FIFA World Cup 2002 Group D
The home supporters were richly rewarded as South Korea, coached by Gus Hiddink, recorded fine wins against Poland and Portugal and finished top of the group and were joined in the next round by the United States, who recorded a shock win against Portugal. Despite their success, the American team attracted little atention at home.
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Korea Republic
Poland
Korea Republic 2 Poland 0
Busan Asiad Main Stadium, Busan (48,760)
4 June 2002
Spurred on by rapturous supporters, South Korea played with a pace and enthusiasm that was more than the pedestrian Polish team could cope with. Even though the Poles had the best of the opening chances, Korea soon took control and were ahead after 26 minutes. Poland looked dispirited and when Yoo Sang-Chui doubled Korea's lead in the 56th minute after some sloppy defending they never looked capable of getting back into the game.
USA
Portugal
USA 3 Portugal 2
Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon (37,306)
5 June 2002
Unlike the USA's historic defeat of England in the 1950 World Cup, there was nothing freakish about this result. With 36 minutes gone, they fully deserved to be 3-0 up against one of the best teams in the world albeit with some help from the hapless Portuguese goalkeeper, Vítor Baía. Beto scored in the 39th minute to give Portugal a lifeline and his side mounted attack after attack in the second half and made it 3-2 on 71 minutes when Agoos sliced his clearance to put the ball into his own net. Despite constant pressure, however, the Americans held out until the final whistle.
Korea Republic
USA
Korea Republic 1 USA 1
Daegu World Cup Stadium, Daegu (60,778)
10 June 2002
South Korea came from behind to secure a point in an exciting match in front of 60,000 adoring supporters. Clint Mathis had put the USA ahead in the 24th minute much against the run of play and moments before half-time, Brad Friedel, in superb form, saved a Korean penalty. In the second half the South Koreans renewed their assault and were rewarded when Ahn Jung-Hwan glanced a header past Friedel. Choi Yong-Soo, unmarked in the American penalty area, could have secured a win in the final seconds but blazed his shot over the bar.
Portugal
Poland
Portugal 4 Poland 0
Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju (31,000)
10 June 2002
In driving rain, Portugal got back on track with an emphatic win against a disappointing Polish team, Pauleta scoring a hat-trick.
Korea Republic
Portugal
Korea Republic 1 Portugal 0
Incheon Munhak Stadium, Incheon (50,239)
14 June 2002
A magnificent display by the Taegeuk Warriors put the co-hosts into the last 16 alongside Japan and eliminated Portugal. Urged on by a wall of sound from their support, South Korea took the game to Portugal from the start and their prospects improved when João Pinto was sent off after 27 minutes. Three minutes later Korea had a goal disallowed. Portugal held on into the second half but five minutes after their defender Beto joined Pinto in the dressing room, Park Ji-Sung scored the winner with a brilliant finish. In a frantic climax, Figo sent a free-kick narrowly wide, Sérgio Conceição struck the post and then had a fierce shot palmed away by the Korean goalkeeper.
Poland
USA
Poland 3 USA 1
Daejeon World Cup Stadium, Daejeon (26,482)
14 June 2002
Despite being outclassed by Poland, who played with greater freedom now that they were eliminated, the USA qualified for the knock out phase thanks to the result in Incheon.