America's Greatest Hits

Still scratching your head over how the United States managed to beat Spain 2-0 in the Confederations Cup yesterday?  So are we.  As we continue to come to grips with one of the most unexpected results in the international game, we turn our minds to the other most memorable victories in the history of U.S. football.

U.S. v England – World Cup 1950

Such a good story that it was even turned into a low-budget film.  (Never saw it? Not sure anyone did.)  Despite playing without Stanley Matthews, the English arrived in Brazil as the “Kings of Football.”  The Americans, on the other hand, had lost their last seven international matches by a combined score of 45-2.  Consequently, their 1-0 victory over the English still ranks as one of the biggest upsets in the history of the World Cup. In fact, some Fleet Street editors at the time presumed the score was a typo and ran headlines that read 10-0 in favor of England.

U.S. v Colombia – World Cup 1994

Escobar puts the US 1-0 up

Unfortunately, this match will be remembered more for what happened afterwards.  In front of a sell-out crowd in California, the host side pulled the rug out from under one of the tournament’s strongest teams.  Many, in fact, had tipped Colombia to be the dark horse of this World Cup – including millions back home.  But an own goal by Colombian defender Andres Escobar followed by a goal from American forward Ernie Stewart abruptly scuttled the hopes of an entire nation.  Ten days later Escobar was gunned down by a disillusioned fan back in Medellin.

U.S. v Portugal – World Cup 2002

Brian McBride knocks the wind out of Portugal

Figo and Co. rode into the World Cup with astronomical expectations and one of the tournaments most exciting crop of stylish, attack-minded players.  But in their opening match, the Americans forced three goals in the first 36 minutes, all but deflating Portugal’s expectations for a deep run in the tournament. Despite the threat of a late Portuguese comeback, the U.S. team held on for one of their most unlikely victories, setting the stage for their most successful World Cup.

All of this leads us to wonder… what makes your list of the greatest international upsets?  Senegal’s victory over France in the 2002 World Cup?  Greece winning Euro 2004?