From: Hildegaard Beauregard [ljlife@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2002 3:03 AM
Subject: U.S. starts with biggest bang yet

Reporting from World Cup Watch Central at halftime of
the U.S. v. Portugal match, where the United States
stunned everyone with the first goal in 3 minutes (I
believe that's the quickest of the tournament so far)
and THEN scored two more to take a 3-0 lead over
European power and group favorite Portugal. Portugal
got a goal at 39 minutes to make it 3-1 U.S.

John O'Brien, Landon Donovan (of the San Jose Sharks)
and Brian McBride scored for the U.S., all on
opportunistic but explosive plays.

In general, Portugal has been far more organized and
dangerous with concerted attacks, but the U.S. is
obviously not to be taken lightly on the
counterattack. The speed of Donovan and DeMarcus
Beasley, in particular, has proven trouble for the
Portugese defenders, and others such as veterans Ernie
Stewart and Eddie Pope have been trouble in the box
and on corner kicks.

If the 2-point spread holds up, the U.S. would
actually assume the lead in the group over Korea
because of scoring more goals. Not to be pessimistic,
but Portugal can't be counted out. In the European Cup
in 2000, England jumped up 2-0 to Portugal, a lead
which would seem even greater because of England's
stature, but lost 3-2! On the other hand, the U.S.
probably never imagined they be spotted 3 goals
against Portugal, and that's about as good as gets for
a head start -- if they blow this one, well, what more
could you say for them.

Korea's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink has said that the
U.S. is an experienced squad and will be a struggle
for Korea. He's setting up his own team to take the
U.S. seriously, which is a good tactic.

Meanwhile, Russia defeated Tunisia 2-0 in the earlier
match, which means they assume the lead of Japan's
group, with 3 points to Japan and Belgium's 1.

More news as it happens.