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Neither home nation qualified for the 1994 World Cup, except the Republic of Ireland.
It was the Boys in Green’s second consecutive appearance at the tournament, led by 1966 World Cup winner Jack Charlton.
At Italia ’90, the weather was hot – but at USA ’94, it was a completely different kettle of fish.
The iconic image of Charlton launching an open bottle of water at Andy Townsend and Tommy Coyne always provides a reminder of this.
Jack Charlton captained the Republic of Ireland at Italia ’90 and USA ’94
He clashed with FIFA over their policy that players cannot throw bottles on the field, so FIFA began throwing the contents instead of allowing water bags to be thrown, before later becoming silent.
“They trust me to do what’s right for them and I’ll continue to do that,” Charlton said. “We were right to pursue this matter and FIFA’s change of heart proves that.”
Charlton was rarely seen without his white baseball cap that summer. Steve Staunton famously even wore one during the national anthem before the second group game against Mexico.
One of the players in the Ireland squad that summer was Phil Babb. The 23-year-old defender has just completed his second full Premier League season at Coventry.
He made his international debut in a 0–0 friendly draw with Russia in March 1994, then played in the next four friendlies leading up to the tournament.
Phil Babb played in four games for the Republic of Ireland at the 1994 World Cup
Nothing was set in stone, but he knew he would have at least a decent chance of making Charlton’s 22-man squad, so began preparing himself physically.
“A trainer in Coventry asked me if I wanted to do something specific – we ended up doing a 12-minute session in a sauna!” Bob recalls with a smile.
“We were doing burpees, press-ups, just trying to cope with that intense heat. We did about six sessions – but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone now!
“I was a fit lad and played all of Coventry’s Premier League games that season. I coped very well with the heat, but I know some of the older lads really struggled.”
Babb started with Paul McGrath in Ireland’s tournament opener at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.
Ray Houghton’s stunning strike sealed a 1-0 win over Italy
That Saturday, they stunned an Italy team featuring Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi and Roberto Baggio. John Aldridge’s stunner sealed a memorable 1-0 victory.
It was an achievement made all the more impressive by the fact that the Azzurri finished as runners-up – but also the fact that it was played in temperatures in excess of 30C.
“When we got on the field, about two hours before kick-off, you could tell it was going to be absolutely roasting,” he recalled.
“You could tell straight away and we couldn’t stay out long. I checked the grass to see which studs I wanted, then I went straight in. I know some guys are walking around and taking in the atmosphere, but I thought: ‘It’s too hot’.
“I didn’t even go out to warm-up with the rest of the guys. I was in the changing room. It was built for the NFL, so they had a 40m sprint track. I warmed up there and waited until we went out. It was brutal, it was terrible, it was punishing.”
“It affected everyone’s game. You were saturated after just 10 minutes walking on a pitch, so you had to conserve energy at the right time.
“The recovery was very early and there was very little ball work because of the demands of the actual games and the fluids you lose. When you’re dehydrated, it’s pretty hard. You want a drink, but you’re not hungry and that’s a key part of recovery.”
Babb, whose Ireland were knocked out by Dennis Bergkamp’s Netherlands, joined Liverpool later that summer.
Thirty-two years since that tournament, football has evolved rapidly.
Sports science has taken an important role in the game and, this summer, the heat can cause teams to strategically approach games. A slow pace is expected among many
However, Charlton was not ready to offer the same benefits in 1994.
“We only play one way, so if you try to go off-piste, Jack will definitely let you know!” Babb adds.
“We had a style of play, with a lone striker. If it wasn’t for Tommy Quinn, maybe Niall Quinn would be there and we’d put long balls to him, either willing runners out wide or bombing into midfield.
“It was the Irish way back then. Tommy ran tirelessly, to the point where he actually collapsed from heat exhaustion on the plane home.
“I think Jack’s sports science had a barrel of Guinness in his room and he’d call the boys over for a pint! I’m sure it had a high calorie content, so maybe he was ahead of his time!”
Nevertheless, Bob’s memories of the tournament are largely positive.
“I enjoyed it, I have to admit! I’d rather play in the heat than on a wet Tuesday night in the hall,” he says.
“I was a fit guy and it was quite easy for me to play with Paul McGrath in that tournament. I learned a lot from him and how he conserved his energy.
“I felt that I got stronger as I got used to it. I guess our 0-0 draw against Norway is probably a testament to the heat and the style of play.
“It all depends on the individual. Footballers are the best athletes now and they leave nothing to chance, so I think they will cope much better than we did in the mid-90s.”
Procedures may have gone since Charlton threw water on the pitch, but Bob’s memories from USA ’94 provide a reminder that this World Cup is about more than just the opposition.
