This article says yes: http://worldcup.usatoday.com/2014/06/21/usa-portugal-world-cup-history/ MANAUS, Brazil — There have been more important games for U.S. Soccer. The 1989 qualifier in Trinidad and Tobago that put the Americans back in the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, four years before they would host the tournament. The win against tournament favorite Colombia in ‘94 that gave the U.S. its first World Cup victory since 1950. The group game against star-studded Portugal in 2002 that launched the Americans on their run to the quarterfinals. None, however, is bigger than Sunday night’s game against Portugal. I think the 2002 Quarterfinal game is obviously bigger, of course there weren't near as many eyes on that one as there is on this one. This one might be the most anticipated/watched game of all time.
tough to say depends on the definition of "biggest". I would say no, T&T in '89 and Colombia in '94 I think were bigger. If the 94 World Cup had been perceived a flop not sure any of this is happening. Even if we lose today the trajectory keeps going up.
Germany 2002 > Brazil 1994 (at home gives it a bit more import in my book) > Ghana 2010, Mexico 2002 > Ghana 2006, Algeria 2010, Poland 2002, Iran 1998 > games like this where qualification to the knock rounds isn't on the line. So this is our most important game since last Monday and somewhere in our top 15 to 20 or so all time.
Would put it in the top 5 if we win. Can't underestimate the fact that it's on Sunday during the day. This is by far the biggest sporting event of the weekend, and one of (if not) the biggest of the whole month. Not many US games can claim that. But I do agree Brazil 94 was huge. If we had won that (awe Dooley just missed it), it would be the biggest ever.
If we beat Portugal, then YES biggest game. If we lose, then Germany will be "the biggest game" It keeps going and going
A lot of the glamour with the Algeria match is due to the fact Donovan scored in the very last minute. Had Edu's goal been given against Slovenia, the Algeria match would have been an after thought.
The ratings for the Ghana game was around 14 million in total I believe. Not counting bars or public viewing zones, which shouldn't be overlooked. Ratings today should definitely be much higher. Shame the Germany match is on a Thursday morning. Could u doubt 20 million people tuning in?
Biggest game? I vote '89 vs. T&T. Nothing is more difficult than winning an away WCQer. Especially after a 40 year absence from the WC!
Gotta disagree, any world cup win is bigger than any non world cup win. So much bigger than a non world cup loss.