The Americans have come a long way since...

U.S.A. 3 Portugal 2

The Americans had come a long way since their upset win over England in 1950.

Having hosted the competition in 1994, Bruce Arena's side had bettered their performances with every tournament they played.

But the side they faced in their opening Group D encounter at the Suwon stadium comprised Portugal's Golden Generation.

However, after 36 minutes it was the unfancied Americans who were leading 3-0, John O'Brien and Brian McBride scoring before and after an own-goal by Portugal's Jorge Costa.

Beto reduced the deficit before another own-goal, this time by American Jeff Agoos, made it seem like a Portuguese comeback.

But the Americans survived the onslaught that followed and send shockwaves through the footballing world.

Portugal, on the other hand, with the then FIFA World Player of the Year Luis Figo in their ranks were considered favourites to win the tournament.

They went out in the first round.

Image: A soccer fan hold a sign in the middle of USA's fans as they celebrate their win against Portugal in their group D World Cup Finals match in Suwon