US Loses To Germany 1-0, But Shows The World USA Soccer Is For Real

ESPN ^ | June 20,2002 | Self

[Illbay]

Nothing much to add. I saw only the last fifteen minutes of the game.

Germany went ahead on a header that'd have been nearly impossible for any keeper to ward off, and the US nearly came back and tied it--it was literally a matter of inches.

At the end of the game the German keeper collapsed to the ground.

This was a case of fighting one of THE premier teams in the world to a near standstill.

We come away from this tournament with elevated stature in international soccer.

Thank you, Team USA, you did your country proud!

USA! USA! USA!

[Bikers4Bush]

It was a good game, sucks to lose but at least they proved they were for real.

[goldstategop]

In this case even a loss is a victory.

[goldstategop]

We can hold our own with the best in the world in football. We're gaining experience and considering were we where the last two World Cups going in, we're not in bad shape. I'll take our quarterfinal finish.

[Illbay]

Brazil beat England 2-1. I'm looking for Brazil and Germany in the final, and for Germany to take the Cup.

That would make the US effort that much more spectacular.

[willgetsome]

Now back to baseball, football, basketball, and hockey.

[Colonel_Flagg]

Good effort. But, set piece defense has been a problem for us and it cost the USA the match. I think some people might have had their eyes opened by this run and I hope it's the case.

[Benrand]

Ahhh, soccer is for short small weasels.

HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE WE GO!!!!!!!!!!!

[dfwgator]

If Germany plays Brazil like they played today, Brazil wins 5-0.

[Phantom Lord]

You mean 'sports worth watching'.

[dfwgator]

I don't think any defense could have stopped the German goal. It was a perfect play, the Germans are simply too tall. I think almost every goal the Germans have scored have been on headers.

[Timesink]

Yeah, well, we still won WWII! So there!

[Illbay]

Germany holds on for win

World Cup 2002 Match Report

ULSAN, South Korea (AP) -- The best United States soccer team in 72 years finally met its match.

After rousing fans back home to get up in the middle of the night to watch their inspired play, the Americans lost to Germany 1-0 on Friday in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, although they outplayed their taller, stronger opponents for much of the night.

Unlike four years ago, when Germany manhandled the Americans during a 2-0 first-round victory in Paris, the U.S. players shoved back.

The United States dominated for much of the first half and had numerous scoring chances, but Michael Ballack scored on a header in the 39th minute, rising between two American defenders.

German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn twice came up with diving saves in the first half to deny Landon Donovan, and the Americans nearly tied the score four minutes into the second half.

A shot by Eddie Lewis bounced off Kahn and hit off the left hand of defender Torsten Frings, who was standing on the goal line. Scottish referee Hugh Dallas didn't call a penalty, awarding Germany a goal kick.

Then, with minutes left in the game, defender Tony Sanneh just missed a goal on a header, hitting the side of the net off a cross from Clint Mathis, who had entered early in the second half.

[Freemeorkillme]

Finnally! World respect for US soccer. Although it's too bad they didn't win, the tide is turning and the wave is building to a crest!

[KC_for_Freedom]

I agree, the US played well, dominated possesion, and in the end the game could have easily gone the other way. (Of course Germany could also have had a second goal of of Klose's header to the post but all in all it was an outstanding effort by the USA. Nice job guys!

[Freemeorkillme]

"Finally", that is. Need more caffeine.

[Illbay]

Sorry, but this is a tribute thread to the great effort of the US. Regardless of whether you like soccer or no, this is about supporting our country, not about watching short guys with shorter pants.

USA!

[KC_Conspirator]

We played better than the Germans and I think they realize that they got lucky. They had to stop a goal on an illegal handball on the goal line.

[Movemout]

Soccer is a snoozer to me but I respect the effort put in by the USA team. Way to go boys! Now onward and upward to NFL training camps, the other football.

[Illbay]

Yeah, I hate that, but OTOH we had a handball, I believe, in one of our goals against Mexico. So everything kind of evens out in the end.