Germany's One Shot On Frame Good Enough
By Robert Wagman  
SoccerTimes

ULSAN, South Korea (Friday, June 21, 2002) -- The United States produced its best effort since the first half of its World Cup opener. Germany got the goal.  

Despite the U.S. dominating long stretches of play and having a couple of good early chances, midfielder Michael Ballack rose above two defenders to head home a shot late in the first half to give Germany a 1-0 victory over the Americans in the quarterfinal match before 37,337 at Ulsan World Cup Stadium tonight.  

"I think we demonstrated to the world that the United States belonged here,’’ U.S. coach Bruce Arena said. "We expected to be the best team tonight. We weren’t surprised at our performance."  

Germany advanced to a semifinal meeting with the winner of Saturday’s match between South Korea and Spain. The U.S., despite conceding only one shot on goal, is headed home after accomplishing more at the World Cup than many though the team could.  

"It's been incredible. We have had a great ride," said U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel. "The satisfying thing is we can go home knowing that we probably could have gone a little further. It's frustrating, but satisfying knowing we never once got played off the park over here. We can go home with our heads held high. We can be happy with what we achieved, but we’re going to be upset because of the loss. We had a lot of great chances and (German keeper Oliver) Kahn made a lot of good saves. So we’ll be upset at that, but we can walk away with our head help up high."  

Germany’s only shot on frame came in the 39th minute and Ballack converted it into the game-winner. Midfielder Christian Ziege took a free kick five yards above the right corner of the penalty area and curled it deep into the box. About eight yards out, a step left of center, Ballack slipped a step behind Tony Sanneh and two paces in front of Gregg Berhalter and elevated above both defenders to nod down a powerful header. Goalkeeper Brad Friedel, dropping quickly to his right, managed to get his right wrist on the shot, but could not keep it out of the net.  

"I thought I was going to be able to head it away,’’ said Sanneh who probably was the best American player throughout the tournament, certainly today and in the second-round 2-0 victory over Mexico. "I didn’t jump high enough or get back enough. That’s why we’re going home and they’re playing."  

This was not a good omen since the U.S. entered the match 0-12-1 in World Cup matches in which its oppoent scored first. Four minutes later, Germany nearly made it 2-0. Midfielder Torsten Frings slid to poke a ball into the left corner to striker Oliver Neuville who sent a cross with pace to the far post. Miroslav Klose, tied for the tournament lead with five goals, shed his mark, Eddie Lewis and had Friedel dead to rights, but clanged his six-yard header off the post.  

"Those guys really put pressure on us," Ballack said, "We had trouble getting away from their tight defense. They were physically very fit and ran for the entire 90 minutes. They really deserved to be in the quarterfinals. Many people thought it was going to be an easy game, but the U.S. has showed us what they were made of and proved to be a difficult opponent."

The U.S. opened the second half on the attack and thought it had tied the match in the 50th minute. Midfielder Claudio Reyna’s right-side corner kick was flicked on by defender Eddie Pope to the far post where Berhalter found himself open for a flying four-yard volley. Kahn sprang quickly to his right to stop the ball, but it rolled off his body and up, hitting the left forearm of Frings who was hugging the post.  

The Americans, who thought the ball might have crossed the goal line, also argued for a penalty kick. Referee Hugh Dallas, after a long discussion with his assistant Philip Sharp, ruled the ball had not completely crossed the line and, since Frings’ arm was tucked against his body and he made no attempt to play the ball, no foul had occurred.

"Those are the breaks, but we’re not going to cry like the Mexicans did," said Reyna, alluding to an apparent hand ball against John O’Brien that, if called, would have given Mexico a chance at a tying penalty kick on Monday. "That’s the game. We had other chances."  

The best of those chances came in the first half, but Kahn would have none of it. In the 12th minute, a nice combination of passes sent Lewis free into the left corner for a cross. Kahn dove out to his six yard-line to turn the ball away before it made it to the feet of forward Brian McBride who was poised to put it away.  

A minute later, Sanneh overlapped into the right side of the box and tried to find Donovan in the middle, but Christoph Metzelder was in position to clear the pass.  

Then came the two saves by Kahn that probably saved the game. In the 17th minute, McBride stripped an advancing Metzelder and quickly passed down the right flank to Donovan who took on defender Dietmar Hamann. Donovan cut the ball back through Hamann’s legs, carried horizontally along the top of the box and triggered a left-footed shot from 18 yards, aimed for the low left corner, that Kahn deflected wide with a quick dive and an outstretched right arm.  

In the 30th minute, Reyna found Donovan for a free run. Instead of shooting from the top left of the box, Donovan touched it to his left, slightly away from goal, giving Kahn the angle to make a quick reaction save, turning the shot away with his right hand.  

"Oliver Kahn, undoubtedly, saved our lives in the first half many times both on the line and within his own penalty box," Germany coach Rudy Voeller said. "We knew that if we wanted to go far in this World Cup, we'd be able to do it with a fantastic Oliver Kahn.

(From www.soccertimes.com )

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USA 2, Mexico 0!

Goals from Brian McBride and Chevy Man of the Match Landon Donovan, as well as smothering defense and more solid goalkeeping from Brad Friedel, led the United States to a 2-0 shutout win today in the Round of 16 in Jeonju, Korea It was the biggest victory for the U.S. in the 68-year soccer rivalry with Mexico. 

With the historic victory, the U.S. advances to the World Cup quarterfinals, where they will meet Group E winner Germany Friday live on ESPN2 and Univision at 7:25 a.m. ET. With today's result, the team ties U.S. Men's National Team marks for the most wins at a World Cup (2) and most goals scored in a World Cup (7), each matching the U.S. team that reached the semifinals at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Uruguay in 1930. 

The win also had significance in that it was the first time the U.S. has won a single-elimination game in World Cup history, and it was the USA’s first World Cup shutout since a huge 1-0 upset of England at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil.  

“It was tough getting our guys back from the game on Friday (a 3-1 loss to Poland in Daejeon) … We had to go with a lineup that made sense for our guys to endure over 90-95 minutes,” said Bruce Arena, who helped the U.S. improve its all-time World Cup record to 6-13-2. “Our guys left everything on the field today. They played great; I’m proud of them … It’s a great day for U.S. Soccer.”  

The U.S. has now won five of the last six contests against its neighbor from the South, and improved to 10-28-9 all-time against the Tricolores. The U.S. also defeated Mexico earlier this year, a 1-0 win in Denver on April 3. Today’s match was the first time the two teams have met in World Cup play.  

Missing two starters – defenders Jeff Agoos (calf injury) and Frankie Hejduk (yellow card accumulation) – from the disappointing 3-1 loss to Poland, the U.S. began the match with an unusual 3-5-2 formation that allowed defender Gregg Berhalter, midfielder Eddie Lewis and forward Josh Wolff to get their first starts of the World Cup. The start marked Berhalter’s first minutes in the World Cup. 

Like they did in two if their three opening round matches, the U.S. came out and struck first to establish an early lead. The quick combination play started on the right flank with U.S. captain and midfielder Claudio Reyna, who flew down the right flank, beat a defender and dribbled toward the endline to draw two more Mexican defenders. Reyna then deftly laid the ball off to forward Josh Wolff at the corner of the six-yard box. Wolff tapped the ball back to an unmarked Brian McBride in the middle of the box, where he blasted a shot through three lunging defenders and past airborne Mexico goalkeeper Oscar Perez in the 8th minute.  

Mexico had a chance to equalize in the 35th minute, when a cross from active forward Jared Borgetti deflected high off a U.S. defender and floated in toward the goal. U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who earned Chevy Man of the Match honors and saved crucial penalty kicks in each of the two previous matches, was challenged in the air by Mexico forward Luis Hernandez on the goal line and could only punch the ball away from the goal. The short clearance dangerously fell right at the feet of veteran midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco, but his quick chip was pushed over the bar by the 6’4” keeper.  

The U.S. had a chance to make it 2-0 before the half by winning a pair of headers off a free kick from the left flank. After McBride won the initial header, Donovan rose up to head a pass back over the Mexico defense to Wolff, but his volley was directed right at Perez and saved out for a corner kick.  

Coming out of the locker rooms with a 1-0 lead, the U.S. was forced to bear the brunt of a Mexican attack bent on earning the all-important equalizer. The U.S. got its first scare of the second half in the 52nd minute when midfielder Braulio Luna sent a swerving free kick from the right side that Friedel was lucky to get a hand on and push off the top side of the crossbar and out for a corner kick.  

Luna had another good look at the U.S. goal in the 63rd minute, lifting his left-footed free kick over the U.S. wall from 25 yards out but curving it just a few feet wide right of the post.  

With Mexico continuing to own the majority of possession, it took a textbook counter-attack for the U.S. to increase its lead to 2-0. Reyna started the play in the U.S. half, sending a looping long ball to the left flank, where midfielder Eddie Lewis was making a speedy run. Lewis gathered the ball and attacked in stride before sending a perfect cross to the far post, where Donovan snuck behind two Mexican defenders and nodded home a header past Perez in the 65th minute.  

The USA had an excellent chance to put the game out of reach at 3-0, again off the left foot of Lewis. In the 71st minute, the 28-year-old midfielder sent a free kick from the right side to the far post, where Earnie Stewart volleyed the ball past Perez but off the post and out over the endline.  

Despite holding a two-goal lead, the U.S. spent the last 10 minutes of the match like they did in the 3-2 win over Portugal in their World Cup opener, holding on to possession, managing the clock, and mounting just enough of an attack to keep the opponent in their end.  

As with most physical, tense match-ups between the two border rivals, the contest was full of brutal fouls and tough challenges. By the end, referee Vitor Melo Pereira had handed out 10 yellow cards (five for each team), as well as a red card ejection for Mexico captain Rafael Marquez after he put a foot in the back and deliberately knocked the head of Cobi Jones as he won a header in the 88th minute.  

The U.S. had a final chance to equal their goal total against Portugal in the fourth minute of extra time, when Lewis started an attack on the left flank, sending the ball ahead to Jones. Still with fresh legs after coming into the match less than 15 minutes ago, Jones beat a defender and sent a cross into an unmarked Donovan in the middle of the six-yard box, but his point-blank rocket sailed high over the crossbar just seconds before the match would come to an end.  

After tying Tab Ramos’ all-time World Cup appearance record at nine games by appearing in the Poland match on June 14, veteran midfielders Stewart and Jones both came off the bench in the second half (in the 59th and 79th minutes, respectively) to help preserve the lead and now hold the U.S. record at 10 World Cup caps. Ramos played on the 1990, ’94 and ’98 squads, while Jones and Stewart made their World Cup debuts in 1994 and also saw action at France '98 prior to this, their third time representing the U.S. at a World Cup. 

The U.S. now has three days of rest before meeting the three-time World Cup champions in Ulsan, Korea, on Friday. After winning Group E in impressive with a 2-0-1 record, Germany needed a header by veteran forward Oliver Neuville in the 88th minute to defeat Paraguay Saturday in Seogwipo, Korea, and advance to the quarterfinals. The U.S. holds a 2-4-0 record all-time against Germany, including a 4-2 loss earlier this year in Rostock on March 27. Forward Clint Mathis scored both goals for the U.S. in the loss, while Germany scored its four goals across 25 minutes.  

Other notes: The U.S. is now 6-13-2 all-time in World Cup competition …The U.S. is now 6-1-1 all-time when scoring the first goal in World Cup matches, including a 2-0-1 mark at 2002 Korea/Japan ... The U.S. is 2-4-0 all time against Germany with both wins coming under Bruce Arena's watch as U.S. head coach - a 3-0 win on February 6, 1999, in a friendly in Jacksonville, Fla. and a 2-0 win on July 30, 1999, in Guadalajara, Mexico, during the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup. 

- U.S. Men’s National Team Game Report -

Participants: United States World Cup Team vs. Mexico  

Competition: 2002 World Cup Korea/Japan – Round of 16 (Match 53)  

Venue: Jeonju World Cup Stadium (Jeonju, Korea) 

Date: June 17, 2002 – 3:30 p.m. (local) / 2:30 a.m. ET  

Weather: 82 degrees; sunny, clear  

Attendance: 36,380

Scoring Summary: 1 - 2 - F  

United States 1 - 1 - 2  

Mexico 0 - 0 - 0

USA – Brian McBride (Josh Wolff), 8.  

USA – Landon Donovan (Eddie Lewis), 65.

Lineups:  

USA: 1-Brad Friedel; 3-Gregg Berhalter, 23-Eddie Pope, 22-Tony Sanneh; 4-Pablo Mastroeni (16-Carlos Llamosa, 92+), 7-Eddie Lewis, 10-Claudio Reyna (Capt.), 5-John O’Brien, 21-Landon Donovan; 20-Brian McBride (13-Cobi Jones, 79), 15-Josh Wolff (8-Earnie Stewart, 59).  

Subs Not Used: 6-David Regis, 9-Joe-Max Moore, 11-Clint Mathis, 14-Steve Cherundolo, 17-DaMarcus Beasley, 18-Kasey Keller, 19-Tony Meola.  

MEX: 1-Oscar Perez; 16-Salvador Carmona, 4-Rafael Marquez (Capt.), 5-Manuel Vidrio (13-Sigifredo Mercado, 46); 7-Ramon Morales (15-Luis Hernandez, 28), 11-Braulio Luna, 18-Joahan Rodriguez, 6-Gerardo Torrado (8-Alberto Garcia Aspe, 78), 21-Jesus Arellano; 10-Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 9-Jared Borgetti. 

Subs Not Used: 2-Francisco Gabriel de Anda, 3-Rafael Garcia, 12-Oswaldo Sanchez, 14-German Villa, 17-Francisco Palencia, 19-Gabriel Caballero, 22-Alberto Rodriguez, 23-Jorge Campos.  

Statistical Summary: USA - MEX  

Shots: 10 - 12  

Saves: 6 - 4  

Corner Kicks: 3 - 9  

Fouls: 18 - 17  

Offside: 1 - 5

Misconduct Summary:  

USA – Eddie Pope (caution), 26.  

MEX – Manuel Vidrio (caution), 37.  

USA – Pablo Mastroeni (caution), 47.  

USA – Josh Wolff (caution), 50.  

USA – Gregg Berhalter (caution), 53.  

MEX – Luis Hernandez (caution), 67.  

MEX – Cuauhtemoc Blanco (caution), 70.  

MEX – Alberto Garcia Aspe (caution), 81.  

USA – Brad Friedel (caution), 83.  

MEX – Salvador Carmona (caution), 84.  

MEX – Rafael Marquez (ejection), 88.

Referee: Vitor Melo Pereira (POR)  

Assistant Referee #1: Carlos Matos (POR)  

Assistant Referee #2: Egon Bereuter (AUT)  

Fourth Official: Jan Wegereef (NED)

Chevrolet Man of Match: Landon Donovan

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Determined Defense, Clinical!

By Robert Wagman  
SoccerTimes

JEONJU, South Korea (Monday, June 17, 2002) -- On an extremely warm afternoon here in southwestern South Korea, the United States men just about made up for several decades of hot and frustrating afternoons in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium. In a historic first, the U.S. won a World Cup knockout match and advanced to the quarterfinals by spanking 2-0 a Mexico national team at the top its game.  

Mexico came into this match following two victories and a closing 1-1 draw with Italy to capture Group G. It was heavily favored to defeat the U.S. today in a match dismissed by many in the Mexican media--– and reportedly by some of its players -- as a mere stop on the road to meeting Germany in Friday’s quarterfinals.

The U.S. players, coming off just three full rest days since their awful 3-1 loss to Poland last Friday, made good on their vow to make amends for their letdown in that match.  

"I told you the Poland match was going to serve as a wake-up call for us," American goalkeeper Brad Friedel said. "(U.S. coach) Bruce (Arena) told us that if we are going to go down, we had better go down swinging, and that was the attitude we came out with today. I think the boys did everything right today and defended brilliantly."  

With his side recording a huge triumph, Arena was able to silence those critics who said his teams could not win the big matches. To do so, Arena had to find replacements for the left side of his defense, with outside back Frankie Hejduk suspended for multiple yellow cards and Jeff Agoos injured, as well as midfielder DaMarcus Beasley who was said, by the coach, to have "a little bit of a nick" in his left knee.  

Beasley himself called his condition "day to day" as he said he hoped he could play on Friday against Germany.  

Arena also changed his formation, throwing his fourth defender into the midfield though the flank midfielders in the 3-5-2 -- Eddie Lewis on the left and Claudio Reyna -- were often fixtures in the back line. The decision to move Reyna from the middle to the outside bore immediate results as the captain, freed from the crowded quarters of the interior, was able to make a major contribution.  

With the Mexicans having roughly twice the possession and the Americans, the three U.S. defenders -- Gregg Berhalter, Eddie Pope and Tony Sanneh -- battled throughout, marking tough and repeatedly managing to get a foot or a head to balls that threatened danger.  

Clinical finishes by Brian McBride off a feed from fellow forward Josh Wolff, making his first start, in the eight minute, and by Landon Donovan, putting away a perfect cross by Lewis in the 65th minute, were the punctuation marks on Arena’s threefold plan.  

First, the coach wanted to put three tall backs in the middle against a team which loves to send crosses into the middle and use the height of striker Jared Borgetti on set pieces. Second, Arena wanted to disrupt Mexico’s midfield where an emphasis is put on possession and from where the attack is pushed. Finally, he with the short recovery time between games, Arena wanted to use players with fresher legs. 

"Don’t get too hung up on the three backs," Arena said. "There were three at times, five at times and seven at times. They are a team that depends on crosses and we had to get numbers back there, and to depend on midfielders dropping back."  

With the significant change of Reyna moved wide to a role in which he has been used at the club level, Arena brought in Pablo Masteroni as a central defensive midfielder, supporting John O’Brien.  

"Bruce told me to get out on the right side and the shut down their long runs," Reyna said. "It is a role I am used to and one that I can do well."

Mexican coach Javier Aguirre might have made a tactical error when he replaced left midfielder Ramon Morales in favor of striker Luis Hernandez. Morales had made life difficult for Reyna who was freed to get more involved in the U.S. attack.  

Morales "is awfully fast," Reyna said. "I was glad to see him go when the other guy came in. I was able to move forward more and it was easier."  

In one defining moment of the match, Reyna set sail down the right side from the back in the eigth minute. He beat Morales, pushing the ball back to Josh Wolff, who perfectly touched it further back to McBride to blast into the left side netting for a 1-0 lead.   

With four starters who had seen little or no action in this Cup, the U.S. reserves made major contributions, most notably Lewis and Berhalter.  

"Give me a chance and I’ll do my best," Lewis said. "That is what I am here for."

We all have to contribute," Berhalter said. "When we’re called, we have to get out there and contribute. We were included so we could produce. I’m glad I could. We stayed organized today, that was the key. We all poured a lot into this match after the loss against Poland. We had something to prove and I think we did."  

Arena called the victory as "a great accomplishment for the U.S., but now we just have to enjoy it for a few hours, then regroup and design a strategy for Germany. They’ll be big favorites too on paper, but we’ll show up Friday prepared and with a plan. Hopefully, it will go like today."

U.S. Player Ratings  

Starters

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel - 6: Came up big when he had to and used his height and reach to great advantage to combat entry passes. However, gave up several dangerous rebounds and his weak punch to Cuauhtemoc Blanco’s feet in the middle of the box could have proved disastrous.  

Defender Gregg Berhalter - 6.5: Took full advantage of his big chance and performed better, perhaps, than most expected. Showed ability with his left foot, under pressure, not none as his strong suit.  

Defender Eddie Pope - 6.5: Continued to be a tower of strength with a nearly flawless effort. Almost always has performed well against the Mexicans.  

Defender Tony Sanneh - 7: Was the best U.S. defender and, on three occasions, stormed down the right flank only to find little support from his teammates. 

Midfielder John O’Brien - 6.5: Made a valuable contribution, ranging effectively from side to side, pushing forward occasionally. However, his bizarre, and apparently intentional, punch of a Mexican corner, went uncalled, but rightfully could have given Mexico a potential tying penalty kick.  

Midfielder Pablo Mastroeni 6.5: Two appearances, two very solid performances, two victories. As in the Portugal match, repeatedly disrupted the opposition and showed good range.  

Midfielder Claudio Reyna - 7.5: Found comfort on the right flank, away from the congestion and attention in the middle. A masterful performance, one of his best ever for his national team.  

Midfielder Landon Donovan 6.5: His energy carried the team for long stretches and coolly put away insurance goal. He is beginning to display a maturity that holds great promise.  

Midfielder Eddie Lewis - 7: One of his best ever efforts of the U.S., both with solid defense and occasional contribution to attack. His perfect pass in full stride set up Donovan for second goal.  

Forward Josh Wolff - 6: His first start provided fresh legs much-needed energy. Set up McBride perfectly for first goal. 

Forward Brian McBride - 6: Scored the first goal with a calm finish, but was just as valuable in a defensive role, and in the very physical play both in the midfield and in restarts.  

Reserves

Midfielder Earnie Stewart (59th minute for Wolff) - 6.5: After taking a physical beating in the Cup, his effort off the bench today was inspiring.  

Midfielder Cobi Jones (80th minute for McBride) - 6: As in the Portugal match, was asked to kill the clock at the end of the match and did so efficiently.  

Defender Carlos Llamosa (90th minute for Pablo Mastroeni) - no rating: Four minutes with little action.

(From www.soccertimes.com )

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Players Glad A Little Luck Fell To Them

"We owe a lot to Korea today,'' said U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who saved a penalty kick for the second straight game. 

Truer words have never been spoken about the United States national team. Going into their third group game in the 2002 World Cup the Americans were playing Poland, a team without a win and without a goal. The U.S. needed only a tie to advance to the round of 16. A win would advance them as the top team in Group D. 

Energized by two goals in the first five minutes, Poland humbled the U.S. 3-1, and it took Brad Freidel’s second save of a penalty kick in two games to keep it from being worse than that. 

However, South Korea, playing Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favorites, got their second win of the tournament to oust the Portuguese, and put the Americans through to the next round as the second-place team in the group. The U.S. had opened this World Cup by beating Portugal 3-2 and then drawing with South Korea, 1-1. 

With their hopes of beating Poland dashed as the minutes ticked down in their final group game, the U.S. players got an indication that South Korea might have taken the lead over Portugal, in a game that was played in another venue at the same time the U.S. was playing. 

"I heard the crowd go nuts. I assumed a goal for South Korea,'' Landon Donovan said. "I didn't want to hope for it and have it not happen.'' 

By finishing second in the group, the U.S. now plays the first-place team in Group C. Everyone would have put their money on Italy being that team, but Mexico, which drew 1-1 with the Italians after getting wins in its first two games, will be the USA’s opponent on Monday night.  

Long a regional rival with numerous CONCACAF qualifying battles, the two teams have never met in a World Cup final. The United States beat Mexico 1-0 on April 3, but neither team was close to full strength.  

It's crazy, huh?'' Brian McBride said, speaking of the meeting with Mexico. "It's going to be a battle.'' 

While the U.S. players would like to have won their way through to the next round, all were delighted to have gotten the help from South Korea and all spoke of going into the second round for the first time since 1994. 

“A lot of teams got through with a bit of luck. Italy, one of the best teams in the world, got through with luck, so we'll take it. We're happy,'' U.S. captain Claudio Reyna said. 

Days like this, it's better to be lucky than good,'' Friedel, who was the Chevy Man of the Match in two of the three games, said.  

After opening the tournament with a stunning 3-2 upset of Portugal, the Americans did not reached that level in the next two games.. They gave up a late lead in a 1-1 tie with South Korea, then came unglued Monday.  

There was little celebration from the American players, but they were not totally disappointed with the day’s outcome.  

"It's a great, great day for U.S. soccer, a very lucky day for U.S. soccer,'' Friedel said. 

Veteran defender Jeff Agoos drew a lot of blame from fans and the media for goals that were scored in the first two games. Arena, who was his collegiate coach at the University of Virginia, stuck with him and gave him the start in the game with Poland. Unfortunately, both of the goals in the first five minutes came off the foot of his mark. Agoos went off at the 25 minute mark with a pulled groin. 

Donovan appeared to have the tying goal just seconds after Poland’s first goal. He muscled himself in position and headed in a rebound, but the referee denied the goal, saying Donovan fouled the defender to get in position. 

“I don’t think I am big enough to have fouled that guy,” said Donovan, who got the USA’s only goal late in the game to cut Poland’s lead to 3-1. 

If we had lost the first game, tied the second and won this, we would have been elated,'' said Donovan, who scored in the 83rd minute off a pass from Clint Mathis 

It was a disappointing start for the U.S. players, who had put themselves in a position to control their destiny. 

“You wait all day for this moment and in the first five minutes blow it,'' Earnie Stewart said. "It's very painful.''  

It turned out none of this mattered.  

"We're into the second round,'' defender Eddie Pope said. "A lot of very good teams aren't in the second round, they're going home, but we're still here.''

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Poland Rips USA, Which Still Advances

DAEJEON, Korea (Friday, June 14, 2002) — To say that the U.S. men’s national team was lucky may be the understatement of the year. 

Needing just a draw in their third and final opening round match, the U.S. Men’s National Team surrendered two surprising goals in the first five minutes and came up short in their comeback bid, falling to Poland 3-1 in Daejeon today. [Note: The USA-Poland match will be rebroadcast Saturday on ABC at 1 p.m. ET.]  

Despite the loss, they finished in second place in Group D with a 1-1-1 record and four points and advanced to the second round thanks to Korea, who defeated Portugal 1-0 and won the group with a 2-0-1 record and seven points. Portugal finished in third place with a surprising 1-2-0 record, joining France and Argentina on the list of pre-tournament favorites that have shockingly failed to advance out of the opening round. Poland finished in last place in Group D with a 1-2-0 record and three points in their first World Cup appearance since 1986.

We were disappointed in the performance, but elated to be in the Round of 16,” said Bruce Arena. “Give our opponent credit – Poland played pretty well. Giving up two goals in the first five minutes made the game extremely difficult. It’s been a strange World Cup, but we deserve to be where we are.” 

The U.S. had accumulated four points by beating Portugal 3-2 and drawing 1-1 with South Korea. Arena’s squad had its own destiny in its hands, needing a win or draw against Poland to advance. As it turned out, Korea captured first place in Group D with a 1-0 win over Portugal, which came into the game needing a draw and an American loss to advance. 

South Korea, playing with a two-man advantage in the second half, got the winning goal late in the period for its second win in group play. South Korea had never before won even one game in a World Cup final. 

The U.S. will now face CONCACAF rival Mexico on Monday, June 17 in Jeonju, Korea live on ESPN and Univision at 2:25 a.m. ET. Mexico won a difficult Group G, downing Croatia 1-0 in their opener, coming back to defeat Ecuador 2-1 in their second match, and holding off Italy for a 1-1 draw in their final match to post a 2-0-1 record for seven points. U.S. defender Frankie Hejduk will be unavailable for the match after receiving his second caution of group play tonight, resulting in a one-game suspension. 

Group D winner Korea will face Italy, who slipped through Group G to the second round with a 1-1-1 record and four points, on Tuesday, June 18 live on ESPN at 7:25 a.m. ET.  

The U.S. holds a 9-28-9 all-time record against Mexico, but has won four of the last five meetings, including a 1-0 win in Denver on April 3. Although a frequent and bitter World Cup qualifying foe, the U.S. has never met Mexico in World Cup play.  

Despite entering the match having been mathematically eliminated following a 2-0 opening loss to Korea and a 4-0 blowout at the hands of Portugal in their second match, Poland came out strong and caught the U.S. off-guard with goals in the 3rd and 5th minutes.  

The first Poland goal came off a corner kick in which dangerous Nigerian-born striker Emmanuel Olisadebe rose up and won a header over U.S. defender Jeff Agoos. He then pounced on his own loose ball and roofed his point-blank shot in the upper right corner past Brad Friedel to make it 1-0.  

It looked like the U.S. had equalized a minute later. U.S. forward Landon Donovan out-jumped a Polish defender in the six-yard box to nod the ball home into an open net after goalkeeper Radoslaw Majdan came off his line to punch Brian McBride’s cross sky high in the box. But the goal was disallowed as the referee ruled Donovan had fouled the defender on the play.  

After the disputed call, Poland came right back down the field and scored on their next attack to quickly jump out to a commanding 2-0 lead. The goal came when Poland midfielder Jacek Krzynowek received a pass on the left flank and quickly sent a low cross to the near post, where forward Pawel Kryszalowicz charged in and, holding off Agoos, pushed his shot past Friedel inside the left post.  

Poland produced another dangerous flurry in front of the U.S. goal in the 29th minute that almost made it a 3-0 lead if not for two gigantic saves from Friedel. Krzynowek found himself with just the keeper to beat after picking up a loose ball in the box, but Friedel saved his shot from 10 yards out. Maciej Zurawski pounced on the rebound, but Friedel recovered to get just enough of a hand on the shot to direct it off the right post, where it caromed back across the goal mouth and was cleared.  

The U.S. registered a total of nine shots in the first half, but both of forward Brian McBride’s headers were easily saved and number of long-range shots never found their mark on goal.   

Already facing a 2-0 deficit as the second half began, Friedel was called on to make another huge save in the 47th minute. Kryznowek beat U.S. defender Eddie Pope to a bouncing ball in the box, but Friedel quickly came off his line and took the shot of the toes of the attacker and smothered the rebound.  

Poland made a comeback even tougher with a third goal in the 66th minute, when second-half substitute Marcin Zewlakow lept to finish a near-post header past a flat-footed Freidel just a minute after coming off the bench to spur the Poland attack. The score marked the third time in the tournament that the U.S. has given up off a goal off a corner kick.  

Just a minute later, the U.S. had a glorious pair of scoring opportunities to start cutting into the lead. After a quick series of passes between captain Claudio Reyna and Donovan, forward Joe-Max Moore ripped a shot that Majdan was lucky to save. U.S. forward Clint Mathis, who scored the lone goal in the 1-1 draw with South Korea, was there for the rebound but sprayed his shot over the crossbar. In coming on as a second-half substitute, Moore became just the sixth U.S. player in history to reach the 100-cap milestone.  

The U.S. was in more danger in the 76th minute, when U.S. defender Sanneh brought down Kryszalowicz as he was about to send a cross from the left side of the box. Zurawski stepped up to try to make it an overwhelming 4-0, but Friedel dove to his left and smothered the shot to give the U.S. new hope. With the crucial PK save to keep Korea off the board in the first half of the 1-1 draw, Friedel became the only goalkeeper in World Cup history to save two penalty kicks in regulation in a tournament.  

The U.S. had a golden opportunity to score in the 82nd minute, when second-half sub Cobi Jones served a beautiful looping ball to Mathis at the far post. His volley at the corner of the six-yard box slipped between a defender and the keeper, but rocked the post and was cleared out of danger.  

The U.S. finally got on the scoreboard in the 83rd minute, when Mathis flicked a header back over the defense to Donovan, who cranked a left-footed one-timed shot inside the right post. With the goal, the 20-year-old midfielder became the second youngest player to score in U.S. World Cup history. [Note: The youngest was 19-year-old James Brown, who scored the lone goal in the 6-1 loss to Argentina in the semi-finals of the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay.]  

The U.S. mounted a series of attacks while still pushing for a 3-3 draw, but would have to settle for the loss. The U.S. outshot Poland 17-8 and had a 8-3 edge on corner kicks.  

“This was a wake-up call for us,” said Friedel, who was honored as Chevy Man of the Match for the second consecutive time. “You can rest assured we’ll be on our toes for the game against Mexico.”  

By appearing in the match, veteran midfielders Jones and Stewart tied Tab Ramos for the U.S. World Cup appearance record with nine games played. Ramos played on the 1990, ’94 and ’98 squads, while Jones and Stewart made their World Cup debuts in 1994 and have appeared in the last two Cups.  

With the U.S. loss, CONCACAF finished opening round 2002 World Cup play with a 4-2-3 record, as Costa Rica ran into a red-hot Brazil and fell 5-2, failing to advance out of Group C with four points.  

Other notes: The U.S. is now 5-13-2 all-time in World Cup competition … The U.S. is 0-12-1 in all-time World Cup history when conceding the first goal ... Donovan’s goal marked the first time since Brazil 1950 that the U.S. has scored in all three of its first round World Cup games … This marks the first time the U.S. has advanced to the second round since USA 1994 … More impressively, it marks the first time the U.S. has advanced to the second round on foreign soil since Uruguay 1930.  

- U.S. Men’s National Team Game Report -

Participants: United States World Cup Team vs. Poland  

Competition: 2002 World Cup Korea/Japan – Opening Round (Group D - Match 48)  

Venue: Daejon World Cup Stadium (Daejeon, Korea) 

Date: June 14, 2002 – 8:30 p.m. (local) / 7:30 a.m. ET  

Weather: 75 degrees; cool, crisp  

Attendance: 26,482

Scoring Summary: 1 - 2 - F  

United States 0 - 1 - 1  

Poland 2 - 1 - 3

POL – Emmanuel Olisadebe (unassisted), 3.  

POL – Pawel Kryszalowicz (Jacek Kryznowek), 5.  

POL – Marcin Zewlakow (n/a), 66.  

USA – Landon Donovan (Clint Mathis), 83.

Lineups:  

USA: 1-Brad Friedel; 2-Frankie Hejduk, 12-Jeff Agoos (17-DaMarcus Beasley, 36), 23-Eddie Pope, 22-Tony Sanneh; 10-Claudio Reyna (capt.), 8-Earnie Stewart (13-Cobi Jones, 68), 5-John O’Brien, 21-Landon Donovan; 11-Clint Mathis, 20-Brian McBride (9-Joe-Max Moore, 58).  

Subs Not Used: 3-Gregg Berhalter, 4-Pablo Mastroeni, 6-David Regis, 7-Eddie Lewis, 14-Steve Cherundolo, 15-Josh Wolff, 16-Carlos Llamosa, 18-Kasey Keller, 19-Tony Meola.

POL: 12-Radoslaw Madjan; 2-Tomasz Klos (15 Tomasz Waldoch, 89), 3-Jacek Zielinski (capt.), 13-Arkadiusz Glowacki, 21-Marek Kozminski; 19-Maciej Zurawski, 16-Maciej Murawski, 18-Jacek Krzynowek, 8-Cezary Kucharski (14-Marcin Zewlakow, 65); 9- Pawel Kryszalowicz, 11-Emmanuel Olisadebe (23-Pawel Sibik, 86).  

Subs Not Used: 1-Jerzy Dudek, 4-Michal Zewlakow, 5-Tomasz Rzasa, 6-Tomasz Hajto, 10-Radoslaw Kaluzny, 17-Arkadiusz Bak, 20-Jacek Bak, 22-Adam Matysek.

Statistical Summary: USA - POL  

Shots: 17 - 8  

Saves: 6 - 6  

Corner Kicks: 8 - 3  

Fouls: 11 - 22  

Offside: 2 - 4

Misconduct Summary:  

POL – Radoslaw Madjan (caution), 44.  

POL – Marek Kozminski (caution), 46.  

POL – Cezary Kucharski (caution), 63.  

USA – Frankie Hejduk (caution), 72.  

POL – Emmanuel Olisadebe (caution), 86.

Referee: Jun Lu (CHN)  

Assistant Referee #1: Bomer Fierro (ECU)  

Assistant Referee #2: Jaap Pool (NED)  

Fourth Official: Coffi Codjia (BEN)

Chevrolet Man of Match: Brad Friedel

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USA Survives Korea with 1-1 Draw

Just five days after posting one of the biggest upsets in U.S. Soccer history by shocking Portugal in a 3-2 win, the U.S. Men’s National Team battled valiantly to a 1-1 draw with co-host Korea Republic today in Daegu, Korea.  

Playing in stifling heat and humidity and in front of a noisy crowd of over 60,000, the U.S. was under attack from the outset, but the stellar play of goalkeeper and Chevy Man of the Match Brad Friedel and an early strike from forward Clint Mathis helped the Americans a valuable point in an extremely difficult atmosphere.  

With the draw, the U.S. now sits in second place with four points. Korea, who also holds a 1-0-1 record, leads the group based on a superior goal differential (+2, compared the +1 for the USA). The U.S. now only needs a draw against Poland on Friday (live on ESPN at 7:25 a.m. ET) to assure itself a spot in the second round with a total of five points. In other Group D action today, Poland (0-1-0) meets Portugal (0-1-0) in Jeonju in a match that will be broadcast live on ESPN2 at 7:25 a.m. ET.  

“It was a difficult game for us. Korea’s fitness is outstanding,” said Bruce Arena, who helped the U.S. improve their all-time World Cup record to 5-12-2. “But to be standing here with four points after our first two games is a good feeling.” 

Buoyed by their opening 2-0 win over Poland on June 4, their first ever in World Cup history, and with a sea of supporters clad in their home red cheering them on, Korea imposed their style of possession soccer and relentless speed from the opening whistle.  

Korea had its first good scoring opportunity as early as the fourth minute when striker Sun Hong Hwang played a ball from the right side to the far post to Seol Ki Hyeon, but his point-blank volley sailed high over the crossbar. Just five minutes later, Friedel made the first of many difficult saves when he reacted well to save a dipping 30-yard shot midfielder Kim Nam Il.

The U.S. needed the first 20 minutes of the match to start to even out possession and put together solid attacks of their own. The first dangerous American counter came in the 21st minute when midfielder Landon Donovan dribbled down the right flank and sent in a low cross that forward Brian McBride lunged for, but could not connect with as a defender matched him stride for stride in the center of the area. A minute later, a throw-in deep in Korea’s end produced a loose ball that landed at the feet of Donovan, but his shot was wide of the right post.  

As in the Portugal match, the U.S. struck first, this time on a wonderful strike from forward Clint Mathis, who made his first World Cup appearance a memorable one by putting the U.S. ahead 1-0 in the 24th minute. Midfielder John O’Brien set up the score up with a run through the midfield before sending a perfect chip pass to Mathis at the top of the box. Mathis, who leads the U.S. in scoring in 2002 with seven goals and one assist in just eight starts, calmly brought the ball down with his right foot then sent a left-footed rocket inside the right post past goalkeeper Woon Jae Lee.  

Korea had a golden opportunity to equalize with less than 10 minutes remaining in the first half, earning a dubious penalty kick when defender Jeff Agoos was ruled to have brought down Hwang in the box as the two players jostled to get a head on a free kick from 25 yards out. Midfielder Eul Yong Lee stepped up to the spot, but Friedel dove to his right to save the low shot with his massive wingspan and defender Eddie Pope was able to pounce on the rebound before being fouled to end the play. The penalty save was the USA’s second in a World Cup, with Tony Meola saving a PK in a 5-1 loss to Czechoslovakia on June 10 in Florence, Italy.  

“I felt that he was going that way the whole time. Why? I don’t know,” said Friedel, whose seven saves and stellar performance in goal almost single-handedly earned the U.S. three points. “If someone would’ve said you could have four points going into your third match, I think we would’ve taken it.”  

The second half began as the first half ended, with Korea pushing continuously for the equalizer. Much like the Portugal match, the U.S. was forced to spend most of the period bunkering in their side of the field to fend off waves of offense and defend its lead. Pope and defender Tony Sanneh both stepped up to win several headers and pick apart dangerous Korean forays around the penalty area.  

In the 47th minute, Friedel saved another sure goal, coming off his line and making a difficult reaction save with his right hand after forward Ki Hyeon Seol held off U.S. defender Frankie Hejduk on a bouncing ball in the box and had just the ‘keeper to beat from 10 yards out.  

Korea finally broke through in the 78th minute, when second-half substitute Jung Hwan Ahn rose above Agoos to connect with a perfect Eul Yong Lee free kick and flick in backwards just inside the far post past a helpless Friedel.  

Both teams pushed desperately for the game winner, but fatigue and poor finishing by the home team kept the final result at 1-1. Korea had the last serious chance, when Eul Yong Lee ran on to a clever back-heel pass on the left flank, dribbled to the end line to draw out Friedel and laid a pass off to Yong Soo Choi, but his shot on an open net was sent over the crossbar in the 89th minute.  

After missing the first match with a strained quadricep, U.S. captain Claudio Reyna returned to the field, teaming with O'Brien to clog the Korean attack. In addition to Mathis, midfielder Eddie Lewis and forward Josh Wolff both made their World Cup debuts in today’s match, coming off the bench in the 75th and 83rd minutes, respectively, to provide fresh legs and help the U.S. put together a counter-attack in the game’s final minutes.  

With the draw, CONCACAF is still undefeated in 2002 World Cup play with a 4-0-2 record, as Mexico earned a 2-1 comeback victory over Ecuador on Sunday to lead Group G with six points and Costa Rica earned a 1-1 draw with Turkey to give them four points in Group C. Both teams may still need a draw in their final match to advance to the second round, with the Tricolores meeting Italy and the Ticos facing group leader Brazil on Thursday.  

Other notes: The U.S. is now 5-1-1 in all-time World Cup history when scoring first ... Korea is now 0-9-4 when conceding the opening goal … The four goals that the U.S. has scored in the tournament is the most scored since the 1950 World Cup in Brazil ... Earnie Stewart, who wore the captain’s armband for the U.S. in the 3-2 win over Portugal, did not appear due to a groin injury that he suffered in the first match. 

- U.S. Men’s National Team Game Report -

Participants: United States World Cup Team vs. Korea Republic  

Competition: 2002 World Cup Korea/Japan – Opening Round (Group D - Match 30)  

Venue: Daegu World Cup Stadium – Daegu, Korea  

Date: June 10, 2002 – 3:30 p.m. (local) / 2:30 a.m. ET  

Weather: 77 degrees; humid, overcast  

Attendance: 60,778  

Scoring Summary: 1 - 2 - F  

United States 1 - 0 - 1  

Korea Republic 0 - 1 - 1

USA – Clint Mathis (John O’Brien), 24.  

KOR – Jung Hwan Ahn (Eul Yong Lee), 78.

Lineups:  

USA: 1-Brad Friedel; 2-Frankie Hejduk, 12-Jeff Agoos, 23-Eddie Pope, 22-Tony Sanneh; 10-Claudio Reyna (capt.), 17-DaMarcus Beasley (7-Eddie Lewis, 75), 5-John O’Brien, 21-Landon Donovan; 11-Clint Mathis (15-Josh Wolff, 83), 20-Brian McBride.  

Subs Not Used: 3-Gregg Berhalter, 4-Pablo Mastroeni, 6-David Regis, 8-Earnie Stewart, 9-Joe-Max Moore, 13-Cobi Jones, 14-Steve Cherundolo, 16-Carlos Llamosa, 18-Kasey Keller, 19-Tony Meola.  

KOR: 1-Woon Jae Lee; 4-Jin Cheul Choi, 20-Myung Bo Hong (capt.), 7-Tae Young Kim; 22-Chong Gug Song, 5-Nam Kim Il, 6-Sang Chul Yoo (11-Yong Soo Choi, 70), 13-Eul Yong Lee; 9-Ki Hyeon Seol, 18-Sun Hong Hwang (19-Jung Hwan Ahn, 56), 21-Ji Sung Park (14-Chun Soo Lee, 38). 

Subs Not Used: 2-Young Min Hyun, 3-Sung Yong Choi, 8-Tae Uk Choi, 10-Young Pyo Lee,12-Byung Ji Kim, 15-Min Sung Lee, 16-Doo Ri Cha, 17-Jong Hwan Yoon, 23-Eun Sung Choi.

Statistical Summary: USA - KOR  

Shots: 6 - 19 

Saves: 7 - 2 

Corner Kicks: 0 - 7 

Fouls: 18 - 17 

Offside: 3 - 3

Misconduct Summary:  

USA – Frankie Hejduk (caution), 30.  

USA – Jeff Agoos (caution), 39.  

KOR – Myung Bo Hong (caution), 80.

Referee: Urs Meier (SUI)  

Assistant Referee #1: Egon Bereuter (AUT)  

Assistant Referee #2: Ali Tomusange (UGA)  

Fourth Official: Gamal Ghandour (EGY)

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Holy Cow! What A Start

The U. S men’s national team shocked Portugal and the entire soccer world with a 3-2 victory in its opening game of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Portugal, ranked among the top five teams in the world, and considered a contender for this World Cup championship, fell behind 3-0 in the first half behind goals by John O’Brien, Landon Donovan and Brian McBride. 

O’Brien scored the first goal four minutes into the game. Later, Donovan forced an own goal as he drove a hard cross off a Portugese defender. McBride’s diving header of a cross from Tony Sanneh proved to be the game-winner. 

“We beat a great team today,” said U.S. coach Bruce Arena, who helped the U.S. improve their all-time World Cup record to 5-12-1 and became just the fourth U.S. coach to record a win in the World Cup. “We came into this game believing we could win this game, and our guys played a great 30-40 minutes in the first half that really won the game for us.”  

Portugal, which led European qualifying in scoring, pulled a goal back before halftime. In the second half the Portugese stepped up the pressure, but could not get a goal by U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel. Portugal’s second goal was off a U.S. own goal, as defender Jeff Agoos, attempting to clear a drive ball over the end line, slammed it past Friedel. 

Coupled with South Korea’s 2-0 win over Poland, the result set up a very important second game for the U.S. next Monday, June 10, when the U.S. plays the host Koreans. Technically, the U.S. is now is second place, behind Korea on goal differential. The top two teams from the group advance to the second round. 

Depth, which the U.S. has shown over the last 18 months, proved itself again for Arena’s squad. U.S. midfielder and captain Claudio Reyna, and striker Clint Mathis, did not play because of injuries. Friedel got the call over Kasey Keller, who has several nagging injuries, in goal, while Frankie Hejduk got the start at left back in a somewhat surprising move by Arena. 

With the U.S. ahead in the second half, Arena’s substitutions were Cobi Jones for Earnie Stewart at midfield, Joe-Max Moore for Donovan up top and Carlos Llamosa in the back for Eddie Pope. Stewart went out at halftime with a pulled groin. Moore was inserted for his energy and ability to hold the ball, and Llamosa came in for Pope after he went down with cramps in the closing minutes of the game. 

The insertion of youngsters Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley into the lineup paid huge dividens for the U.S. Beasley’s speed on the left flank gave the U.S. control on that side of the field. Former N.C. State standout Pablo Mastroeni started in the middle for Reyna and did a very creditable job. 

“The important thing was to come out quick,” said McBride, who helped the U.S. improve to 14-2 in games in which he scores. “They’re a very good team and we needed to make sure and put them on their heels, and that’s what we did.” 

Reyna and Mathis now have five more days to recover from injuries, and both could play key roles in the game with South Korea, should Arena decide to change his lineup. Josh Wolff, who also did not play against Portugal, would be a factor in that game against a very quick Korean team. 

The win was the first in a World Cup final since the U.S. beat Colombia in the second group game in the 1994 World Cup played in the U.S. It was the USA’s first game on the road in a World Cup final since the USA upset England 1-0 in 1950. 

Key Notes: The U.S. is now 5-1-0 all-time in the World Cup when scoring first ... The win was the first for the U.S. in a World Cup since the 2-1 win over Colombia on June 22 at USA '94 ... The U.S. is 14-1 all-time when Brian McBride scores in the run of play … With the U.S. win, all three CONCACAF teams were victorious in their respective 2002 World Cup openers, as Mexico defeated Croatia 1-0 in Group G play, while Costa Rica downed China 2-0 in Group C … Earnie Stewart, who wore the captain’s armband for the U.S. in Reyna’s absence, left the match at halftime with a groin injury and was replaced on the right flank by World Cup veteran Cobi Jones, Friedel wore the captain's armband for the second half … Today's three-goal performance is equal to the number of total goals the U.S. has scored in the last two World Cups combined (two at USA '94 and one at France '98) ... The last time Portugal has given up three goals in a World Cup match was their last game of Group F first round play in Mexico 1986, a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Morocco on June 11, 1986 in Guadalajara, that knocked them out of the tournament.

- U.S. Men's National Team Game Report -

Participants: United States World Cup Team vs. Portugal 

Competition: 2002 World Cup Korea/Japan – Group D (Game 16)  

Venue: Suwon World Cup Stadium (Suwon, Korea) 

Date: June 5, 2002 – 6 p.m. (local) / 5 a.m. ET  

Weather: 76 degrees; humid, hazy

Scoring Summary: 1 - 2 - F  

United States 3 - 0 - 3 

Portugal 1 - 1 - 2  

USA – John O’Brien (Brian McBride), 4.  

USA – own goal (Jorge Costa) 30.  

USA – Brian McBride (Tony Sanneh), 36.  

POR – Beto (unassisted), 39.  

POR – own goal (Jeff Agoos), 71.

Lineups:  

USA - 1-Brad Friedel; 2-Frankie Hejduk, 12-Jeff Agoos, 23-Eddie Pope (16-Carlos Llamosa, 80), 22-Tony Sanneh; 4-Pablo Mastroeni, 17-DaMarcus Beasley, 5-John O’Brien, 8-Earnie Stewart (Capt.; 13-Cobi Jones, 46); 21-Landon Donovan (9-Joe-Max Moore, 75), 20-Brian McBride.  

Subs Not Used: 3-Gregg Berhalter, 6-David Regis, 7-Eddie Lewis, 10-Claudio Reyna, 11-Clint Mathis, 14-Steve Cherundolo, 15-Josh Wolff, 18-Kasey Keller, 19-Tony Meola.

POR - 1-Vitor Baia; 2-Jorge Costa (13-Jorge Andrade, 73), 5-Fernando Couto (Capt.), 23-Rui Jorge (17-Paulo Bento, 69); 20-Petit, 10-Rui Costa (21-Nuno Gomes, 80), 11-Sergio Conceicao, 22-Beto; 7-Luis Figo, 9-Pauleta, 8-Joao Pinto.  

Subs Not Used: 4-Caneira, 12-Hugo Viana, 14-Pedro Barbosa, 15-Nelson, 16-Ricardo, 18-Frechaut, 19-Capucho.

Statistical Summary: USA - POR  

Shots: 11 - 12  

Saves: 2 - 3  

Corner Kicks: 3 - 7 

Fouls: 18 - 16 

Offside: 2 - 2

Misconduct Summary:  

POR – Beto (caution) 34th minute.  

POR – Petit (caution) 52.  

USA – John O’Brien (caution) 60.  

USA – DaMarcus Beasley (caution) 92+.

Referee: Byron Moreno (ECU)  

Assistant Referee #1: Bomer Fierro (ECU)  

Assistant Referee #2: Awni Hassouneh (JOR)  

Fourth Official: Saad Mane (KUW)  

Chevrolet Man of Match: Brian McBride  

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USA Gets Fair Draw For World Cup

The U.S. Men's National Team has been drawn into Group D with Portugal, World Cup co-host Korea Republic and Poland in the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan it was decided at the Final Draw in Busan, Korea. The U.S. will open Group D play against the highly-regarded Portuguese on June 5 in Suwon, and will follow that game with matches against the host Koreans on June 10 in Daegu and against Poland on June 14 in Daejeon.

In a scheduling quirk, the U.S. is scheduled to play the Korea Republic in their next two matches, a friendly in Seogwipo on Dec. 9 (being telecast on delay on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 10), and on Jan. 19 in the team’s opening match of the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (available on pay-per-view at 3 p.m. PT).

"South Korea is a much improved team, and certainly playing at home will be a big advantage and will make them that much more of a difficult opponent," said U.S. Coach Bruce Arena from Busan. "We will certainly get to know them better in the next two months."

With their opening World Cup match scheduled for June 5 in Suwon, the U.S. and Portugal will be the final two teams to open the tournament. The U.S. has not faced Portugal since the 1992 Nike U.S. Cup, where the U.S. recorded a 1-0 win behind a Roy Wegerle goal.

"Portugal is one of the best teams in the world, and they have one of the best players in the world in Luis Figo (of Real Madrid in Spain)," said Arena. "They are dangerous all over the field. And Poland showed in their qualifying run how dangerous they can be."

Featuring high-scoring, Nigerian-born forward Emanuel Olisadebe, who led the team in scoring in qualifying with eight goals, and goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek of Liverpool, Poland was the first team to qualify for the 2002 World Cup out of Europe (other than defending champion France). In their history, the U.S. has played Poland more times than any other European opponent (11 times dating all the way back to 1924), but the two teams have not met since Oct. 10, 1990, when the U.S. took a 3-2 victory in Warsaw. Poland leads the all-time series with a 6-4-1 record, but the U.S. has won the two most recent match-ups, both in 1990

By being drawn into Group D, the U.S. is assured that it will play all of its matches in Korea (not including the World Cup championship game on June 30 in Yokohama). Should they advance to the second round, the U.S. would meet a team from Group G (Italy, Ecuador, Croatia and Mexico) in Korea in either Jeonju (June 17) or Daejeon (June 18).

The rest of the USA’s quarterfinal bracket includes Group B (Spain, Slovenia, Paraguay and South Africa) and Group E (Germany, Saudi Arabia, Ireland and Cameroon).

The remaining World Cup groupings follow: Group A (France, Senegal, Uruguay and Denmark), Group C (Brazil, Turkey, China and Costa Rica), Group F (Argentina, Nigeria, England and Sweden) and Group H (Japan, Belgium, Russia and Tunisia). Group A features the tournament’s opening game (France vs. Senegal on May 31 in Seoul), while Group F was quickly dubbed the "Group of Death." The Group C pairing features former U.S. World Cup coach Bora Milutinovic leading his Chinese team against Costa Rica, whom Bora coached at the 1990 World Cup.

The U.S. Men’s National Team is currently training in San Diego, Calif., in preparation for their Dec. 9 match against Korea and are scheduled to depart for Asia on Monday (Dec. 3).

The 2002 tournament is the 17th overall FIFA World Cup and is being staged in Asia for the first time, where 10 Korean and 10 Japanese cities will host 64 games from May 31 to June 30.

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