2009: Oh, So Close

Biggest Moments in USA Men's Soccer History

After their shocking victory over Spain in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup in South Africa, the Americans raced out to a 2-0 lead over five-time World Cup-champion Brazil. Playing in their first-ever FIFA final, the United States could not sustain their high-energy play throughout and the experienced and talent-laden Brazil side stormed back for a 3-2 victory. The second place result should not be taken lightly. Each nation brought its strongest side to South Africa for the Confederations Cup, considered the third biggest tournament in international soccer. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

More from this Slideshow

0 of 0

1930: The First ... In the inaugural World Cup, the United States defeated Belgium 3-0 in Montevideo, Uruguay. With another win in the tournament over Paraguay, the United States qualified for the semifinals, which to this day is its highest finish in a World Cup. (AP Photo)
1950: "Miracle o... In what is considered by many to be the greatest upset in the history of soccer, the United States defeated England 1-0. The magnitude of the result was compounded by the fact that the United States had lost its seven previous international matches by a combined score of 45-2. (AP Photo)
1989: "Shot Hear... In 1989, Paul Caligiuri scored the game-winning goal against Trinidad and Tobago that qualified the United States for its first World Cup in 40 years. The win led to a resurgence in American soccer that has seen the team make five consecutive World Cup appearances. (AP Photo/Michael Caulfield)
1994: Home Sweet... As hosts of the 1994 World Cup, the United States automatically qualified. However, they showed that their inclusion was warranted with a 1-0 victory over fourth-ranked Columbia in the group stages. On the heels of this victory, the side qualified for the knock-out Round, losing to eventual champion Brazil, 1-0 in the round of 16. (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle)
1998: Boys Best ... The United States' lone triumph over South American giants came at the 1998 Gold Cup in the United States. A 22-yard shot by Preki Radosavljevic left the entire Brazilian team speechless-- like their pictured star Romario de Souza. (AP Photo/Michael Caulfield)
2002: Flying Sta... The United States quickly got its 2002 World Cup off to a good start with a 3-2 upset over pre-tournament favorite Portugal. The result was all the more shocking considering the team finished dead last at the '98 World Cup. (AP Photo/Heribert Proepper)
2002: Statement ... The '02 World Cup, co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, proved to be an impressive showing for the United States. In additon to beating Mexico, Sam's Army also defeated Portugal and narrowly lost to runner-up Germany. (AP Photo/Yonhap, Yang Hyun-tack)
2006: Challengin... While the 2006 World Cup was deemed an underachievement for the United States' squad, it was not without one gutsy performance against the eventual champions, Italy. Down to nine men, the Americans salvaged a tie against the Italians leaving the result as the only blemish on an otherwise perfect tournament for the Azzuri. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
2009: Shocking t... There was much reason to celebrate for the United States soccer team as they shocked the world, and their opponents, Spain, 2-0 in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup.The defending European-champion Spaniards had their streak of 35 consecutive matches without a loss snapped. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
2009: Oh, So Clo... After their shocking victory over Spain in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup in South Africa, the Americans raced out to a 2-0 lead over five-time World Cup-champion Brazil. Playing in their first-ever FIFA final, the United States could not sustain their high-energy play throughout and the experienced and talent-laden Brazil side stormed back for a 3-2 victory. The second place result should not be taken lightly. Each nation brought its strongest side to South Africa for the Confederations Cup, considered the third biggest tournament in international soccer. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)