[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 15, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 15, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       WORLD CUP SOCCER--THE GREATEST SPORTING EVENT IN THE WORLD

  (Mr. WALSH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, in just a couple of days the greatest 
sporting event in the world will begin. This year the United States 
will host the World Cup Soccer Championship for the first time in our 
history. A sport the whole world calls football, and in deference to 
American football we call soccer, will attract the attention of over 2 
billion TV watchers worldwide.
  For the uninitiated it is a simple yet beautiful game, the essential 
team sport. I urge all to take some time to watch. Do not expect much 
scoring--although millions will explode in cheers when a score is made.
  I would suggest you watch for: A midfielder making a 40-50 yard run 
through opposition at full speed, pushing the ball just far enough 
ahead to keep control; the reflexes of the goalkeeper reacting to a 
pointblank shot at 80 miles per hour; a pass that flies 60 yards in the 
air and is caught on the chest of a runner in full stride; and the 
sweeper, the defender, in front of the goalkeeper, taking the legs out 
from under a man who earns $7 million a year to play this sport.
  The beauty of the game is the team, the passing, the precision. Not 
the scoring.
  Bon chance. Bono fortuna. Felin glook. Buena suerte. Good luck to 
all.

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