Top 5 Most Impressive Wins of the US Men's National Soccer Team
Couldda Been a Contender! The Top 5 USMNT Victories That'll Make Your Coconuts Sing
From nail-biting nail-biters to jaw-dropping upsets, the US Men's National Team (USMNT) has a knack for delivering unforgettable moments of pure soccer magic throughout their history. These stirring victories have left a lasting impact on U.S. soccer and are still celebrated to this day. Here's a rundown of the USMNT's five most memorable wins in all their glory...
5. 2010 World Cup Group Stage vs. Algeria (Watch On)
It's safe to say that many USMNT fans were teetering on the edge of their seats as the team faced off against Algeria in the final match of the 2010 World Cup group stage. With only seconds left on the clock, overtime looked to be the inevitable winner until a certain Landon Donovan stepped in to save the day. With a breathtaking rebound finish, Donovan scored a stoppage-time goal to propel the USMNT into the knockout rounds via a 1-0 victory that will forever be remembered as one of the most incredible endings in USMNT history.
4. 1950 World Cup Group Stage vs. England
The old saying, "You can't make this stuff up" definitely applies to this one. In a World Cup that predates social media, some newspapers were suspected of making a typo when they reported the final scoreline of the USMNT's 1-0 victory over heavily-favored England in the 1950 World Cup Group Stage. Little-known striker Joe Gaetjens, later credited with putting the goal away, became an overnight sensation as the USMNT shocked the soccer world with this unforgettable upset.
3. 1994 World Cup Group Stage vs. Colombia (Watch On)
This World Cup brought a unique blend of drama and heartbreak for USMNT fans. In the 1994 tournament held in the United States, the USMNT pulled a stunning upset against Colombia by winning 2-1 in the Group Stage. The goal that set the tone for the victory came courtesy of a Colombian defender, Andres Escobar, who unfortunately ended up paying the ultimate price as he was killed in his native land just days after the match due to reprisals from local organized crime syndicates. A tragic end to a bitterly-contested match that left fans wondering what could have been.
2. 2002 World Cup Round of 16 vs. Mexico (Watch On)
The historic 'Dos a Cero' (2-0) rivalry between the USMNT and Mexico reached new heights during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea/Japan. The USMNT instantly became the toast of the nation as they eliminated their arch-nemesis with an epic 2-0 Round of 16 victory and advanced to the quarterfinals, ensuring their place as a major threat in international soccer.
1. 2009 Confederations Cup Semifinals vs. Spain (Watch On)
This win didn't come during a World Cup, but it was every bit as epic as any other victory on this list. In the 2009 Confederations Cup Semifinals, the USMNT achieved the unthinkable by defeating superpowers Spain and ending their historic 35-match unbeaten streak. The USMNT's triumph was a string of gorgeous goals from Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, sending shockwaves around the world, and providing a tantalizing glimpse of the team's potential for future major tournaments.
These milestone victories serve as a stark reminder of the USMNT's ability to consistently achieve greatness on the world stage. From historic upsets to astonishing comebacks, the USMNT has demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with. The countdown to the next thrilling chapter in USMNT history has already begun!
Sports fans have witnessed awe-inspiring football moments as the US Men's National Team (USMNT) has ventured into uncharted territory, clinching unexpected victories that have left indelible marks in the annals of American soccer. For instance, the nail-biting 2009 Confederations Cup Semifinals saw the USMNT shatter Spain's 35-match unbeaten streak, proving their competitiveness against formidable opponents.