALBOA

 

Defender Marcelo Balboa was the first player to become a centurion for the United States national team during an international career that lasted over a decade between 1988 and 2000.

In total, Balboa made 127 appearances for his country, scoring 13 goals in the process after making his debut against Guatemala. A key figure in the defence of the national team, Balboa appeared in the finals of three consecutive World Cups, representing his country at the competition in 1990, 1994 and again 1998. Balboa spent the majority of his club career in Major League Soccer, spending five season with the Colorado Rapids.

“I have a hard time talking about myself,” said Balboa reflecting on his first World Cup. “It was much more than just an individual. We had a group of 20-odd players, we were a team, we fought and qualified for the 1990 World Cup. All those players, Eric Wynalda, John Harkes, Tab Ramos, we turned out to be the core group. We sacrificed a lot to make sure that soccer took off. We played in front of maybe 5,000 fans on a good night. But I enjoyed every minute. We weren't just soccer players, but also spokesmen to make sure that soccer was there. I was always taught as a kid if you do something, do it right. If not, go do something else. For me, soccer was life.”

“I have a hard time talking about myself,” said Balboa reflecting on his first World Cup. “It was much more than just an individual. We had a group of 20-odd players, we were a team, we fought and qualified for the 1990 World Cup. All those players, Eric Wynalda, John Harkes, Tab Ramos, we turned out to be the core group. We sacrificed a lot to make sure that soccer took off. We played in front of maybe 5,000 fans on a good night. But I enjoyed every minute. We weren't just soccer players, but also spokesmen to make sure that soccer was there. I was always taught as a kid if you do something, do it right. If not, go do something else. For me, soccer was life.”

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