US Stun Portugal 3-2 in World Cup

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, June 06, 2002

US Stun Portugal 3-2 in World Cup

Three stunning goals in the first half made the United States beat Euro 2000 semi-finalists Portugal 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup Group D game on Wednesday in Suwon.

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US Stun Portugal 3-2 in World Cup

Three stunning goals in the first half made the United States beat Euro 2000 semi-finalists Portugal 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup Group D game on Wednesday in Suwon.

A fourth minute blast from John O'Brien, a 30th minute shot by Landon Donovanown and Brian McBride's 36th minute diving header contributed to the biggest upset since defending champions France went down 1-0 to Senegal in the opener of this World Cup.

Jolted awaken, Portugal launched constant attacks which produced two goals - one by Severo Beto in the 39th minute and the other own goal by Portuguese Jeff Agoos at the 71st.

The American eleven, who lost all of their games and finished last at the 1998 tournament, went ahead in the fourth minute with the fastest goal of the finals.

Brian McBride headed a corner from the left to the goal mouth and Portuguese keeper Vitor Baia could only parry to O'Brien, who blasted it home from a close range.

The United States doubled up their lead in the 30th minute when Landon Donovan's shot hit the back of Jorge Costa's head and flew inside the left post.

Seven minutes later Portugal yielded a third through a superb diving header from McBride.

Portugal pulled one goal back through Beto Severo in the 39th and Jeff Agoos put through his own net in the 71st. But the United States hang on with grit and determination to prevent an equalizer.

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

Portugal (4-4-2): 1-Vitor Baia; 2-Jorge Costa (13-Jorge Andrade 73), 22-Beto Severo, 5-Fernando Couto, 23-Rui Jorge(17-Paulo Bento 69); 20-Armando Petit, 11-Sergio Conceicao,10-Rui Costa (21-Nuno Gomes 80), 7-Luis Figo; 8-Joao Pinto, 9-Pauleta.

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