[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 72 (Wednesday, June 5, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H3166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING THE U.S. MEN'S SOCCER TEAM

  (Mr. WALSH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WALSH. Madam Speaker, early this morning while most Americans 
were sound asleep, about 1 billion people from all over the globe, 
myself included, watched a group of talented young American athletes do 
something truly remarkable.
  Against all odds, the U.S. Men's Soccer Team defeated Portugal in the 
first game of the 2002 World Cup. The Portuguese were one of the 
favorites to win the World Cup outright, but our team prevailed 3 to 2. 
And it was no fluke. We took them apart in the first half with slashing 
attacks, and wore them down with tough defense in the second half. It 
was a balanced effort with everyone contributing under Coach Bruce 
Arena's guidance.
  The win gave the U.S. the opportunity to move into the quarter 
finals, but they have more work to do. They play the host team Korea 
and then Poland, with the two best teams from the group moving on.
  These young men have already exceeded expectations. They are off to 
the best start for any American team in history. Please tune in. Set 
the alarm clock for an early rise, brew some strong coffee and enjoy a 
great spectacle. They deserve our support.

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