By Clemente Lisi -- EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (Oct 26th, 2009) USSoccerPlayers -- Giants Stadium has hosted many important international soccer games – from high-caliber friendlies to the 1994 World Cup - over the past 30 years. The legendary stadium has also hosted some very important Men’s and Women’s National Team games over the past three decades.
Below is a list of the US National Team’s major games at the venue:10. July 26, 2009 – Mexican Goal Dance
USA vs. Mexico (Gold Cup)
Before 79,156 fans, the most-ever for a soccer game at Giants Stadium, Mexico routs the US 5-0 with all five goals coming in the second half. Mexico captured the Gold Cup while ending the USA’s 11-year unbeaten record against them in the United States - much to the delight of the heavily pro-Mexico crowd.
9. June 23, 2007 – US Women Beat Brazil
USA vs. Brazil (friendly)
In a pre-World Cup warm-up, the Americans defeated Brazil 2-0 on goals from Kristine Lilly and Abby Wambach. The US would lose to Brazil in the semifinals at the 2007 World Cup in China.
8. May 2, 1979 – France Kicks for Six
USA vs. France (friendly)
In its first game ever at the venue, a makeshift US team is trounced 6-0 by Michel Platini’s France -- with the bulk of the American players arriving on the day of the game because of scheduling conflicts with the NASL season. Bernard Lacombe struck for a hat trick to lead France to victory.
7. August 6, 1995 – Club vs Country
USA vs. Benfica of Portugal (Parmalat Cup)
The Americans down Benfica 2-1 thanks to Roy Lassiter’s game-winner to grab third place in the exhibition tournament.
USA vs. Italy (friendly)
With the National Team training full-time to qualify for the 1986 World Cup, the Americans shockingly play reigning world champion Italy to a scoreless draw.
5. June 4, 1989 – Hometown Heroes
USA vs. Peru (friendly)
The Americans defeated Peru 3-0 with New Jersey-native Tony Meola, in only his second appearance for the US, earning his first victory and first-ever National Team shutout. Bruce Murray, Brian Bliss and another New Jersey boy, Tab Ramos, got the goals.
4. July 21, 2005 – The Gooch
USA vs. Honduras (Gold Cup)
The US pulled off a dramatic 2-1 semifinal win over Honduras as Oguchi Onyewu buried a diving header two minutes into stoppage time to send the Americans to the Gold Cup final. The U.S. had been trailing for much of the game, but John O’Brien made it 1-1 in the 86th minute before Onyewu’s heroics.
3. June 8, 2008 – Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina!
USA vs. Argentina (friendly)
Tim Howard recorded seven saves as the US played mighty Argentina to a nil-nil draw. Despite the ejection of Pablo Mastroeni in the 71st minute, the Americans played one of its best games that year, shocking an Argentine side that featured Barcelona striker Lionel Messi. Sam’s Army was even able to drown out a largely Argentine crowd by chanting, “Estados Unidos” whenever the US had the ball.
2. June 19, 1999 – The Women Have Arrived
USA vs. Denmark (Women’s World Cup)
Before a crowd of 78,972 shrieking fans, the Mia Hamm-led US defeat Denmark 3-0 in the tournament opener. Brazil demolishes Mexico 7-1 in the second game of the doubleheader. The US would go on to win the tournament.
1. July 24, 2005 – Good as Gold
USA vs. Panama (Gold Cup final)
After a scoreless 120 minutes, the Americans captured their third Gold Cup by downing Panama 3-1 on penalties with Kasey Keller the hero in goal.
Clemente Lisi is the author of “A History of the World Cup: 1930-2006.” Contact him at: CAL4477@yahoo.com
