Posted on 08/14/2003 12:17:49 PM PDT by truthandlife
Recipient of the lion’s share of pre-Finland 2003 hype, 14-year-old Freddy Adu lived up to expectations and then some with a hat-trick to inspire the USA to a 6-1 rout of Group D rivals Korea Republic. The Ghanaian-born youngster ran rampant to lay claim to a brilliant equaliser and two more in the driving wind and rain of Lahti as the U.S got their campaign off with a big bang. Following some promising moments early on, the U.S. went down to a horrific own goal just after the ten-minute mark. A seemingly harmless looping ball in from the right caught American defender Dwight Owens in two minds. As he tried to control the bouncing ball it glanced wickedly off his chest and past keeper Phil Marfuggi who had come off his line to collect. (0-1, 11’)
Far from letting their heads drop, the Americans hit back straight away with consistent danger man Adu leading the charge. Following some foraging early work, the youngster collected the ball 45 yards from goal, turned brilliantly and ghosted past four flat-footed Korean defenders with a stunning burst of speed. Rounding keeper Cha Ki Seok with ease, the prodigy slotted home with his left foot to send the US team into wild celebrations – and surely no one was happier than unlucky Owens. (1-1, 16’)
“I was actually looking around for someone to pass to,” said the humble youngster with a bag of ice strapped to his ankle after the match. “No one was around, so I just decided to go for it.”
Defender Owens relief was doubled only five minutes later when a corner kick from captain and workhorse Corey Ashe bobbled dangerously around the box. Leaning back, the defender slammed the ball past the hapless Cha from seven yards and raced for the corner flag for a dance of joy with his team-mates. (2-1, 26’)
“After the own goal I was feeling pretty down,” commented Owens. “But my team-mates kept me up and I told myself I had two choices ‘either bounce back or crumble’.”
Though the Koreans continued to make inroads with their direct, physical football, lady luck was not with them. Lee Gang Jin saw his right-footed shot slam against Marfuggi’s post just before the half.
Korea’s lack of luck continued ten minutes into the second period as Lee Sang Yong beat Ashe to the byline and crossed dangerously. Marfuggi lunged and missed, but the ball slipped past the two strikers and safely out.
The Americans hit back straight away on a lightning-quick counterattack down the right. Adu was again involved as his deflected flick sent effervescent Texas native Jaime Watson clean in on goal. After rounding Cha, the spiky-haired striker slipped the ball into the back of the net celebrating with a joyous slide on the soaked pitch. (1-3, 55,) “Watson and Adu are really beginning to develop a very good understanding,” said U.S. boss John Ellinger.” And a coolly taken penalty in extra time had the crowd in disbelief as the youngster quietly collected his hat-trick. (1-6, 90+)
Adu may have wowed the crowd beneath the giant ski jump dwarfing Lahti stadium, but the ambitious youngster who tries to emulate his idol Zinédine Zidane is not getting complacent. “I was really nervous before the game,” he said. “I feel I didn’t have my best game. I can do a lot better. If Adu can indeed do better, Group D’s Sierra Leone and Spain will do well to look out
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