Portugal

FIFA World Ranking (November 2001): 4th

2002 World Cup qualifying: Won UEFA "Group 2" (7-0-3; 33 GF, 7 GA)

2001 Overall Record: 6-1-2

World Cup final appearances: 3 - 1966 (3rd), 1986 (17th), 2002

Overall Record in WC: 6-3-0

Record vs. U.S.: 2-1-1; 3 GF, 2 GA

Most Recent Match vs. U.S.: U.S. 1, Portugal 0 in Chicago; June 3, 1992 (Wegerle)

Manager: Antonio Oliveira (POR)

Key Players: Luis Figo (M, Real Madrid), Rui Costa (M, AC Milan)

Fast Facts: Making their third appearance in a World Cup and first since 1986, a surprising span of 16 years.... Impressively went undefeated and scored 33 goals (the most in Europe) in qualifying from a difficult group that included Ireland and Holland.... The trio of Pedro Pauleta (8), Nuno Gomes (7), and Luis Figo (6) accounted for nearly two-thirds of Portugal's goal output.... Twice finished as European semifinalists (1984 & 2000).