U.S.A. Shocks The World

(Wednesday, June 5, 2002) - The United States shocked Portugal with three goals in the first 36 minutes, then held on for the upset at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Korea to move into a tie with FIFA co-host Korea atop Group D.

The Americans struck early on John O’Brien’s rebound in the fourth minute, were benefited by an own goal by Jorge Costa in the 29th minute and Brian McBride finished a diving header in the 36th minute. The three goals are equal to their 1994 finals total and more than they achieved in both Italy '90 and France '98.

Portugal also received an own goal by Jeff Agoos, while Beto notched the team's first tally. The U.S. will now face Korea on Monday in a battle for automatic qualification to the Round of 16 (2:30 a.m. ET on ESPN2).

The U.S. got off to an ideal start to the match when Brian McBride headed a corner from the left that goalkeeper Vitor Baia could only parry away. The ball fell right in the path of John O’Brien, who buried the ball into the Portuguese net for a 5th minute 1-0 lead.

Just three minutes later Baia again poorly punched away Earnie Stewart’s free kick, but as the ball rolled across the open goal, no American player could take advantage of the opportunity. Eddie Pope got to it near the left post but too late to do anything with it from a tight angle.

As expected, the Portuguese increased the pressure as they searched for an equalizer. Sergio Conceicao’s cross from the right picked out Pauleta, but the Bordeaux forward's header was well off the mark in the 13th minute. Pauleta slid another header wide when he should have done better from a Figo free kick nine minutes later.

O'Brien celebrates after Portugal goes one goal down in the fourth minute.

On the half-hour mark, after one of numerous Portuguese giveaways, the ball fell to Landon Donovan on the right wing. The young midfielder’s centering cross deflected off of Jorge Costa and snuck in at the near post to beat Baia again. The U.S. had a 2-0 lead against one of the favorites to win the World Cup.

Buoyed with confidence, the Americans continued to attack, and O’Brien sent in a cross from the left to an unmarked Earnie Stewart. Stewart’s scissor kick, however, was saved well by Baia. But, just seconds later, Tony Sanneh's cross picked out the head of Brian McBride. His diving header left Baia no chance in the 36th minute and the U.S. were up 3-0 in the first half.

But, the experienced Portuguese ended the half on a positive note with just six minutes remaining before the break. From a corner kick, O’Brien’s muffed clearance fell to the feet of Beto in the box and he slotted it easily past Brad Friedel, making the score 3-1.

During the break, the U.S. was forced to remove captain Earnie Stewart from the match due to a groin strain. Veteran Cobi Jones took his spot on the right side of midfield and Brad Friedel became the captain.

The first chance of the second half fell to Portuguese defender Jorge Costa off a corner kick in the 56th minute. The was ball nodded down to him just in front of the goal, but with his back to the target, the Porto defender could only half-turn on it and hit his shot wide.

The ball came back the other way immediately, and it was flicked on into the path of the rushing Donovan down the left side of the box. His shot from the left crossed the goal mouth and went by the far post from a tight angle.

As the match passed the hour mark, the Portuguese increased their pressure on the U.S., setting American hearts racing a number of times. But, their finishing was questionable, as Pauleta wasted a great ball from Figo in the 69th minute.

Ultimately, it was left to an American to put the ball in for Portugal as Pauleta’s cross was stunningly directed past Friedel by a leaping Jeff Agoos in the 71st minute. Thanks to the U.S., the Portuguese were just one-goal down, setting up a grandstand finish.

Unable to hold possession, the U.S. was forced to soak up pressure for the final 20 minutes of the match, but the Portuguese were unable to create any real chances. And, the Americans were able to run out the clock on one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup so far.

Scoring Summary:

USA - O'Brien 4
USA - Jorge Costa (og) 29
USA - McBride 36
POR - Beto 39
POR - Agoos (og) 71

NOTES:

--- John O'Brien's goal was the fastest U.S. goal in World Cup history
--- The U.S. snapped a five-game losing streak in World Cup play with the win
--- The game marked the first time the U.S. scored three goals in a World Cup game since 1930 vs. Paraguay
--- It marked the first time the U.S. has scored three goals in a half in World Cup history
--- Portugal rallied from a 3-0 deficit in 1966 when Eusebio scored 4 to defeat North Korea 5-3
--- It was the first win over a European opponent in World Cup since 1950 (1-0 vs. England)
--- Earnie Stewart and Cobi Jones played in a U.S. record 8th World Cup match
--- For Brian McBride, it was his second career World Cup goal
--- CONCACAF teams are now 3-0-0 in their first matches in the 2002 tournament