Frank Borghi facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | April 9, 1925 | ||
| Place of birth | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. | ||
| Date of death | February 2, 2015 (aged 89) | ||
| Place of death | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. | ||
| Playing position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| St. Louis Simpkins-Ford | |||
| National team | |||
| 1949–1954 | United States | 9 | (0) |
|
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Frank Borghi (born April 9, 1925 – died February 2, 2015) was a famous American soccer player. He was a goalkeeper for the U.S. national team. He played in nine international games, which are called "caps" in soccer.
Frank Borghi was part of a very famous game in the 1950 FIFA World Cup. His team, the United States, beat England 1–0. This win is still known as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
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Frank Borghi's Soccer Journey
Frank Borghi first started playing baseball professionally. But then he decided to switch to soccer. He chose to be a goalkeeper because he felt his arm strength from baseball would be very helpful.
He had a special way of playing goalkeeper. Instead of kicking the ball for goal kicks, he would always throw it. His strong arms from baseball helped him throw the ball far after he made a save. He played for a team called St. Louis Simpkins-Ford. With them, he helped win the National Challenge Cup in both 1948 and 1950.
Playing for the National Team
Frank Borghi joined the U.S. national team in 1949. He played in four games to qualify for the World Cup. He also played in all three games for the U.S. team in the 1950 World Cup.
In the famous 1950 World Cup game against England, Frank Borghi made many important saves. These saves helped the U.S. team win 1–0 against a much stronger English team. This victory is still remembered as one of the greatest surprises in World Cup history. He also played for the U.S. team in 1954 World Cup qualifying games against Mexico.
In 1976, Frank Borghi was honored for his achievements. He was added to the United States National Soccer Hall of Fame. All of his teammates from the 1950 World Cup team were also inducted with him.
Life Beyond the Field
Frank Borghi grew up in a neighborhood called The Hill in St. Louis, Missouri.
Military Service and Awards
During World War II, Frank Borghi served as a medic in the U.S. Army. He was part of an infantry unit that fought in important battles. These included the Battle of the Bulge and the crossing of the Ludendorff Bridge in Remagen in March 1945. For his bravery and service, Borghi received two special awards: the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Later Life and Recognition
After his soccer career, Frank Borghi worked as a director at a funeral home in St. Louis until 2003. In 2004, he and four other living members of the 1950 World Cup team were recognized. They were named Honorary All-Americans by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
Frank Borghi's story was even told in a movie. He was played by actor Gerard Butler in the film The Game of Their Lives.
Frank Borghi passed away in St. Louis on February 2, 2015, at the age of 89. He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Lemay, Missouri.
Documentaries Featuring Frank Borghi
Frank Borghi was featured in a soccer documentary from 2009 called A Time for Champions. In this film, he talked about the U.S. team's surprising win over England in the 1950 FIFA World Cup. He also appeared in another documentary called Voices of the Veterans. In this film, he shared his experiences serving as a medic in the United States Army during World War II.
See also
In Spanish: Frank Borghi para niños
