Former Billiken McBride Sparks World Cup Upset of Portugal

St. Louis - Former Saint Louis University All-American Brian McBride scored the game-winning goal and assisted on another today as he led the U.S. to a stunning 3-2 upset of Portugal in the World Cup in Suwon, Korea.

McBride earned the Chevy Man of the Match award after assisting on the first goal and heading home the winner in the 36th minute. McBride became the first U.S. player to score goals in two different World Cups. He scored the only U.S. goal in the '98 World Cup in a 2-1 loss to Iran.

Dangerous throughout the match, McBride created the first goal when he rose above Portugal defender Fernando Couto for a header off an Earnie Stewart corner kick. Portugal keeper Victor Baia dived to stop the shot, but U.S. midfielder John O'Brien cleaned up the rebound in the fourth minute.

"The important thing was to come out quickly," McBride said. "Portugal is a very good team, and we needed to make sure and put them on their heels. That's what we did."

After a Portugal own-goal increased the U.S. lead to 2-0 in the 30th minute, McBride netted the game winner six minutes later on a classic diving header. McBride split two defenders to drill Tony Sanneh's cross from the right flank.

The U.S. plays host Korea on Monday. For in-depth World Cup coverage, go to www.ussoccer.com.