Soccer Retros
I reached out to Soccer Retros online, and asked for two free kits in exchange for content. They kindly sent through these two classics, the 97’ Argentina and 94’ USA. Two beauties. Connor, Rob, and I had a great time travelling back in time and bringing these two kits to life at Chicano Park.
The Kits
I chose these two kits because of what each side was doing. One was a country discovering it could play, reaching a World Cup knockout round on home soil in front of the biggest crowds this sport had ever drawn here. The other was the best team in South America, grinding out a qualifying campaign nobody could touch. Different continents, different style, both of them representing deep footballing passion.
the 97’ Argentina Home
Argentina wore this while flat-out dominating South America. Sixteen qualifiers for France 98, eight wins, six draws, two defeats, first place in the table. This was the Passarella side of Batistuta, Simeone, Zanetti, Ortega and Verón, and the same core that had gone all the way to the Olympic final in Atlanta. Crespo scored braces against Spain and Portugal to get there before Nigeria snatched gold in the second-to-last minute. Although settling for the Silver medal, Argentina made this kit proud. Personally, I think it’s one of the most beautiful kits ever made.
The 94’ USA Away
This is the shirt the USA came of age in. First drawing with Switzerland, then winning over a strong Colombia side, the USA made it through to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams. Despite losing to Brazil on the Fourth of July, this was a US team that refused to be embarrassed, going down by a single goal to the side that lifted the trophy three weeks later. Lalas, Cobi Jones, and Reyna ignited football spirit throughout the country.
