US pull off shock win over Portugal

The Americans struck thrice in the first half and held on for a 3-2 victory in their group D match.
American Blitz - Images from the match

The darkhorse of the finals, Portugal looks set to spring a surprise or two against the established contenders. The team is closely knit, sound on technique and plays with the flair of a vintage Brazil.

The nucleus of this side is the '91 World Youth Cup-winning squad. It bears testimony in the team's organisation and understanding, which was best exemplified in the Euro '98 campaign.

Portugal's wealth of talent begins with the midfield. Figo and Rui Costa rank among the best midfielders money can buy. Sergio Conceicao adds depth to the midfield, while Nuno Gomes, Joao Pinto and Pauleta are nippy and effective in the forward line.

Drawn against South Korea, Poland and USA, Portugal can breathe easy in the initial rounds. The downside to this gifted squad is its supreme confidence. In the ultimate analysis, complacency may just come between Portugal and World Cup glory.

Defenders:
Abel Xavier, Roberto Severo "Beto", Marco Caneira , Fernando Couto, Nuno Frechaut, Jorge Andrade, Jorge Costa,Rui Jorge Oliveira.

Midfielders:
Nuno Rocha "Capucho", Luis Figo, Paulo Bento, Paulo Sousa, Pedro Barbosa, Armando Teixeira "Petit", Rui Costa, Sergio Conceicao, Daniel Kenedy,

Forwards:
Joao Pinto, Nuno Ribeiro "Gomes", Pedro Resendes "Pauleta".

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Qualifying campaign

W 3-1 Estonia (a) D 1-1 Republic of Ireland (h) W 2-0 Netherlands (a) W 3-0 Andorra (h) D 2-2 Netherlands (h) D 1-1 Republic of Ireland (a) W 6-0 Cyprus (h) W 7-1 Andorra (a) W 3-1 Cyprus (a) W 5-0 Estonia (h)

June 16, 2002