Wynalda's Last International Goal

On This Day in 2000, Forward Scored the Second in a 3-0 American Victory, His Final for the US

The aftermath of the 1998 World Cup left Eric Wynalda, the US Men's National Team's all-time leading scorer, in an unfamiliar position - watching from the sidelines. After being controversially left out of the starting lineup in the fateful Iran match in France, Wynalda's national team career seemed to be fading. A series of injuries and a reconstructive knee surgery kept him away from the national team until his return in late 1999, where he reminded everyone of his scoring touch with the lone American goal in a 2-1 defeat to Morocco.

"It's something that I've dealt with over the years," Wynalda had said about fighting to maintain his place. "Always, a new guy comes in and tries to take my job. That's the way it works. It's the nature of the business. But I'm still here."

At the beginning of 2000, US manager Bruce Arena held a "tryout" ahead of the January friendly with Iran to help blend the departing veterans with the incoming young talent. Wynalda made the roster but didn't play in the match. A week and a half later, Wynalda started and assisted Eddie Lewis' opener in the 2-1 road win over Chile.

Now, on a warm February 12 night at the Orange Bowl, Wynalda would write the final chapter of his remarkable international scoring career. The U.S. entered their Gold Cup opener against Haiti with Bruce Arena seeking to blend veterans like Wynalda with a new generation of talent. In front of 49,591 passionate fans, including nearly 25,000 supporting Haiti, the Americans looked to end a 16-year winless drought in South Florida.

The match opened with the Americans controlling possession, and in the 18th minute, Wynalda showed his playmaking ability rather than his scoring touch. After Claudio Reyna sent a driving cross-field ball, Wynalda expertly controlled with his left foot before delivering a perfectly weighted pass that Jovan Kirovski headed home for the opener.

The defining moment came in the 55th minute when Jean Roland Dartiguenave brought down Reyna in the box. Wynalda stepped up to take the penalty and, with the confidence that had produced so many crucial goals over his decade-long career, converted what would prove to be his 34th and final international goal - extending his American record and adding to his Gold Cup scoring mark of nine goals.

"It is a good victory for us," Wynalda said afterward. "We got the early goal, and we were able to play possession and control much of the game." His understated response belied the historical significance - after 104 appearances spanning back to 1990, this would be his last goal in a U.S. shirt.

Cobi Jones would add a late third goal from another Reyna assist, securing a 3-0 victory that marked the Americans' fifth consecutive shutout against Haiti. U.S. coach Bruce Arena, typically reserved in his post-match comments, noted, "We look to play well in each match, and if we do, we will advance in the Gold Cup. We had some good efforts by certain individuals."

After beating Peru 1-0 through another Jones goal, the tournament would ultimately end in disappointment for Wynalda and the U.S. team, as they fell to Colombia on penalties in the quarterfinals after a dramatic 2-2 draw. After playing the full 120 minutes, Wynalda stepped to the first penalty of the shootout and skied his final US kick over the bar. Afterward, he said he was tired. The Americans would lose 2-1 on penalties.

"It's just a total crapshoot," manager Bruce Arena said. "Both teams were tired. We didn't do well. Give their team credit. I don't lose any sleep over losing on penalty kicks."

But on this night in Miami, Wynalda had one final moment to add to his legacy as America's most prolific scorer of the 1990s (he was late voted player of the decade in a ceremony later that year), a reminder of the consistent excellence that had made him the national team's go-to striker for a decade.

Bradley's Brace Against Mexico

On This Day in 2009, the Coach's Son Nabs Both Goals in the Third Dos-a-Cero Victory in Columbus

The United States entered their opening Hexagonal match against Mexico, riding a remarkable streak of dominance on home soil against their biggest rivals. Since 2000, the Americans had compiled an impressive 8-0-2 record against El Tri in the United States, including two previous 2-0 victories in World Cup Qualifying at Columbus Crew Stadium in 2001 and 2005

For Mexico, pressure was mounting on Swedish manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. El Tri had barely squeaked into the final round of qualifying, having won just one of their previous seven matches. The former England manager's job security was increasingly tenuous as Mexico prepared to face its northern neighbors in conditions far from ideal for the visitors.

Conditions became even more challenging on February 11. With a tornado watch in effect and wind and rain whipping through central Ohio, fans were initially advised to stay in their cars before the 7 p.m. kickoff. But the sold-out crowd of 23,776—tickets had been claimed in just 90 minutes—eventually made their way into Crew Stadium, creating an overwhelmingly pro-American atmosphere.

"When we first came out to warm up, there were quite a few Mexicans - I think they got here early," midfielder Landon Donovan told reporters afterward. "When we came out to kick off, the majority of people were Americans. They were great. They were very loud."

The match started cautiously, with Mexico creating the first real chance in the 3rd minute when Giovani dos Santos forced Tim Howard into a point-blank save. The Americans gradually gained control of possession, and Clint Dempsey nearly opened the scoring in the 30th minute, but this was denied by Mexican goalkeeper Oswaldo Sánchez.

The breakthrough finally came in the 43rd minute through Michael Bradley, who was enjoying a breakthrough season with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old midfielder, who had scored his first goal for the German club against Bayern Munich just three months prior, found himself in the right place at the right time after a well-worked corner kick. DaMarcus Beasley's delivery found Donovan at the far post, who headed it back across goal. Oguchi Onyewu's powerful header was saved by Sánchez, but Bradley pounced on the rebound from six yards out.

"It was a great corner from [Beasley], and Landon did a great job heading it back," Bradley explained afterward. "It was not so hard for me to put it in." 

The match turned ugly in the 65th minute when Mexico captain Rafael Márquez was shown a straight red card for a dangerous high kick on Howard. The American goalkeeper was shown a yellow card himself in the aftermath - forcing him to miss the next qualifier at El Salvador through suspension - but downplayed the incident: "It's not a game where you want to lose your discipline," Howard said. "I was more frustrated that I hurt my knee [on the play] more than anything."

Playing with a man advantage, the Americans controlled the latter stages and Bradley sealed the victory in second-half stoppage time. After receiving a pass from Donovan, he unleashed a shot from 28 yards that dipped under Sánchez's arms.

The victory marked the Americans' third consecutive 2-0 qualifying win over Mexico in Columbus, cementing the venue's reputation as a fortress for the U.S. team. Bob Bradley was proud as a father and coach. However, he remained characteristically measured in his post-match comments.

"I have three children and I've got to tell you, I'm proud of all of my kids," the elder Bradley said diplomatically. "I have a great family, and I'm a lucky man."

The result gave the United States a perfect start to the final round of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa while casting further doubt over Eriksson's future with Mexico. The Americans would next travel to El Salvador on March 28th to build on their momentum despite Howard's suspension.

Aaronson's First Goal in Europe

On This Day in 2021, Aaronson Made His Impact Just Five Games into His RB Salzburg Career

Brenden Aaronson's move to FC Red Bull Salzburg in January 2021 marked a historic milestone for both the player and the club. The $6 million transfer fee and possible $3 million with incentives set a record for an MLS homegrown player. The deal also included a sell-on clause, ensuring Philadelphia would receive 10-20% of any future transfer fee.

For the 19-year-old from Medford, New Jersey, who had risen through Philadelphia Union's academy since age 11, it was the realization of a lifelong dream. "It's going to be challenging, but it's something that I've wanted to do my entire life," Aaronson said. "I am so happy it's coming true."

Salzburg's sporting director, Christoph Freund, highlighted what drew them to the young American: "His dynamism and his presence on the field are extraordinary for a 19-year-old. Despite his young age, he already has an excellent feeling for making the right decisions on the pitch." 

Just over a month into his European career, Aaronson opened his Salzburg account spectacularly during a 3-1 victory over Austria Wien on February 10. With the score tied 1-1 in the 72nd minute, the American midfielder collected the ball with his back to goal inside the penalty area. Showing remarkable composure amid three defenders, he turned and carved out just enough space to curl a right-footed shot inside the far post, giving Salzburg a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Beyond the goal, Aaronson impressed throughout the match, contributing to the build-up of Sekou Koita's equalizer. He showcased his technical flair with an audacious backheel save along the touchline that energized the crowd and earned a free kick. The match also featured a unique American connection, as Aaronson faced off against compatriot Erik Palmer-Brown, who was on loan to Austria Wien from Manchester City.

"It was fantastic to be there for the team," Aaronson said. "Austria really tested us, and it was, therefore, a really important win. The confidence we gained in recent weeks carried us through when we went behind."

His manager Jesse Marsch was equally impressed: "We showed mentality and fearlessness. I'm pleased for the two guys to get their first goals. I am sure that we will see a lot more from Brenden."

Under Marsch's guidance, Aaronson flourished as Salzburg pursued its eighth consecutive league title. His development reached another milestone in May, when he scored in Salzburg's 3-0 victory over LASK Linz in the Austrian Cup final, helping secure the club's third straight cup trophy.

It was Aaronson's fourth goal across all competitions, validating his European ambitions and Philadelphia Union's academy vision. As his former sporting director, Ernst Tanner, noted: "It is the dream of every American prospect here to play on the highest level in Europe, and Brendan is the first proof of concept if you will."

Aaronson's success at Salzburg continued into the 2021-22 season, during which the midfielder scored six goals and contributed 10 assists in 41 matches in all competitions. This earned him a big-money $30 million move to Leeds United in the Premier League. Because of the add-ons from Aaronson's transfer from Philadelphia to Salzburg, the US club profited an additional $3-6 million on top of that $6 million transfer fee.

US Spoils Trinidad Carnival

On This Day in 2005, the Eddies Each Score as the US Remains Unbeaten in World Cup Qualifying

The United States opened the final round of World Cup qualifying for Germany 2006, riding a wave of dominance in CONCACAF. Bruce Arena's squad hadn't lost to a regional opponent since September 2001 in Costa Rica, compiling an impressive 22-7-0 (WDL) record during that span. 

However, their preparation hit turbulence in early 2005 when a labor dispute between U.S. Soccer and its players led to three weeks of missed training for MLS-based players and the cancellation of planned friendlies against Sweden and South Korea. The team's newest weapon, 20-year-old Eddie Johnson, had spectacularly burst onto the scene, becoming the first player to score in each of his first four national team appearances.

The Americans arrived in Port-of-Spain amid the festivities of Carnival, with the February 9 match scheduled for an afternoon kickoff at Queen's Park Cricket Club instead of the national stadium. Arena started eight European-based players, banking on their mid-season fitness in the 90-degree Caribbean heat. The strategy paid dividends in the 30th minute when right-back Steve Cherundolo pushed forward and delivered a precise cross to an unmarked Johnson in the penalty area. The young striker's header flew inside the right post, catching the keeper off guard by his own admission.

The pivotal moment came early in the second half when goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who had made a 23-hour journey from Germany just two days prior, rushed out to smother Leslie Fitzpatrick's breakaway attempt. The save preserved the lead; minutes later, in the 54th minute, the Americans doubled their advantage. Johnson initiated the sequence, combining with Landon Donovan before Eddie Lewis curled a left-footed shot from 23 yards into the right corner. Though Angus Eve would pull one back in the 89th minute with a sharp cross deflected off Keller's hand, the Americans had secured the vital road victory.

"When you write the story of this game, there were a bunch of reasons why we couldn't be successful today," Arena reflected afterward. "We never agreed with that. I think the way our team pulled together over the last couple of weeks to be ready to play this game under difficult conditions – travel, field conditions, the heat, everything else – it turns out to be a fantastic result."

The win positioned the U.S. perfectly for the remaining nine matches of their qualifying campaign, with home-and-away series against Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago ahead. Their next challenge would come on March 27 in Mexico, followed by a home date with Guatemala in Birmingham three days later. For Johnson, who wouldn't turn 21 until the following month, his sixth goal in just four appearances highlighted his remarkable emergence and the expectations ahead.

"Bruce told me it's only going to get harder," Johnson said. "I'm not going to score in every game. It's about taking advantage of the chances you get."

Bradley's Olimpico

On This Day in 2015, Midfielder Scored the Winner Directly from a Corner Kick in the US's Victory over Panama

Pressure was mounting on Jurgen Klinsmann and the U.S. Men's National Team. Since their dramatic World Cup opener victory against Ghana in Brazil seven months earlier, the Americans had managed just one win in nine matches while conceding a series of deflating late goals. The latest setback came in a 3-2 loss to Chile, where defensive lapses once again proved costly.

"I'm not saying it's OK that we haven't performed well," forward Jozy Altidore said before their February 8 match against Panama. "I'm not saying that we shouldn't be upset with ourselves because we represent the country. But saying that, keeping that in mind, I think you have to look at what we're trying to do, the transformation, trying different players, and be patient with that."

The friendly at StubHub Center marked the conclusion of a month-long January camp during which Klinsmann experimented with formations and evaluated new faces. After using a three-man backline against Chile, he reverted to a more familiar four-defender setup against Panama. The visitors brought extra motivation, still carrying the sting of their dramatic elimination from World Cup qualifying when the U.S. scored twice in stoppage time in October 2013.

"There's a lot of respect from our end," Klinsmann noted pre-match. "[Panama has] a very competitive group here and they probably have a little bit still in their stomach to forget a day that was really a disaster for them."

After 27 uneventful minutes, Michael Bradley provided the spark the Americans desperately needed. The Toronto FC midfielder stepped up to take a corner kick and delivered what's known in international soccer as a "gol olimpico" – scoring directly from the corner. Bradley's expertly placed kick curled into the far side netting, leaving Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo helplessly watching as the ball nestled in the net.

The rare feat was named in 1924 when Argentina's Cesareo Onzari scored directly from a corner kick against Uruguay, three months after FIFA made such goals legal. Because Argentina had just won the Olympic gold medal, the achievement was dubbed "gol olimpico."

"You'd have to ask him whether he was aiming for that because we didn't know," Clint Dempsey said with a laugh after the match. While Jozy Altidore was positioned to head the ball if needed, Bradley's perfect bend made any intervention unnecessary, marking his 13th international goal spectacularly.

The Americans doubled their lead ten minutes later when Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes made an assertive run through midfield before threading a pass to Dempsey, who finished clinically past Penedo for his 40th international goal – second only to Landon Donovan's 57 in U.S. men's history. This finish will go underlooked compared to Bradley's, but Dempsey receives the ball running toward the goal and pulls a step-over before his first touch, leaving the goalkeeper in his wake before finding the empty net.

"Coming out of a little bit of a difficult period, it was an important game for us," Bradley reflected afterward. "Maybe this isn't the most important game we'll play this year, but while it wasn't perfect, we were able to do a lot of good things. It sets the groundwork for the rest of the year."

The 2-0 victory not only snapped their winless streak but also marked the end of a month-long training camp. Most importantly, they avoided the late defensive collapses that had plagued them since the World Cup. With the CONCACAF Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying on the horizon, the Americans had finally found something positive to build upon.

Pepi Out for the Season

The Striker Will Miss Time Following Surgery, Extended at PSV

Ricardo Pepi has suffered a significant setback in a breakthrough season at PSV Eindhoven, with the forward requiring meniscus surgery following a knee injury sustained in PSV's dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Liverpool. The injury, which occurred in the same match where Pepi scored the winning goal, will sideline him for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

The timing is miserable as the 22-year-old had been enjoying his most prolific campaign in European football, notching 18 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions despite primarily serving as a backup to club captain Luuk de Jong. His impressive form had caught the attention of Premier League side West Ham United, who reportedly submitted a $25 million bid in January.

PSV demonstrated their faith in Pepi's potential by rejecting that offer and securing his long-term future with a contract extension through 2030 instead. The Texas native expressed his commitment to the Dutch giants despite the injury setback.

"At the time it happened, I thought the injury wasn't too bad. But the next day I knew something was wrong," Pepi explained. "This is unfortunately the risk of our profession, but I assure you that I will be back as soon as possible."

PSV head coach Peter Bosz confirmed the severity of the injury, stating: "We assume that Ricardo Pepi will be out for the rest of the season." The injury rules Pepi out of the USMNT's upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Panama in March.

Despite the setback, Pepi remained optimistic about his future with PSV: "Thanks to the enormous amount of love and opportunities PSV gives me and the special club that PSV is, I had no doubts about extending my contract. We have already experienced many unforgettable moments together, and hopefully, many special milestones will follow."

Johnny Extended at Betis

 Midfielder Signed Through 2030 Despite Tottenham Transfer Clause

Johnny Cardoso has committed his long-term future to Real Betis, signing a contract extension that will keep him at the Spanish club until 2030. The new deal comes after an impressive first year in La Liga, during which the 23-year-old has established himself as a crucial component of Manuel Pellegrini's squad.

Since arriving from Internacional in Brazil during the 2024 winter transfer window, Cardoso has featured in 44 matches for Betis, contributing two goals and three assists while primarily operating as a defensive midfielder. His seamless adaptation to Spanish football has attracted attention from several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur, with the latter holding a right of first refusal on any potential transfer.

"This [transfer interest] motivates me even more to continue working, evolving and seeking to achieve great goals," Cardoso said. "It has been a very special year, with a lot of learning and development. I have adapted very well here. I think I have gained more experience, I have improved as an athlete both technically and tactically, and I continue to evolve."

Despite the contract extension, reports from Mundo Deportivo indicate that Tottenham's £21 million option to buy Cardoso remains valid for the summer transfer window. This clause was reportedly championed by Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, who is said to be an admirer of the American midfielder.

Pefok Returns to Stade Reims, Injured in First Match

 Striker Suffered a Knee Injury in First Match Back in France

Jordan Pefok has emotionally returned to Stade de Reims, the club where he began his professional career, only to suffer a serious injury setback in his first appearance back at the French club.

The 28-year-old forward completed a €4.5 million transfer from Union Berlin, signing a contract to keep him at the Stade Auguste-Delaune until 2027. The move marked a homecoming for Pefok, who scored 25 goals in 75 appearances for Reims during his first spell. In the standout 2017-18 season, he led the club's scoring charts during their promotion to Ligue 1.

Reims General Manager Mathieu Lacour expressed his enthusiasm about the reunion: "It is always a pleasure to see the return of a player trained at the Club. Jordy has always been part of our history, and his return is a great opportunity to strengthen our team."

Before his return to France, Pefok had struggled to find form in Germany, failing to score in 18 Bundesliga appearances this season. Despite the challenges, the striker maintained a positive attitude about his time at Union Berlin. "I will never forget my time at Union," Pefok said upon his departure. "I made a lot of new friends, and what we achieved together is still incredible."

However, his fresh start at Reims took a devastating turn when he suffered a serious injury shortly after being introduced as a substitute in a Coupe de France match against Bourgoin-Jallieu. The injury cut short his eagerly anticipated return to French football, adding another challenging chapter to a career that has seen him play across France, Switzerland, and Germany since leaving Reims.

The nine-time capped USMNT forward will now focus on his recovery as he looks to revive his career at his boyhood club.

Conrad's First International Goal

On This Day in 2007, the Center-Back Scored the Opener in a Dos-a-Cero Friendly Victory over Mexico

Opportunity can present itself in the most unexpected ways. Just a year before the 2006 World Cup, Jimmy Conrad was a long shot to make the U.S. national team roster, having made only eight international appearances. Not only did he make the squad, but he also played in Germany and emerged as one of the team's veteran leaders after the tournament.

Following Bruce Arena's departure after a disappointing World Cup group-stage exit, interim coach Bob Bradley took charge and began rebuilding. With veterans like Eddie Pope, Kasey Keller, Brian McBride, and Claudio Reyna either retiring or not being called up, Conrad found himself in an unfamiliar position. At 29, he was one of the elder statesmen in camp.

"This is obviously the first camp before the next World Cup cycle, so Bob's going want to see a lot of new guys, lot of young guys and give them their chance," Conrad said before the February 7 friendly against Mexico at the University of Phoenix Stadium. "I don't think you ever relax when you're with the national team because there are so many people gunning for playing time and positioning."

The match itself lived up to the intense rivalry, played before a sellout crowd of 64,462 that heavily favored the visitors. Mexico came out aggressive under new coach Hugo Sánchez, with Cuauhtemoc Blanco leading early attacks. Conrad had to make a crucial clearance in the fourth minute after goalkeeper Tim Howard dropped the ball in front of goal with Mexican forwards lurking.

But it was Conrad who would break the deadlock in the 52nd minute. The Kansas City Wizards defender met Landon Donovan's corner kick with a powerful header that beat goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez inside the left post – his first international goal in his 19th appearance. "I think we showed what we're made of," Conrad said afterward.

Mexico pressed hard for an equalizer, forcing Howard into several saves, including denying Omar Bravo in the 67th minute. The match grew increasingly heated, with Mexican captain Rafael Marquez and American forward Eddie Johnson exchanging shoves in the later stages. But Donovan sealed the victory in the 90th minute, converting a breakaway off Ricardo Clark's pass for his 27th international goal.

The 2-0 victory extended the Americans' impressive run against their biggest rivals. They improved to 8-2-1 against Mexico since 2000 and maintained their unbeaten home record (7-0-1). While Bradley's interim status meant the result wouldn't directly determine his future as head coach, it was another positive step in rebuilding the program after the World Cup disappointment. 

For Conrad, it validated his unlikely journey from national team outsider to scoring match-winner in one of American soccer's biggest rivalries. The defender would play nine more matches for the US over the next cycle, including two matches at the 2007 Copa America. He also captained the side twice in the 2009 Gold Cup. His last game was the 2010 friendly against Honduras, where he was captain for the fifth time.

Americans Stun Germans

On This Day in 1999, the US Records Its First Win Over Germany with Three German-Based Players Netting Goals

The United States Men's National Team hit rock bottom at the 1998 World Cup in France. After qualifying for their third straight World Cup, the Americans finished dead last in the 32-team field, losing all three group stage matches, including a 2-0 defeat to Germany in their opening match. The disappointing performance led to Steve Sampson's resignation as head coach, closing a chapter that had started with such promise but ended in disaster.

Enter Bruce Arena. The Brooklyn-born coach had built an impressive resume, winning five national championships at the University of Virginia and leading D.C. United to the first two Major League Soccer titles, capturing the CONCACAF Champions and Interamerican Cups. Expectations were tempered when he took over the national team in October 1998. His first two matches—against Australia and Bolivia—ended in scoreless draws, extending the team's winless streak to six matches dating back to a 2-0 victory over Kuwait in May.

The February 7 friendly against Germany at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville would be different. Despite losing defenders Eddie Pope and Jeff Agoos to injury (replaced by Matt McKeon and Rich Kotschau), Arena had assembled a squad featuring several players who knew their opponents intimately – Jovan Kirovski (Fortuna Cologne), Tony Sanneh (Hertha Berlin), and Claudio Reyna (VfL Wolfsburg) all played their club football in Germany.

That familiarity showed early. In the 16th minute, Kirovski, who played in Germany's second division, opened the scoring with a perfectly placed 22-yard shot that found the far corner beyond goalkeeper Oliver Kahn's reach. The goal opened the floodgates. Eight minutes later, Sanneh, who had just joined first-division Hertha Berlin after three seasons with D.C. United, broke free and outmaneuvered German midfielder Jens Jeremies before slipping the ball past an onrushing Kahn. The Americans weren't done yet – just two minutes later, a fluid combination of passes from Chris Armas to Eddie Lewis found Reyna alone six yards from goal, and the captain made no mistake, making it 3-0.

"It was a clear 3-0 victory," Reyna said afterward. "It wasn't three lucky goals. It was three well-deserved goals. And we honestly could have had more. We let them know in the first minute that we were here to play and that we weren't going to give them the respect we did in the World Cup."

The victory marked the United States' first win over Germany in four attempts, and the three-goal margin represented the Germans' worst first-half deficit since facing Brazil in Washington in 1993. Arena's tactical approach proved masterful – he had noticed Germany's last nine goals had come from crossing situations, so he tasked Sanneh and Lewis with shutting down the flanks. "It's very rare that U.S. players own the flanks in games of this type," Arena noted, "especially against the likes of the German team."

After the final whistle, Arena gathered his players in the locker room and shouted, "Today, the best team won!" It was more than just their first victory over Germany – it was a statement of intent from a program looking to rebuild after the World Cup disaster. While Arena remained measured in his public comments, calling it "a good result" while emphasizing he was "not going to make a big deal out of it," the significance wasn't lost on anyone.

However, Arena was quick to temper expectations. With World Cup 2002 qualifying set to begin in late 2000, he knew this friendly victory—however impressive—was just one step in a longer journey. "It was a good win," Arena said, "but people must not forget that this was only a friendly international match in February of 1999." The rebuilding project was underway, but the actual tests still lay ahead.