The US Wins in World Cup Qualifying

On This Day in 1968, USMNT Earns Road Win in Bermuda

It was the USMNT's biggest accomplishment since the 1950 World Cup. Actually, it was the only real accomplishment for the program since that World Cup in Brazil.

The Americans beat Bermuda 2-0 in the final match of Group 1 and the win advanced the US to the next round of 1970 World Cup qualifying. It marked the first time the US reached the second round since North America expanded to a two-round format for 1958 qualifying.

The USMNT took the lead in the eighth minute when Bermuda fullback Lionel Smith headed a Peter Millar free-kick from 45 yards out into his own net. Bermuda almost equalized 10 minutes later when Mel Louis' shot was headed off the line by Ed Murphy.

Willy Roy doubled the lead with four minutes left in the first half. Dietrich Albrecht provided the cross for Roy to head into the back of the net. Gary DeLong made two saves for the Americans in the victory.

"Yes, we'll go out on the town and celebrate a bit," manager Phil Woosnam said. "The boys need to unwind and they deserve it. They've disciplined themselves magnificently all week. They took this thing with deadly seriousness."

Next up is a home-and-away series with Haiti in the semifinals before a one-match playoff to qualify for the World Cup