Team USA 1994 World Cup Bora Milutinović Boraball tactics soccer coaching legends

Excerpted from The Long Game by Leander Schaerlaeckens, published May 12, 2026 by Viking. Available for purchase now.

Velibor Milutinović—known to friends and rivals alike as Bora—was born in Yugoslavia and orphaned during World War II. His early years were spent playing soccer in the streets, using an inflated pig’s bladder as a makeshift ball. Alongside his two brothers, he rose to the national team before signing professional contracts in Switzerland and France. His playing career eventually led him to Mexico, where he transitioned into coaching.

From Player to Coach: Bora’s Unconventional Path

In Mexico, Bora became a respected coach, leading clubs to success before taking charge of the Mexican national team. His unconventional tactics, later dubbed ‘Boraball’, revitalized the squad. At the 1986 World Cup on home soil, he guided Mexico to an improbable quarterfinal, cementing his reputation as a tactical innovator and national hero.

Bora’s Miracle in Costa Rica: 1990 World Cup Breakthrough

Just two months before the 1990 World Cup, Bora was hired by Costa Rica. He made bold decisions, including dropping half a dozen of the team’s star players. The gamble paid off as Costa Rica became the first Central American nation to advance to the World Cup’s second round, marking a historic achievement.

Boraball’s Global Impact

Bora’s ability to transform underdog teams into tournament contenders became his signature. His methods laid the foundation for his future success, including his pivotal role in preparing Team USA for the 1994 World Cup.

Source: Defector
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