It was eight and a half years ago that the United States began its march to Italia ’90 with a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in St. Louis. If coincidence means anything, the United States will be around for France ’98. The goal Tab Ramos scored against Costa Rica in Portland ù the most important goal yet on the road to France ù was remarkably similar to the one he scored in St. Louis. Both goals came late in a scoreless game at home against Costa Rica. Both were scored from just outside the box. And both were set up by balls knocked back to Ramos, playing the role of the poacher. The similarity between the two games ends there, though. The U.S. dominated the Ticos all afternoon in Portland. At the Soccer Park, Costa Rica had two goals called back, Steve Trittschuh stopped a sure goal in the dying seconds with his hand (no red card in those days), and David Vanole, in his moment of glory, saved the penalty to preserve the win. It prompted this bit of understatement from U.S. coach Bob Gansler: “Any time I win, I feel lucky.” The struggle the U.S. had that afternoon in Fenton typified the problems it had on the road to Italy. It wasn’t until the last day that the United States, needing to win at Trinidad & Tobago, clinched. The road to France looks much easier. For one thing, three of six teams qualify, not two of five. Secondly, the schedule favors the United States, which, for all intents and purposes, needs just two wins at home against Jamaica (Oct. 3) and El Salvador (Nov. 16) to clinch. Finally, the United States is playing with confidence. It has never really looked in serious trouble in the Hexagonal, except for the first Costa Rica game last March in San Jose. Probably the bigger concern at the moment is not whether the U.S. will reach France ’98, but how the team will do there. But that’s discussion for another day. by Soccer America Managing Editor Paul Kennedy