Soccer: USA hold on for stunning win over Portugal

11.00pm

US 3 PORTUGAL 2

A vibrant, athletic United States side recorded one of the biggest shocks in the history of the World Cup tonight when they upset Portugal 3-2 on the sixth day of the tournament.

After losing each of their three World Cup games in France four years ago the United States were given little chance against the European aristocrats led by Fifa's player of the year, Luis Figo, in the South Korean city of Suwon.

But after John O'Brien had scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far in the fourth minute the Americans ran up a 3-0 lead after only 36 minutes.

Stung into action, Portugal, semifinalists in the 2000 European Championships, pulled back two goals but, despite an untiring performance from Figo, it was not to be their night.

Landon Donovan and Brian McBride scored the other two American goals with Beto Severo replying for Portugal. Jeff Agoos scored an own goal for the United States.

The result ranked with Senegal's 1-0 win over defending champions France last Friday and will go alongside another celebrated scoreline, the Americans' 1950 World Cup victory over England.

As always the World Cup has barely impinged on the American sporting consciousness.

The most recognisable soccer player in the United States is a woman, Mia Hamm. The enduring image of the sport is Brandi Chastain ripping off her shirt at the Rose Bowl after scoring the winning goal in front of 90,000 spectators at the 1999 women's World Cup final.

Whatever the impact back home, the result has certainly shaken up group D, where South Korea defeated Poland 2-0 on Tuesday.

Europeans will shake their heads in disbelief at a group table headed by South Korea on goal difference from the United States followed by Portugal and Poland.

"I think this win will grab the attention of a lot of people in the US but this isn't our only game," said coach Bruce Arena. "Our goal is to make it to the second round and in order to do that we need to get more points in this tournament."

- REUTERS

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