USA Creates a Surprise in the World Cup - 2002-06-05

The 3-2 victory of the USA over Portugal is the second surprise of the 2002 World Cup. Even the most optimistic American sports commentators did not expect that Bruce Arena's players could defeat Portugal, considered one of the strongest teams in the world, with such a result. On a hot and sunny day in front of 37,000 spectators at Suwon Stadium in South Korea, the USA team took the lead 1-0 against Portugal with a goal from John O'Brien in the 4th minute. This was the fastest goal in the history of the US national soccer team. The goal came from a corner kick with O'Brien's header finding the net. Despite Portugal's efforts to equalize, it was the USA team that managed to score again. However, this goal was actually an own goal by Portuguese player Jorge Costa. He attempted to control a ball that had been crossed towards the goal by American Landon Donovan, which resulted in an own goal for Portugal. The Americans continued their attacks with great confidence until, in the 36th minute, Brian McBride headed a ball into the Portuguese net that had been crossed by American national player Anthony Sanneh. In the 39th minute, the experienced Portuguese team scored their first goal in the match from a corner kick with a shot from Beto. The first half ended 3-1 in favor of the USA. In the second half, the Portuguese intensified their attacks to compensate for the goals conceded, but their efforts were thwarted at the last moment each time. Eventually, it was an American player who scored Portugal's second goal for them. This goal was scored by Jeff Agoos in the 71st minute, putting the ball into the USA's net. The USA team was under severe pressure from the Portuguese in the last 20 minutes of the game, but Portugal could not create any truly good opportunities, and the match ended 3-2 in favor of the USA. This was the USA's first victory since the 1994 World Cup. The USA had finished last in the 1998 World Cup in France, in the 32nd position. The United States is now in second place in its group, behind South Korea, and has a strong hope of advancing to the second round.