The 2002 World Cup, particularly the USA’s run to the quarterfinals in South Korea, remains the most memorable World Cup for many U.S. fans.

• For the backdrop: No one expected the USA to do well after its last-place finish (out of 32 teams!) in France four years earlier.

• For the opposition: stunning tournament favorite Portugal in the opener in Suwon (3-2), getting a point against co-host South Korea backed by a sea of red in Daegu (1-1) and beating archrival Mexico in Jeonju (Dos a Cero!).

• And for the timing: Fans back home got up in the middle of the night to watch the tournament in South Korea and Japan.

Soccer America readers share their memories of the magical ride in South Korea.

Andy Grudich (Laura, OH)
It was the final, and I was at a wedding reception in Pontiac, Michigan. We got in really late, but I set my alarm. It was rough getting up and I went downstairs. I believe it was like 6 a.m. The hotel did not have a TV set up. They found a TV and set it up in the lobby for me. I was sitting by myself, then some guy just flew in from Dallas and sat down with me. We watched the game and every few minutes the kitchen staff would pop out to get a glimpse and check the score. Memorable morning.