U.S. World Cup Draw With Germany and Portugal Harkens Back To Quarterfinal Run in 2002

Portugal set the tone. Bruce Arena’s Americans upset the Luis Figo-led team 3-2 in the first group match, scoring three times in the first 36 minutes and holding on. It remains among the biggest wins in U.S. Soccer history.

Germany ended it all. The Mannschaft defeated the U.S. 1-0 in the quarterfinals. The Americans arguably held the run of play, but were foiled by a masterful performance from eventual Golden Ball winner Oliver Kahn. Michael Ballack’s 39th minute header made the difference.

The U.S. will hope Klinsmann can inspire similar efforts against those two countries in Brazil. But with Germany having perhaps the best talent and depth of talent and Portugal featuring arguably the tournament’s best player, it won’t be easy.