Press conference quotes following the USAÆs 3-2 win over Portugal on June 5:
Bruce Arena. U.S. coach
''I think this victory will grab the attention of a lot of people in the United States. However, this World Cup is not over. We've got to prepare for Korea, and our goal is to win that game.'' ''We prepared for this game since last September. We came into this game believing we could win. We came out real strong. That early goal off the corner was very important for us. We really won the game in the first 45 minutes.'' ''We beat a great team, but they fought well. They can get credit for it. They put pressure on us. I am proud of our team and it's going to be interesting for the rest of the group matches.'' ''We beat many great teams before including Germany, Argentina, Italy and Ireland. It wasn't our first time to beat a big team. We came here to win, not just to participate.'' ''First of all, we could neutralize [Luis] Figo … our defence played quite well. We did a great job putting Portugal's defense on their heels.''
Brian McBride, U.S. forward
''The guys came out, put the pressure on, took advantage of our chances. Second half we probably sat back a little bit, but bunkered in and held them off.''
Antonio Oliveira, Portugal coach
''The U.S. created a lot of difficulties for us. We already expected them to be very fit.'' ''We did not expect to concede any goals, but in fact we did. What we tried to do was to get a draw but we didn't have any luck. We now have to prepare for the next game and we have only one option, which is to win both games.'' ''We did everything possible to get a draw. I have to compliment my players, they did 100 percent what they could. I have to compliment the U.S. team. They did their job.''
