Welcome to Balls’ Classic Football Kits, a weekly look at some of the most beautiful retro football shirts ever to grace the game.
Football hipsters rejoice.
This week our attention turns to an iconic shirt that was made most famous at the 1998 World Cup in France, when one of the smallest teams in the tournament shocked the world with their exciting and passionate play.
(Yes, that is an irate Alan Kelly in the background of that picture)
Lotto's finest hour came on the biggest stage imaginable, as when you think of France 98, one of the best World Cups ever, it's hard not to think of Davor Suker and Slaven Bilic doing their thing on the way to an astonishing 3rd place finish.
The sweeping red checks are beautifully done, the collar is perfection, the jersey just works on every level. Take a closer look:
The semi-final match against France from the 98 World Cup is an absolute classic, watch this gorgeous jersey in action in the highlights here:
They would continue to wear this kit until the 2001 season, presumably because it was so damn nice.
Simply gorgeous. The jersey, that is, not Igor Stimac.
