Review: Most impressive tournament game in USMNT history?

For pure soccer reasons, beating Spain in 2009 was the biggest win. But this game kicked off the WC at home and got a ton of the country buzzing about the team. So in terms of impact on the country, I'd say this was the biggest win.
If we beat Turkey and finish with 9 points I think that game would eclipse the Paraguay game.
I'm 52 years old and sooooo exhausted watching us scraping for points and back-dooring our way into the knockout rounds. Winning all 3 and dominating the group would be amazing.

 

I'd always thought that the blueprint for US success was to run a compact defense in our own defensive third, hit teams on the counter, and rely on American fighting spirit (which I think is a real thing) to get results. That's how I would describe the Arena '02 team and the Bradley '09 team.

Poch, on the other hand, thinks that we can use that same fighting mentality to press the shit out of the opposition in their own half, wear them down, and use skill to unlock defenses. Turns out that is a much better way to handle the kind of bunkering defenses that have previously frustrated us.

I cannot overstate how refreshing it is to see. Going on a deep run is going to do wonders for the game in the US (just like Boraball did in '94). But doing it in style? That's like extra mustard right there.

 

Probably been said 100x, but not including Germany 1 USA 0 in 2002 on the original list brings the whole survey into question.

Everything on the line, quarterfinals, and we stood toe to toe with die Mannschaft. In two thousand effing two.

 

I haven’t watched that game in a while, but I was so disappointed after it was over. We deserved to win.

 

It's a hard choice. Which of your kids is your favorite, Mr. Cleaver?

I originally voted for 2002 Portugal, but reconsidered because, while it was a great thrill, I don't think it showed the world, including USA fans, that we got some real football in our DNA.

 

Most impressive performance aesthetically: 2026 WC win over Paraguay.

Most impressive result: 3-2 win over Paraguay in 2002 WC. No one had that on their bingo card, especially the manner in which it happened (going up 3-0 in the first half). Honorable mention to the 2-0 win over Spain in the 2009 Confederations Cup.

 

I suppose you mean Portugal

 

Oops, sorry. Yes, definitely meant to write the 3-2 win over Portugal in 2002.