There was one goal that I reacted stronger to more then any goal scored by the US Nats. I was watching the USA-Poland game with my Dad. With the game out of reach and a feeling of deep shock and dissapointment rising in the pit of my stomach I left the room. I went into another room on the other side of my house to take a look at the South Korea-Portugal game, I was recording the USA game, in full knowledge that Portugal had a lot more to play for then the Koreans. I'd watched the game for just about 15 seconds when that brilliant Korean knocked in the go ahead goal. I reacted with such a primal scream that came all the way from deep inside that no sound came out and no joke here I about swallowed my tongue. I took off screaming at the top of my lungs through my house to alert my dad. At that time in the morning I must have awoken the whole neighborhood to the fact that the US Nationals were indeed through to the knockout phase. (after a few more tense minutes) That will always be my defining memory of the 2002 World Cup. What will 2006 bring?
Same thing with me, except that i was watching the Korea game,knowing USA had nothin else tpo play for in their game. When Portugal hit the post in extra time in the second half....oh man...
That was amazing, but my defining moment will always be the 2nd goal against Portugal. One US goal could be written off as a fluke, but the second signified that we meant business. Alex
John Paul Dellacammera's call of that most important Korean strike was also fantastic. I had not heard it until I watched the Our Way DVD... (which I highly recommend, BTW) Tommy Smyth was his usual blabbering self, and then the Koreans strike. JPD gave his usual GOAL! call. And then shut up. The Koreans go mad, and the scorer runs over to the bench to hug Gus Hiddink. The noise from the supporters must have been tremendous. JPD then says, with a voice clearly full of emotion........."It's a goal for two nations." In 6 words, JPD said something more meaningful and appropriate than what Jack and Ty can say in 6 matches.
The Korean goal really wasnt it for me...I didn't even really know it happened until after it had happened. The goal for me was O'Briens against Portugal- US' first goal of the 2002 WC. I didn't know what to expect from either team because anything could happen- but that goal really surprised me and I think brought a few tears to my eyes
the best for me was the SK goal also. especially considering days before i despised that squad with a passion. the knife though was reading the Germany goal come up on the match tracker at work. total killer. but at the same time i was ok because i never expected anything like it.