Ranking the USMNT's Opening World Cup Games
During the broadcast of the United States men's soccer team's 4-1 dissection of Paraguay, Fox's Alexi Lalas commented that the first half might have been the best showing in a U.S. men's World Cup game.
It wasn't necessarily hyperbole, as the U.S. gave an excellent performance. It's one of the best games the Americans have played on the biggest stage. But was it the best World Cup opener the U.S. has ever had?
That's a bit more debatable. Over 11 World Cups, there have been some great openers for the U.S. There have also been a few disasters. Here's a look at the best performances in the World Cup opener for the USMNT.
1. United States 3, Portugal 2 (South Korea 2002)
As strong as the USMNT looked in beating Paraguay, they were supposed to beat Paraguay. Almost nobody expected the Americans to handle Portugal, which came in as one of the favorites to win the tournament.
But the Americans scored four minutes in, and before Portugal knew what had happened, it trailed the U.S. 3-0. Portugal battled back to get its deficit to a single goal, but it was to no avail. Brian McBride's goal in the 36th minute ultimately proved the winner, and the U.S. moved out of the group stage for just the third time in its history.
2. United States 2, Ghana 1 (Brazil 2014)
After losing to Ghana in both 2006 and 2010, the third time was the charm for the Americans. This time, the U.S. pounced on the Black Stars from the opening minute, literally. Clint Dempsey scored quickly, which proved crucial when Andre Ayew equalized in the 82nd.
John Brooks scored from a set piece four minutes after the equalizer, and the U.S. had a measure of revenge on the African side. This wasn't a dominating performance, rather it was a tight, nervy affair. But the U.S. came through, representing major progress.
3. United States 4, Paraguay 1 (United States 2026)
Lalas got a bit carried away, but this was an outstanding performance by the Americans. They never let Paraguay get into the match and pressed the issue from the beginning. When the South American side did find a goal, the U.S. kept their heads and rebuilt the three-goal cushion.
In every way, this was a dominant performance from the host nation. They now have a great chance to top the group and make a run.
4. United States 3, Belgium 0 (Uruguay 1930)
The first World Cup ever assembled was kind of a mess. Egypt withdrew when it missed its ship, and most of Europe considered the tournament beneath them. Belgium was one of the exceptions, but the wind and rain of Montevideo blew the Red Devils' tournament off course.
The Americans were far better equipped to handle the adverse conditions and breezed to a comfortable scoreline. Needless to say, the domination of Europe wouldn't last.
5. United States 1, England 1 (South Africa 2010)
The English headlines said it all: USA wins 1-1. England had so little respect for the USMNT in 2010 that a 1-1 draw felt like a loss to the Three Lions. Part of that was how the match went. England gave the win away. Steven Gerrard opened the scoring four minutes in, and the English had control. But the U.S. equalized when Robert Green mishandled Clint Dempsey's long-distance shot.
The goal was a gift, and the U.S. knew it. It ended up allowing the Americans to win the group, something they hadn't done since 1930.
6. United States 1, Switzerland 1 (United States 1994)
In 1994, the U.S. men had a simple goal: Don't become the first host country to fail to advance past the group stage. South Africa and Qatar have since achieved that unwanted status. They received a favorable group as host nation, with Switzerland and Romania seen as beatable foes.
The Swiss ended up being the Americans' first opponent, and the U.S. did enough to get through. Eric Wynalda's goal just before half tied the match, and the Americans held on for a draw. The U.S. went through on four points, a reasonable achievement.
7. United States 1, Wales 1 (Qatar 2022)
By the time the Americans got to Qatar, they expected to get past the group stage. Wales wasn't an overwhelming foe and was certainly a winnable match. But the U.S. lost its lead on Gareth Bale's penalty in the 82nd minute, and it couldn't find a second marker like it had against Ghana.
The draw wasn't a disaster, but it was a missed opportunity. It left the Americans needing a win over Iran to advance. And while they got it, the draw with Wales meant they went through second behind England. While the English blitzed Senegal, the Americans found themselves overmatched by the Netherlands in the round of 16.
8. Spain 3, United States 1 (Brazil 1950)
Before the U.S. shocked the entire world by stunning favored England, they nearly had this stunner. For eighty minutes, the Americans held a 1-0 lead on Spain. Spain wasn't the side it would become, but it was still a respected name across Europe.
The bid for a win fell apart in the last 10 minutes, as Spain breached the defense on three occasions Still, the first 80 minutes was a sign of things to come against mighty England.
9. Germany 2, United States 0 (France 1998)
The United States hoped to build off the success of hosting in 1994. But thanks to off-field issues, that never came close to happening. Just before the 1998 World Cup, details emerged internally that captain John Harkes was having an affair with Amy Wynalda, wife of teammate Eric.
U.S. boss Steve Sampson attempted to defuse the issue by dropping Harkes for the World Cup, even as Wynalda advocated for keeping his mouth shut and keeping Harkes in the name of what was best for the team. The Americans arrived in France distracted, and went down meekly in a 2-0 defeat to the Germans. They never recovered, finishing dead last in the tournament.
10. Czech Republic 3, United States 0 (Germany 2006)
Under Bob Bradley, the United States had a tendency to concede the first goal and play from behind. When it worked, it led to thrilling matches. When it didn't, outcomes like this one happened. The Czechs scored less than 10 minutes in, as Jan Koller found space and headed in their first goal of the tournament.
The Czechs dominated from there and cruised to a 3-0 win. Surprisingly, neither team advanced from the alleged Group of Death. The Czechs lost both their next two group matches, and the U.S. tied Italy and lost to Ghana to finish bottom of the group. Italy and Ghana moved forward, with Italy winning the title.
11. Czechoslovakia 5, United States 1 (Italy 1990)
Nobody expected much of anything from the U.S. in 1990. They were at their first World Cup in 40 years, and they were in Italy's group. They had hoped for a better showing than this, however. The Czechs controlled the flow of the match, outclassing the U.S. from opening kick.
Paul Caliguri pulling a goal back was a victory for the overmatched squad, but the gulf in quality between the two sides was clear. These days, the U.S. is much more formidable. Back in 1990, they were just happy to be there.
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