The 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, is remembered for many reasons, including underdog stories and unexpected upsets. However, for American soccer fans, one moment stands out with particular bitterness: the quarterfinal match between the United States and Germany. The USMNT's valiant performance was overshadowed by a controversial non-call that many believe cost them a chance at reaching the semifinals.
The match, held on June 21, 2002, in Ulsan, South Korea, was a tense affair from the start. Germany, a traditional powerhouse, was seen as the favorite, but the United States, under coach Bruce Arena, had already exceeded expectations by defeating Mexico in the round of 16. The first half saw Germany take the lead in the 39th minute with a header from Michael Ballack off a Christian Ziege free kick. Despite the setback, the USMNT came out strong in the second half, determined to equalize.
Then came the pivotal moment. In the 49th minute, Landon Donovan took a corner kick that was headed towards the goal by Gregg Berhalter. German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn made an initial save, but the ball rebounded and appeared to be heading into the net when Torsten Frings intervened. Frings, positioned on the goal line, stopped the ball with his arm. The US players immediately protested, arguing for a handball, which would have resulted in a penalty kick for the United States and a red card for Frings.
However, Scottish referee Hugh Dallas waved play on, denying the clear penalty appeal. Replays confirmed that Frings had indeed handled the ball, preventing a likely goal. Adding insult to injury, Frings later admitted to the handball, although he claimed it was unintentional.
The non-call was a game-changer. A penalty kick could have tied the score and given the USMNT a significant advantage, playing against a 10-man German side for the remainder of the match. Instead, the USMNT continued to press for an equalizer but were ultimately unable to break through, with Kahn proving to be an insurmountable barrier in the German goal. The match ended 1-0 in favor of Germany, sending them to the semifinals and the USMNT home.
The controversy surrounding the missed handball call has lingered for years, becoming a defining moment in US soccer history. Many fans and analysts believe that the USMNT was robbed of a fair chance to advance in the tournament. Some argue that the referee's decision was influenced by the perceived prestige of the German team, a sentiment echoed by US captain Claudio Reyna at the time.
While the USMNT had other opportunities to score, the handball incident remains a focal point of the match. Had the call gone the other way, the trajectory of the game, and perhaps the entire tournament, could have been different. A victory over Germany would have placed the United States in a semifinal match against South Korea, a team they had already drawn with in the group stage. A win against South Korea could have set up a final against Brazil.
Whether the USMNT could have defeated Brazil is a matter of speculation, but the opportunity to play in a World Cup final would have been transformative for American soccer. The increased exposure and prestige could have accelerated the growth of the sport in the United States, inspiring a new generation of players and fans.
The 2002 World Cup quarterfinal remains a painful memory for USMNT fans, a reminder of a missed opportunity and a controversial decision that altered the course of history. The "robbery" in Ulsan continues to fuel debate and speculation about what might have been, solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about moments in American soccer lore.
