2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup
The United States won their first Gold Cup since 1991, defeating Costa Rica 2–0 in the final.
The 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the sixth edition of the Gold Cup, the soccer championship of North America, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF). This was the last Gold Cup to be played in an even-numbered year and in the first two months of a calendar year; since 2003 the tournament has been played every odd-numbered year's June and/or July. The tournament was once again held in the United States, in Miami and Pasadena. The format of the tournament stayed the same as in 2000: twelve teams were split into four groups of three. The top two teams in each group would advance to the quarterfinals. Ecuador and South Korea were invited from outside CONCACAF.
Quick Facts
- Winner
- United States
- Final result
- USA 2 – 0 Mexico
- Final venue
- RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
- Year
- 2002
- Notable players
- Brian McBride
- Claudio Reyna
- Eddie Pope
- Cobi Jones
- Kasey Keller
Lore & Background
Canada, who rode the coin toss all the way to winning the 2000 Cup, needed luck once again, as all games in Group D ended with a 2–0 result. Lots were drawn, with Canada and Haiti moving on to the next round; Ecuador did not. But the Canadian team's luck ran dry in the semifinals, as the U.S. beat them on penalties after tying 0–0. The United States then met Costa Rica in the final and topped them 2–0 behind goals by Josh Wolff and Jeff Agoos for their first tournament win since 1991.
Reader's Guide
The 12 national teams involved in the tournament were required to register a squad of 18 players; only players in these squads were eligible to take part in the tournament. The group stage consisted of four groups of three teams. The top two teams in each group advanced to the quarterfinals. The knockout stage included quarterfinals, semifinals, a third place match, and the final.
Did You Know?
- During the tournament, Cuban players Alberto Delgado and Rey Ángel Martínez defected from Cuba to the United States.
- Brian McBride was named Most Valuable Player.
- Lars Hirschfeld was awarded Top Goalkeeper.
- Costa Rica received the Fair Play Trophy.
More in Tournaments & Competitions
Elsewhere in United States Mens National Team
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