By Paul Kennedy Managing Editor in Pusan, South Korea The United States opens against European power Portugal June 5 in Suwon in Group D at the 2002 World Cup. It also faces co-host South Korea, considered the weakest of the eight seeds, June 10 in Daegu and Poland, the first European team to clinch a berth in World Cup qualifying, June 14 in Daejeon. U.S. coach Bruce Arena admitted that the U.S. has a tough task, opening against Portugal. “We open up against one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “It’s not going to be easy. Given the competition, it will be a good group.” Here’s what Arena had to say about the three opponents: Portugal: “Portugal is one of the best teams in the world. I voted for Luis Figo for FIFA World Player of the Year. I saw Rui Costa at AC Milan this summer, and he’s a terrific playmaker.” South Korea: “Playing the host country won’t be easy. I saw them at the Confederations Cup, and they’ve improved a lot since then. We will know more about them since we play them twice [Dec. 9 in Seogwipo] and [Jan. 19 at the Gold Cup in Pasadena, Calif.]. Both teams will be familiar with themselves before June 10.” Poland: “I’ve seen some clips. They’ve been very successful getting through qualifying. Emmanuel Olisadebe in a dangerous striker.” For logistical reasons, the United States wanted to play in South Korea. It is expected to be based in Seoul. The U.S. draw could have been a lot worst. It avoided Group F, which includes Argentina, Nigeria, England and Sweden and is one of the most difficult groups in the history of the World Cup.