FOXBORO, Massachusetts, 21 July 2003 — Landon Donovan scored four goals on Saturday as the United States routed Cuba 5-0 and advanced to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
But the US faces a battle to retain its championship as it takes on Brazil’s Olympic team in the semis on Wednesday in Miami.
The “Golden Boys” upended Colombia, 2-0, on two goals from Kaka.
The Americans met Brazil’s full team in last month’s Confederations Cup in France, absorbing a 1-0 loss.
“Brazil is outstanding even if it is their under-23 (Olympic) team,” US coach Bruce Arena said. “We need to look at our team tomorrow or Monday and replace people if we have to.”
In the second match of Saturday’s doubleheader at Foxboro, Walter Ceteno scored three goals - two on penalty kicks - to lead Costa Rica into the semifinals with a 5-2 victory over El Salvador.Costa Rica faces the winner of Mexico-Jamaica quarterfinal next Thursday in Mexico City.
One of America’s brightest young stars, Donovan became just the fourth player in US soccer history to record four goals in one game. The others were Archie Stark in 1925 against Canada, legendary former Colombia football coach Aldo “Buff” Donelli in a 1934 World Cup match against Mexico at Rome and Joe-Max Moore in 1993 against El Salvador in Los Angeles. “It was one of those days,” Donovan said. “I don’t think I’ve scored four in a game before.” The Americans turned 12 shots into five goals and denied the Cubans a shot on goal.
