[UNDER-20 WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN] The USA beat Portugal, 3-1, in the final tune-up for both teams for the Under-20 World Cup. Portugal had the edge in play but theUSA put away its chances to get a huge confidence boost a week before its U-20 World Cup opener against Spain in Istanbul.
Jose Villarreal scoredin the first half with a free kick through the arms of the Portuguese keeper Jose Sa, and sub Shane O’Neill and Alonso Hernandez scored three minutes apart in the second half to take the lead it never relinquished. O’Neill was alone to score off a free kick after he was played onside, whileHernandez lobbed Jose Sa from outside the penalty area after a botched backpass.
Coach Tab Ramos started close to what is expected to be hisstarting lineup for the Spain game.
Portugal also begins U-20 World Cup play June 21 against Nigeria.
June 14 in Vila Real de SantoAntonio
Portugal 1 USA 3. Goals: Bruma 27, Villarreal 9, O’Neill 51, Hernandez 54.
Portugal —Jose Sa (Bruno Varela, 46); Joao Cancelo (Tomas Dabo, 61), Edgar Ie, Tiago Ferreira (Tiago Ilori, 46), Kiko (Mica, 76); Ricardo Alves (Agostinho Ca, 46), Joao Mario (To Ze, 46), Andre Gomes(Tiago Silva, 61); Ricardo Pereira (Ricardo Esgaio, 61), Bruma, Aladje.
USA — Cropper; Yedlin, Stanko, Torre (O’Neill, 46), Ocegueda; Trapp, Joya(Lopez, 63), Gil (Garcia, 39); Villarreal (Pineda, 71), Rodriguez (Cuevas, 46), Hernandez (Acosta, 81).