Just fifteen months ago, as the excitement of USA '94 was about to unfold, Paul Okon the FC Brugge and Socceroo sweeper was back in Sydney pondering the prospect of playing on the world stage.
As Okon watched the World Cup Finals, he dreamt of the day when he would wear the green and gold of his beloved country of birth and stand proud singing the national anthem at the biggest event in world sport.
In the 1993/94 Belgian season, Okon had cemented his first team place at FC Brugge and was looking forward to continuing his steady progress in European football. Yet, even his greatest supporters couldn't have expected the remarkable season which Okon experienced in 94/95.
Maybe it was USA '94 which inspired him to become the top foreign player in Belgium and to also be voted third best performer in the 1st Division. Whatever the reason, it was no coincidence that VFB Stuttgart, the leading Bundesliga club, stepped in with an offer to buy the Brugge sweeper for a cool nine million Australian dollars.
In this interview with Okon we explore the impact he has made in Europe and ask the question whether he can become our most successful player ever on the Continent.
RS: What do you consider to be your main achievements at Brugge in 1994/95?
PO: It was a season of consolidation for me as people started to sit up and take notice of my performance. Our third placing in the League was also satisfying, considering we lacked striking power after the transfer of Daniel Amokachi to Everton. It was also a great experience to reach the Euro Cup Winner's Cup quarter finals and although we were beaten by Chelsea it gave me valuable exposure to European competition.
RS: Is it true that the club considered 3rd place as a relative failure for the team?
PO: Yes, believe it or not, because we'd dropped from 2nd to 3rd place and weren't successful in the Cup either. Naturally crowds reduced because the team didn't experience the same winning run as 93/94. You have to understand that the game is big business in Europe and teams have to win titles or cup competitions to reap the financial benefits.
RS: Were you surprised that Brugge rejected the offer by Stuttgart?
PO: The competition between Anderlecht and Brugge is fierce and I was told there was no way the club would let me go at the moment, particularly in light of the fact I have another year of my contract to complete. If the club had sold me, the supporters would've organised a lynching party for the directors.
RS: Was Brugge fair in delaying your ambitions to play at a higher level in Europe?
PO: I suppose they were thinking ahead to this year's title so the decision was made with the club's interest at heart. The main thing is, they won't stand in my way to leave if the right offer comes at the end of this season. I'm only 23 so there's still plenty of time to make the right move and by the end of this season I'll be mentally prepared to play at a higher level.
RS: What is that fine line between playing in a country like Belgium and reaching the top in Germany or Italy - is it merely a question of ability?
PO: I think it mainly comes down to getting the break and gaining the experience at the higher level. I've had to work hard to make it in Belgium and I know the transition won't be easy but when you're a professional footballer it's all about acheiving goals and when you do nothing else but kick a football six days a week you never think of failure.
RS: Speaking of technique, your television appearances on SBS last season revealed a remarkable improvement, especially on your left side. What do you attribute this to?
PO: As I've said, when you're playing on a full time basis you naturally improve in all aspects of the game. It's not only your technique which benefits but your mental alertness increases tenfold.
RS: Can you become our most successful player on the Continent?
PO: Barring injuries, anything is possible, but I guess a lot will depend on which club I move to when I leave FC Brugge. The big advantage I have over many Australian players is that I can play in Italy or Germany without any visa problems so this will make it a lot easier to reach the top.