ASN: Frank Borghi, Member of 1950 U.S. Squad, Dies at 89

In Memoriam
Frank Borghi, Member of 1950 U.S. Squad, Dies at 89

The U.S. Soccer Corridor of Fame goalkeeper placed on a world-class show on the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, holding England at bay within the Yanks’ stunning 1-0 victory in Belo Horizonte.

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
February 03, 2015
4:20 PM

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FORMER UNITED STATES nationwide staff goalkeeper Frank Borghi died immediately on the age of 89.

Borghi was born in St. Louis and regardless of rising up a baseball participant but picked up soccer regardless of having no formal coaching within the sport. He not often punted the ball and as an alternative opted to make use of his baseball expertise to throw the ball to his teammates after a save.

With all of the speak about Tim Howard’s efficiency in opposition to Belgium, it was Borghi who placed on one of many best World Cup goalkeeping performances ever in 1950 when america shocked England in Belo Horizonte. On the time England was the highest staff on this planet and america’ win was one of many greatest upsets of all time—even when the victory didn’t make headlines again in america.

Within the sport, Borghi made a number of vital and spectacular saves. Within the second minute he made a diving cease on Chelsea ahead Roy Bentley. Within the thirty second minute, he stopped a header by Preston North Finish winger Tom Finney. Then, within the 59th minute, with america up 1-0, he made a cease on Blackpool’s Stan Mortensen.

His closing cease got here within the 82nd minute when England’s Jimmy Mullen redirected a free kick that Borghi was ready to make use of his fast reflexes to make one other unbelievable save.

The sport shocked onlookers. The preliminary attendance in Belo Horizonte was reported to be round 10,000 however as phrase across the metropolis unfold that the event favorites have been on the ropes by a bunch of amateurs, swarms of individuals started arriving towards the top of the sport to cheer on the underdog Individuals.

Borghi was one of many heroes of that staff and his efficiency on that day is taken into account legendary. He was elected to the U.S. Soccer Corridor of Fame in 1976 and following his retirement he returned to his hometown, working a funeral house till retiring in 2003.

Along with soccer, Borghi can also be a hero off the sphere. He served proudly in World Struggle II the place he was enlisted as an Military medic in Europe. He earned two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars for his efforts saving American troopers within the battle area. Borghi’s passing leaves Walter Bahr as the one surviving member of the 1950 U.S. World Cup staff.

The USA nationwide staff hosts Panama this Sunday, and it might be nice to see the Nationwide Soccer Federation honor his contributions, for each membership and nation, earlier than the competition.

Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Observe him on Twitter.