I was there. People don't get it. You had to understand what was going on up till then. As Jimmy Carter was telling Americans. Our best days are behind us. Put on a Sweater, Rationing gas oil Crisis that never happened. Then this happened. It turned America around so fast. And it's going to happen in 2024 again..As we're Americans. We pull together. We can overcome anything.
Me too! I had never had an interest in hockey but had been following the Olympics daily that year and watching everything I could. I recall hearing how the USA team was doing well so I started to follow their progress and watched each game. I didn't know a thing about hockey but learned while they continued to win against teams they were expected to lose against. It became more and more exciting as they kept beating teams they were expected to lose against! Suddenly they were in the quarterfinals then the finals! This was unheard of in USA Mens Hockey! The finals were a real nail biter, but the USA team WON!!! It was such an amazing victory for the team and for AMERICA. I remember a tremendous feeling of USA Pride due to this win. Especially because it was not expected. Many years later I sent my children to Berwick Academy in South Berwick Maine. Turns out Mike Eruzione attended the same school! I was star struck, but never had the opportunity to meet him although he had been on campus several times while my kids attended. To be honest, if I had ever been face to face with him, I would have been speechless. and unable to breathe.
College freshman heading to the slopes, stuck in rush hour when suddenly everyone started honking horns and yelling. We watched the replay later that night and it didn't matter that we already knew the result as it was such an unreal game.
I was 7 years old watching the games with my Dad, who passed away in 2023, gives me chills each time the 1980 hockey team comes up or the movie Miracle is mentioned.
I was 20 years old and my whole family was at my oldest brother's house for Christening party for his new baby. Even his b**** of a wife couldn't stop everybody from watching this game.
I watched the game "live" and I will NEVER forget the joy, the tears and the happiness I felt. And I still have the Sports Illustrated edition from the next week. The one cover that SI never put a caption on. Just the US team celebrating with a huge American flag waving in the stands. I salute the SI editors for realizing that no caption was needed. When a picture says it all.
If the same situation could occur today, their magazine would've been filled with articles about the team's lack of diversity and how all the players had white privilege. 🤣😅🙂😐😟😞
@@bobbob9627 truth. Our age cohort experienced so many things that younger folks have no notion of. This wasn’t just a hockey game. That was the Big Bad Soviet Union we were playing. Olympic events against them really counted for something. And it was right after Vietnam and the energy crisis and the economy was bad. All those things are part of the feeling in the countdown for the win. Amazing times.
Soviet league goal scoring leaders were in 1980 Shalimov 34 goals Drotzdetzky 31 Varnakov 30 Priodin 27 Lavrentjev 27 they did not played in 1980 olympics! Canada have 650000 hockey players today! USA have 500000 hockey players today! Ovechkin's Russia have only 80000 hockey players today! Canada and USA should have 15 guys who have scored over 800 goals like Ovechkin today! This was not miracle! In 1980 two games Soviets vs young USA 10-3 3-4 and goodwill games in 1990 10-3 3-3 and Calgary olympics in 1988 7-5! The Hard truth is that Russians could score 6,66 goals against young USA! Soviet scored 6,8 goal against Finland in 1970-1990!, We Finnish were trash 1970-1990 because only 21 ice rinks buildings in Finland 1980! Now we are hockey powerhouse because we have 274 ice rinks buildings to play hockey! Finland Beat Best proffesionals from USA 5-0 in 2014 olympics! USA vs Soviet Union drew 34 million tv watchers! Super bowl 82 million! Baseball world Series had 54 million tv ratings In 1980! How low USA can get when Soviet B team drew 34 million and boring slow stupid baseball world Series drew two times More 54 million! Real miracle was how good russians were 1972-1987 without ice rinks they played out Doors!, Only hockey player ever had fans was Russian Kharlamov 225 million fans in 1980! USA population 225 million in 1980! Soccer have 4 billion fans around the world! Cricket 2 billion fans! Soccer have 250 million players vs Canada 650000 players that means The Soccer All Stars would beat Orr Gretzky Lemieux easily 100 game Series 93-7! Soccer All Stars would beat Russians 99999-1 in 1980!!
People forget the USA Olympic team collectively won seven gold medals but six of them were won by US speed skater Eric Heiden. Even he supported the USA hockey team being the stars of that Olympics.
Ok. He won the 500. 1000. 1500. 5000. And 10,000. He only set the Olympic records in first 4 races. What a loser. I am not sure if it was the night of the USSR being beat. Heiden was friends with a couple of 80 teams players that he grew up with playing hockey. So he was partying like those Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan kids do after a big effort. Problem was the hickey guys didn't? Or did they know? He gad to skate his last race 10,000 Meyer at 9am. At 3 4 people got Eric home and he was up 1 hour late. He showed up 30 minutes to his start .no warmup. Sets a World Record by 6 seconds!!!. If you ask me they knew that he was able to not only win but probably teased him about not setting any world records in past days. This guy's performance is to me the greatest of all with only the runner who won 5k 10k and marathon. Bolt? Roids
I was living in West Berlin during the 1980 winter Olympics. It wasn’t televised live so didn’t know the score when a group of us went to East Berlin the morning after the game. There were 10 of us, Americans, 19-21 yrs old. We went into an electronics store near the base of the huge tv tower. As we entered we saw the game on a couple of sets and started watching. We saw Eruzione score and everyone kinda went nuts. It was then that I remembered we were in East Berlin and told everyone to shut up. The store manager came over to me and said, “it’s okay. We don’t like the Russians either. Go ahead and cheer.” Will never forget that moment.
I watched this replayed on TV, for the first time ever. I was 25 yrs old and was preparing to graduate from college in June of 1980. I had been watching sports my whole young life. This was the single greatest thing I had ever seen concerning sports. Now I am an old man of 69 yrs. This remains the greatest sporting event I have ever seen. This video brought me chills, then tears when I watched and heard the USA TEAM and FANS singing the STAR SPANGLED BANNER during the medal ceremony. Amazing video.
Seems like yesterday . . . My son was barely 4 months old when this amazing game happened...I remember so clearly holding and rocking my baby while watching Team USA come from behind and defeat the Soviets. Today, my son is nearly 6'3" tall, going on age 45; he has always been a huge fan of ice hockey. Times flies, but I still get goosebumps just like in 1980, when watching this game. Thanks for posting this!
I was 10 years old in 1980. Growing up in Texas, I barely knew what hockey was. There was no hockey in Texas in 1980! But I watched the Olympics with my dad, and as it went on, I began to understand there was something big brewing! I watched the US-Russia match, glued to the tv. When Al Michaels said, "Do you believe in miracles," I honestly started crying. I still consider this the greatest sports moment of my life. I had the poster of the 1980s USA Hockey team on my wall for years. At one time, I could name every player on that roster.
In today's world, it is hard for those who did not live it at the time to understand the mountain they climbed. The USA was so down and needed a lift of some kind. Waiting in line for 5 gal of gas because that is all they would sell you. Praying the gas did not run out before your turn came. A bunch of kids beat a well-oiled Russian army team of men. It showed everyone that America had heart and with heart, nothing can stop us. Destiney is for those who work for it with all they have.
Herb Brooks was a mastermind? Take Bobby knight, John wooden, Sprinkle some ara parsegian, bear bryant, a bit of Billy martin with Knute Rockne and Vince Lombardi as your crest. He knew the way to motivate and push their buttons. Like in basketball. You beat a team that presses full court by presding them.
This, to me, is the greatest sporting victory ever! The path the U.S. took and the scale of what it really meant...these guys were up against the entire world and won!
Greatest Sporting Victory ever! ...... Probably. I'm trying to think of great team sports victories. Ler's see ..... 1) " The Giants win the pennant, the Giants win the pennant". NY Giants won the 1951 NL pennant to go to World Series. They had been a lot of games back in the standings at the end of the season. But they came back to play for the pennant and won it. 2) Patriots 1st Super Bowl win over Rams, on Vinitiari FG. 2001 season. 3) Patriots come from behind when, in overtime, in super bowl vs Falcons. They were down 25 points. 4)
This was 44 yrs ago? I remember exactly where I was when I was watching this, with a lot of family. At my oldest brother's house for a baby shower. His wife was not pleased when my older brother went and turned on the TV. After awhile, when others were watching, she knew she had to give in. But they still had to beat Finland.
I was born April 18, 1980, still in my moms belly. Edit: I’ve seen this so many times. Every time it makes me feel warm inside with chills all over smiling ear to ear:
I was one of the few in the US to watch the game live on tv. I found a French-Canadian UHF broadcast. Poor reception, but from the middle of the second period on I saw it all.
I was in Surface Warfare Officer's School (SWOS) Basic course at NAB Coronado when this happened. It aired at 8:00 Eastern time, which of course was 5:00 in California, and that day at 4:45 our books were closed and we all sat in our seats in the classroom, staring at the door. Finally the instructor looked at us in mock disgust and said, "I guess you've all got your minds on something else about now. Go on, get outta here", and we all headed back to the BOQ or across the street to the officers club. A bunch of us went straight to the Green Anchor, the bar on the second deck of the BOQ, where we found that the TV was on, the drinks were cold, and we could sit there and watch the game in what passed for peace. On Fridays the Anchor was supposed to close at 7:00 PM because it was usually pretty quiet up there - most everyone went across the street to the main club which had a Friday night band and was much more lively - but that night it stayed open until the game was done. Being junior officers in the Navy we were, I suppose you could say, "pleased" with the outcome. 🙂
Soviet defenseman 'Slava' Fetisov was a member of the Soviet squad that lost to the Americans at Lake Placid. One of the best defensemen who ever played the game he lobbied Russia to be allowed to play in the NHL. He came close to banishment in Siberia but eventually was allowed to play for New Jersey and Detroit. He was in his 30's, the twilight of his career. Won 2 Stanley Cups for the Red Wings, 1997-98 and 1998-99. He was 39 and then 40 at the time. Won another Stanley Cup as an assistant coach for New Jersey 1999-2000. Like the other Soviets they were a combination of amused and awed by the wild celebration of the Americans. The elation of winning was something foreign to their way of conduct--it was inconceivable. 'Wow, they're having great fun, so much joy on display--something we know little about. Wish I could join in.' So he hatched the idea of joining the Americans playing ice hockey in N. America. Fetisov and success are constant companions.
The similarities between Jim Craig's father loosing his wife and my dad losing his wife to cancer are uncanny! I had the most unforgettable opportunity to meet Jim Craig back in 1997. It was a wonderful experience and I will NEVER forget it!
Saw the game live on German TV while I was stationed there in the Army...when we realized what had happened...the party started...and kept going for days...
For the East Side of St.Paul Minnesota it was just a little sweeter with a touch more pride. The kids of Johnson High School (me being one) was watching a miracle that had ties to our High School. The tie was Herb Brooks 🇺🇸🥅🏒🚨🥇 USA USA USA USA USA USA
The Soviets beat NHL All Star Team in 1979 in 3 straight games, winning the last one 6-0. I mean, the NHL All Stars werent an opponent to them and a amateur young players beat them in the Olympics. That show how big this upset was, the biggest in history of sports.
Can't believe this video had to be edited since the last time I watched it. Before the match with Finland, Eruzione says that Brooks says that they will take a loss to them " to their f@#$%[ng graves". Sadly that piece of oral history is now cut from the video
I was driving home from work that Friday doing everything that I could to not hear the score. I wanted to watch the game for the experience. I was listening to the basic Rock and Roll station and the DJ came on and excitedly said that we had won. Thousands of cars stopped on the 405 freeway in LA and started honking their horns. It's hard to tell the youngsters today just how much that game meant to the country. It brought the country together. We could use something like that today.
How times have changed! Now if you show pride in this country and love the flag, you're the enemy. And this is from Americans. I miss the way we were. 😢 I love you, America! ❤🇺🇸
@@CoachHeadTTVThe best part was Mike Eruzione saying that when Herb Brooks walked into the locker room he said, "If you lose this ga..." It literally didn't give me chills. 😆
You’d probably be shocked to know how old I am then lol. I feel this video and all the short form content on it needs to be shown to those who just don’t get what’s it means to play sports in a national level here in America
I was only 12 years old. But I remember this as if it were yesterday. This documentary may seem like hyperbole to young people today. But I can attest that the sentiments described here were 100% real.
At the time, we all called it a miracle, but it wasn't close to a miracle. They just needed time to gel together. Herb Brooks had a great eye for exceptional talent. Look at the team and what they did in the NHL later. Neal Broten - only player ever to win the NCAA Championship, an Olympic Gold, and a Stanley Cup, 17 seasons in the NHL - 923 career points. Ken Morrow to the Islanders - the Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier Islanders - he's the final piece of the puzzle and wins the Gold and the Stanley Cup in the same year, and helps win 4 Cups in a row. Mike Ramsey - 1,070 games over 18 years in the NHL, leaves the Sabres - goes to the Red Wings and plays in the Cup but loses to the Devils - and Neal Broten. Dave Christian -14 years in the NHL, 340 goals, a Stanley Cup appearance with the Bruins and an All Star appearance. Mark Johnson - 11 years in the NHL - team captain for the Hartford Whalers. Jack O'Callahan, Mark Pavelich, and Dave Silk were all solid NHL players with 23 combined years and 903 NHL game appearances. Two more years together and they would beat any team, any time. Underdogs in 1980 for sure - but no miracle - it was a great team with tremendous talent.
If that US Olympic Team was an NHL Franchise 1981-82 they would probably finish bottom 6 in the NHL. Craig and Janaszak couldn't make it career wise in the NHL. The D Corp would have two good dmen in Morrow\Ramsey with O'Callahan being at best a lower level #3 Dman. Baker played about 150 NHL Games and Suter never played in the NHL. Christian played D but was a top 6F in the NHL. Center was the only position where the US Olympic Team had real NHL quality as Pavelich and Broken were top 6C and Johnson had top 6C abilities. Christoff was the only NHL top 6W. Silk and McClanahan were basically 3RW and 3LW level forwards. All that being said if The USA Olympic Team had been able to roster every player that was NCAA age at the end of the 1979 season they would have been much stronger on D and deeper upfront. G - Baker - Craig D - Langway - Dunn Morrow - Roberts O'Callahan - Ramsey C - Johnson - Pavelich - Broten- W - Mullen - McClanahan Gorence - Christoff McDougal - Silk Harrer - Christian That is a team that could finish 8 out of 17 in the NHL.
@5 never said they would win the Cup or even be NHL quality in '80. Just that it was great team with tremendous talent. My comment was specific that in 2 years they would have been even better, able to skate with anyone, and they weren't all college scrubs picked off the trash heap. Obviously they would have had to improve at goalie, but the fact that they were thrown together for a few months meant it looked like a miracle. Broten, Morrow, Silk, Christian, Pavelich, O'Callahan, and Ramsey would have - in my opinion - formed the core of a Stanley Cup contender by '82 or '83.
Nice try but these guys are young men before going into the nhl while you’re pulling out stats with top named teammates. Yes, Herb picked them cause they had talent but it was never expected to beat Russia or medal. There’s no way you can say “yeah it was a miracle up to two years after but look what they did in the future.” How the hell would anyone know what these guys would do? So since some of these guys, in their future, played in the NHL, won SC with great teammates, it takes miracle away. I 100% disagree. You’re knit picking and pulling random facts trying to say it’s not a “Miracle”. I 100% disagree. Edit: in 2 years a player a their age can change and grow quite a bit. They where young and you’re trying to transport this team into the future, come on back to reality. That’s not the same team.
@@ironcity4182 Nice try - but let's be clear; I never said it wasn't a huge upset - it was an amazing upset. But - "Never expected to medal"?? Lot's of people thought they could grab a Bronze. For those who don't know - in the 1960 Winter Olympics the U.S. won the Gold Medal in hockey. Can you guess how many played in the NHL? One - Tom Williams. Out of 17 players he was the only one given a shot. He was still, in 1967, the only U.S. born player in the NHL - that after the U.S. team went 5-0 in the Olympics, beating both Canada and the USSR - (fun fact: Herb Brooks was the last player cut from that Gold Medal U.S. team in 1960). Just some FYI - in 1972 the U.S. won the Silver Medal in hockey. And in 1976 the U.S. made it to the Medal Round - coming in 5th (the upset that year was West Germany beating the U.S. 4-1 and took the Bronze) The 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team was one of the most talented teams assembled - has evidenced by their Gold medal and their NHL accomplishments afterward. And they changed hockey forever by proving the U.S. was producing quality NHL caliber players. 'Upset' and 'Miracle' are two different things. Ramsey, Christian, Broten, Morrow, Johnson, Pavelich, Silk, and O'Callahan are the nucleus of any great team. They were young - that's all. And lets be clear - I specifically said in two years they could skate with anyone.
35:05 - I have gone over & over the math, and I don't see how this was possible. There is no way they wouldn't have medaled at all. if anyone can explain the math to me on that, feel free.
And here we are 44 years later and we have players taking a knee on the floor and others protesting that some minority group is not being treated BETTER than everyone else. So sad, to see what the Americans have become, and how spineless the US have became.
In 1980 it was a tough time for America. The economy inflation the Iranian hostage situation and operation Eagle Claw the failed rescue attempt for the hostages. This gave us a glimmer of hope, and later that year Regan was elected, America was back. Right now history repeating itself and we're living in very dark times. We've hit rock bottom, at least we're on solid ground. Hopefully we can bounce back and have that pride again. Today's generation doesn't deserve whats happening to them. We need bring the pride back, and folks we need to make a tough choice in November. Think before you vote and end the progressive and woke insanity.
Maybe more dramatic? It was way more dramatic than that. They also beat the supposed second best team in Czechoslovakia. So its like an NCAA College All Star team beating Buffalo and then Kansas City. Guess what? Wouldn't happen.
Anyone can beat anyone in a single contest, however if those two teams played each other 100 times, I’m not certain they beat the Russians much more than the one time they beat them.
I was in my third year of college and saw this live. The pressure and thrill was unbelivable. I compare this to our woke US Woman's soccer team and thier disrespect to the anthem and flag that represent our country and its history. Shameful.
Like it was yesterday. Our guys kicked the shit out of the russkis !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to 29:54 in this video, and feel the magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a question I can’t find an answer. Why didn’t the Russians pull their goalie in the last few minutes? All I can think is they never practiced it.
They lost in the IIHF World's to the Czechoslovakia team in 1977 I believe. They clearly weren't unbeatable. Lot better than US but not 10-3 better than at MSG. Two years later about half the US Olympic Team would play on Team USA in the 1982 Canada Cup and lose 4-1, in part because Tony Esposito let in two soft goals.
To be political, as that was a stark reality, when Johnson went down the way he did, we saw the look on herb brooks face. That was never the look Jimmy Carter gave during the entire hostage crisis. And Americans were done with diplomacy that lacked zeal and heart.
Shame on the reposter of this video for the ham-handed edits. At 35:20, Eruzione quotes Brooks' words before the Finland game: "If you lose this game, you'll take it to your fucking grave. Your fucking grave." You don't edit history to suit your own needs. That's what the Soviets did (and what Putin continues to do).
Tretiak was perhaps the greatest (goalie) to ever play the game...this vid lost the already wee dollop of credibility I had afforded it with that statement. He was indeed a great goalie, but not even close to being the greatest. Hmmm...lets start with....lol...dozens of the sons-of-guns. Chico Resch, Johnny Bower, Bernie Parent, ...
In 2024, do we realize that both the US and USSR made the mistake of entering Afghanistan. Unfortunate for both of us. God bless the US and Russia in peace.
If you had a relative that died on September 11 due to Osama bin Laden, who was hiding in Afghanistan- you would not be dumbass enough to say what you said.
The Russians lost to Team Canada in 72, Canada playing without its two best players ORR ,HULL. the Russians also lost in the first Canada Cup, in 76 which brought together the top six Teams in the world , lets put some facts on this, they were not the best team on earth .
Sounds like sour grapes, since the canucks couldn't win an Olympic Gold since '52 without NHL players. And btw, these same Russian players, beat the Islanders, Rangers,and Nordiques prior to the 1980 games. The Islanders that year won the Stanley Cup(you might have heard of it), with Ken Morrow on their roster.
Why is it sour grapes? The USSR lost to FUCKING POLAND in the IIHF Worlds in the 1970's and lost to Czechoslovakia also in the 1970's. So during the 1970's they lost to Canada, Czechoslovakia and Poland and opened the 1980's losing to the USA. Those are facts buddy.
Further, the 1980 USA Olympic Team lost about 8 NCAA aged players to the NHL , including two future NHL Hall of Famers. They lost the highest rated goalie in Steve Baker, their best D man in Rod Langway (HOF) and best forward in Joe Mullen (HOF). They also lost Gordie Roberts who was already playing in the NHL and Richie Dunn. That's half the D Corp lost. Upfront they lost Mullen, Tom Gorence, Mike McDougal, Chris Nilan to NHL Teams and Ralph Cox who was cut due to injury. That's close to half the best team of NCAA aged players. Further the 1980 US Team beat a USSR Team and Czechoslovakia Team made up of basically the next 20 best players in a Christmas Tourney at Lake Placid. That means a depleted Team USA beat both the top USSR and Czechoslovakia Teams and their #2 Teams in a span of two months. So how unbeatable were the USSR?
With all this Pride we have in the United States and then you have those players that kneel during the national anthem won't come onto the court for the national anthem really pisses me off
Herb Brooks coached college guys to win a national championship against what was thought to be the favorite to win it all. Might not have been the best but close
What’s possible better? As a victory not just for a team but when you said USA victory that’s something that needs to have an impact or effect on everyone or the economy not just a personal opinion on a player or team.
I was 13 in 1980, and I’ll be 57 soon. I’m getting the same chills watching this now as I do every single time I watch this. Never, ever, gets old.
I was there. People don't get it. You had to understand what was going on up till then. As Jimmy Carter was telling Americans. Our best days are behind us. Put on a Sweater, Rationing gas oil Crisis that never happened.
Then this happened. It turned America around so fast. And it's going to happen in 2024 again..As we're Americans. We pull together. We can overcome anything.
54 my friend
Me too! I had never had an interest in hockey but had been following the Olympics daily that year and watching everything I could.
I recall hearing how the USA team was doing well so I started to follow their progress and watched each game.
I didn't know a thing about hockey but learned while they continued to win against teams they were expected to lose against.
It became more and more exciting as they kept beating teams they were expected to lose against!
Suddenly they were in the quarterfinals then the finals!
This was unheard of in USA Mens Hockey!
The finals were a real nail biter, but the USA team WON!!!
It was such an amazing victory for the team and for AMERICA.
I remember a tremendous feeling of USA Pride due to this win. Especially because it was not expected.
Many years later I sent my children to Berwick Academy in South Berwick Maine.
Turns out Mike Eruzione attended the same school!
I was star struck, but never had the opportunity to meet him although he had been on campus several times while my kids attended.
To be honest, if I had ever been face to face with him, I would have been speechless. and unable to breathe.
College freshman heading to the slopes, stuck in rush hour when suddenly everyone started honking horns and yelling. We watched the replay later that night and it didn't matter that we already knew the result as it was such an unreal game.
You would've been 12.
Thanks for allowing me to relive those magical moments again!
I'm 55 . and still remember watching this at gramas kitchen table on a 13 inch TV .
I was 7 years old watching the games with my Dad, who passed away in 2023, gives me chills each time the 1980 hockey team comes up or the movie Miracle is mentioned.
This is, was, and forever will be a miracle in sports. One of the greatest moments of all time
I was 25 years old and watched it live. Can't believe it's been so long ago. What a great moment in US history. Still proud! 🇺🇸
This brings me to tears!! Every TIME!!! I WATCHED THIS AS IT HAPPENED
Wish I could’ve watched it live but still one of the greatest sports moments ever!
I was 20 years old and my whole family was at my oldest brother's house for Christening party for his new baby. Even his b**** of a wife couldn't stop everybody from watching this game.
@@CoachHeadTTVoh man!! You didn't watch it live? It was insane!!!
Goosebumps every time I watch this!
Agreed!!!
Yes sir !!!!!
I watched the game "live" and I will NEVER forget the joy, the tears and the happiness I felt. And I still have the Sports Illustrated edition from the next week. The one cover that SI never put a caption on. Just the US team celebrating with a huge American flag waving in the stands. I salute the SI editors for realizing that no caption was needed. When a picture says it all.
If the same situation could occur today, their magazine would've been filled with articles about the team's lack of diversity and how all the players had white privilege. 🤣😅🙂😐😟😞
I remember Jim Craig wearing the flag, proudest moment of my life to that point
Looking into the audience...... "Where's my dad? Where's my dad?"
Remember it like it was Yesterday!!!! Ask me something that happened 5 minutes ago, I’ll have no idea!!!
@@marctodisco what happened 5 minutes ago?
@@aspenrebel exactly!!!
@@aspenrebel I was hitting ya Sistah rotten
I will never forget this team!
I remember this moment watching it at 8 yo and feeling so proud for you guys.
EXCELLENT ALL AROUND! Excellent country, excellent coach, excellent players, excellent performance, excellent video! BRAVO BRAVISSIMO USA!
I cried. I still cry. USA
Well said my friend, well said!
I think what makes us all cry again , is our yearning to feel that deep American pride …
@@bobbob9627 truth. Our age cohort experienced so many things that younger folks have no notion of. This wasn’t just a hockey game. That was the Big Bad Soviet Union we were playing. Olympic events against them really counted for something. And it was right after Vietnam and the energy crisis and the economy was bad. All those things are part of the feeling in the countdown for the win. Amazing times.
Chills every time I watch
Me too brother
I was born in October of 77. This is my first memory.
God, we need something like this today.
There will never be a greater upset and more important victory. Can’t happen.
Insane.
Soviet league goal scoring leaders were in 1980 Shalimov 34 goals Drotzdetzky 31 Varnakov 30 Priodin 27 Lavrentjev 27 they did not played in 1980 olympics! Canada have 650000 hockey players today! USA have 500000 hockey players today! Ovechkin's Russia have only 80000 hockey players today! Canada and USA should have 15 guys who have scored over 800 goals like Ovechkin today! This was not miracle! In 1980 two games Soviets vs young USA 10-3 3-4 and goodwill games in 1990 10-3 3-3 and Calgary olympics in 1988 7-5! The Hard truth is that Russians could score 6,66 goals against young USA! Soviet scored 6,8 goal against Finland in 1970-1990!, We Finnish were trash 1970-1990 because only 21 ice rinks buildings in Finland 1980! Now we are hockey powerhouse because we have 274 ice rinks buildings to play hockey! Finland Beat Best proffesionals from USA 5-0 in 2014 olympics! USA vs Soviet Union drew 34 million tv watchers! Super bowl 82 million! Baseball world Series had 54 million tv ratings In 1980! How low USA can get when Soviet B team drew 34 million and boring slow stupid baseball world Series drew two times More 54 million! Real miracle was how good russians were 1972-1987 without ice rinks they played out Doors!, Only hockey player ever had fans was Russian Kharlamov 225 million fans in 1980! USA population 225 million in 1980! Soccer have 4 billion fans around the world! Cricket 2 billion fans! Soccer have 250 million players vs Canada 650000 players that means The Soccer All Stars would beat Orr Gretzky Lemieux easily 100 game Series 93-7! Soccer All Stars would beat Russians 99999-1 in 1980!!
People forget the USA Olympic team collectively won seven gold medals but six of them were won by US speed skater Eric Heiden. Even he supported the USA hockey team being the stars of that Olympics.
What Herb Brooks said to the hockey team against the Finns (after beating the Russians) forgive me, "You'll take this to your FUC)IN GRAVES!"
Eric was utterly INCREDIBLE!!!
What people? You are not the only person with a memory.....
Heiden went to medical school and became a doctor. I believe he was team physician for the Sacramento Kings.
Ok. He won the 500. 1000. 1500. 5000. And 10,000. He only set the Olympic records in first 4 races. What a loser. I am not sure if it was the night of the USSR being beat. Heiden was friends with a couple of 80 teams players that he grew up with playing hockey. So he was partying like those Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan kids do after a big effort. Problem was the hickey guys didn't? Or did they know? He gad to skate his last race 10,000 Meyer at 9am. At 3 4 people got Eric home and he was up 1 hour late. He showed up 30 minutes to his start .no warmup. Sets a World Record by 6 seconds!!!. If you ask me they knew that he was able to not only win but probably teased him about not setting any world records in past days. This guy's performance is to me the greatest of all with only the runner who won 5k 10k and marathon. Bolt? Roids
I was 11 years old on my first winter Olympics- my first family skiing weekend!!!
I was living in West Berlin during the 1980 winter Olympics. It wasn’t televised live so didn’t know the score when a group of us went to East Berlin the morning after the game. There were 10 of us, Americans, 19-21 yrs old. We went into an electronics store near the base of the huge tv tower. As we entered we saw the game on a couple of sets and started watching. We saw Eruzione score and everyone kinda went nuts. It was then that I remembered we were in East Berlin and told everyone to shut up. The store manager came over to me and said, “it’s okay. We don’t like the Russians either. Go ahead and cheer.” Will never forget that moment.
That’s an amazing core memory to have surrounding this amazing sports moment!!
Best post I read all day..
I watched this replayed on TV, for the first time ever. I was 25 yrs old and was preparing to graduate from college in June of 1980. I had been watching sports my whole young life. This was the single greatest thing I had ever seen concerning sports. Now I am an old man of 69 yrs. This remains the greatest sporting event I have ever seen. This video brought me chills, then tears when I watched and heard the USA TEAM and FANS singing the STAR SPANGLED BANNER during the medal ceremony. Amazing video.
AA
AA
AA❤
AA❤❤
AA
Seems like yesterday . . . My son was barely 4 months old when this amazing game happened...I remember so clearly holding and rocking my baby while watching Team USA come from behind and defeat the Soviets. Today, my son is nearly 6'3" tall, going on age 45; he has always been a huge fan of ice hockey. Times flies, but I still get goosebumps just like in 1980, when watching this game. Thanks for posting this!
I remember that game. I listened on radio.
I love the 72 Summit Series.
But, this is such an amazing accomplishment.
I'm so happy for them.
Wasn’t born yet but this brings a tear to you’re eye!
I was 10 years old in 1980. Growing up in Texas, I barely knew what hockey was. There was no hockey in Texas in 1980! But I watched the Olympics with my dad, and as it went on, I began to understand there was something big brewing! I watched the US-Russia match, glued to the tv. When Al Michaels said, "Do you believe in miracles," I honestly started crying. I still consider this the greatest sports moment of my life. I had the poster of the 1980s USA Hockey team on my wall for years. At one time, I could name every player on that roster.
I had my 24th birthday that day. Greatest birthday present ever!😊
I'm not a huge sports fan.....but I remember watching this game live and it was astonishing!!
God I loved watching this. Now I'm going to break out my DVD copy of miracle and watch it😅
In today's world, it is hard for those who did not live it at the time to understand the mountain they climbed. The USA was so down and needed a lift of some kind. Waiting in line for 5 gal of gas because that is all they would sell you. Praying the gas did not run out before your turn came. A bunch of kids beat a well-oiled Russian army team of men. It showed everyone that America had heart and with heart, nothing can stop us. Destiney is for those who work for it with all they have.
Herb Brooks was a mastermind? Take Bobby knight, John wooden, Sprinkle some ara parsegian, bear bryant, a bit of Billy martin with Knute Rockne and Vince Lombardi as your crest. He knew the way to motivate and push their buttons. Like in basketball. You beat a team that presses full court by presding them.
I remember sitting in our living room, not believing what I was seeing. It's a feeling I'll never forget, as long as I live.
Shows that hockey isn't all pucks and sticks. It's hard work and Heart.
A whole lot of heart.
This single-handedly pulled the country out of a slump and recession.
This Reaganomics lower taxes, minimal regulation, free markets.
@@ibclay1433 yeah! What happened to those? What we got now? I literally can't even afford to buy food in the supermarket.
This, to me, is the greatest sporting victory ever! The path the U.S. took and the scale of what it really meant...these guys were up against the entire world and won!
One of if not THE most iconic USA sports victory for sure.
Greatest Sporting Victory ever! ...... Probably. I'm trying to think of great team sports victories. Ler's see ..... 1) " The Giants win the pennant, the Giants win the pennant". NY Giants won the 1951 NL pennant to go to World Series. They had been a lot of games back in the standings at the end of the season. But they came back to play for the pennant and won it. 2) Patriots 1st Super Bowl win over Rams, on Vinitiari FG. 2001 season. 3) Patriots come from behind when, in overtime, in super bowl vs Falcons. They were down 25 points. 4)
This was 44 yrs ago? I remember exactly where I was when I was watching this, with a lot of family. At my oldest brother's house for a baby shower. His wife was not pleased when my older brother went and turned on the TV. After awhile, when others were watching, she knew she had to give in. But they still had to beat Finland.
The London Street Pub, Warwick, RI. 🇺🇸🥇
I was born April 18, 1980, still in my moms belly.
Edit: I’ve seen this so many times. Every time it makes me feel warm inside with chills all over smiling ear to ear:
I was one of the few in the US to watch the game live on tv. I found a French-Canadian UHF broadcast. Poor reception, but from the middle of the second period on I saw it all.
i was there. so cool, i was a driver for the Canadian Hospitality House
I was in Surface Warfare Officer's School (SWOS) Basic course at NAB Coronado when this happened. It aired at 8:00 Eastern time, which of course was 5:00 in California, and that day at 4:45 our books were closed and we all sat in our seats in the classroom, staring at the door. Finally the instructor looked at us in mock disgust and said, "I guess you've all got your minds on something else about now. Go on, get outta here", and we all headed back to the BOQ or across the street to the officers club. A bunch of us went straight to the Green Anchor, the bar on the second deck of the BOQ, where we found that the TV was on, the drinks were cold, and we could sit there and watch the game in what passed for peace. On Fridays the Anchor was supposed to close at 7:00 PM because it was usually pretty quiet up there - most everyone went across the street to the main club which had a Friday night band and was much more lively - but that night it stayed open until the game was done. Being junior officers in the Navy we were, I suppose you could say, "pleased" with the outcome. 🙂
Soviet defenseman 'Slava' Fetisov was a member of the Soviet squad that lost to the Americans at Lake Placid. One of the best defensemen who ever played the game he lobbied Russia to be allowed to play in the NHL. He came close to banishment in Siberia but eventually was allowed to play for New Jersey and Detroit. He was in his 30's, the twilight of his career. Won 2 Stanley Cups for the Red Wings, 1997-98 and 1998-99. He was 39 and then 40 at the time. Won another Stanley Cup as an assistant coach for New Jersey 1999-2000.
Like the other Soviets they were a combination of amused and awed by the wild celebration of the Americans. The elation of winning was something foreign to their way of conduct--it was inconceivable. 'Wow, they're having great fun, so much joy on display--something we know little about. Wish I could join in.' So he hatched the idea of joining the Americans playing ice hockey in N. America.
Fetisov and success are constant companions.
Last Names of players is what America is About
I was an assistant restaurant manager and missed the game. Have watched this a few times and get excited each time even though I know the ending 😂
Because we could USA USA USA USA
We still can
Team Canada 1972. Same story. Love the USA.
The similarities between Jim Craig's father loosing his wife and my dad losing his wife to cancer are uncanny! I had the most unforgettable opportunity to meet Jim Craig back in 1997. It was a wonderful experience and I will NEVER forget it!
Great video!!!!
Saw the game live on German TV while I was stationed there in the Army...when we realized what had happened...the party started...and kept going for days...
I was 10 when I watched this game in 1980
For the East Side of St.Paul Minnesota it was just a little sweeter with a touch more pride. The kids of Johnson High School (me being one) was watching a miracle that had ties to our High School. The tie was Herb Brooks 🇺🇸🥅🏒🚨🥇
USA USA USA USA USA USA
Nice!! My buddy always talks about his dad playing goalie with Herby at Johnson High.
The Soviets beat NHL All Star Team in 1979 in 3 straight games, winning the last one 6-0. I mean, the NHL All Stars werent an opponent to them and a amateur young players beat them in the Olympics. That show how big this upset was, the biggest in history of sports.
Can't believe this video had to be edited since the last time I watched it. Before the match with Finland, Eruzione says that Brooks says that they will take a loss to them " to their f@#$%[ng graves". Sadly that piece of oral history is now cut from the video
I was driving home from work that Friday doing everything that I could to not hear the score. I wanted to watch the game for the experience. I was listening to the basic Rock and Roll station and the DJ came on and excitedly said that we had won. Thousands of cars stopped on the 405 freeway in LA and started honking their horns. It's hard to tell the youngsters today just how much that game meant to the country. It brought the country together. We could use something like that today.
I remember watching that game. I was in 8th grade. We were out in the sleet and cold screaming we beat the Russians
and That's where the Chant USA Was
BORN
The biggest sports event I ever saw ..second was Secretariat winning Belmont.....
How times have changed! Now if you show pride in this country and love the flag, you're the enemy. And this is from Americans. I miss the way we were. 😢 I love you, America! ❤🇺🇸
I Love Jonna Napire 💜💚❤
APRIL 17, 2024
The Miracle On Ice
Love this documentary but why was it cut down and edited?
Should I try and post the full? I thought these were the better portions and I honestly don’t get many comments noticing or asking for other portjons
@@CoachHeadTTVThe best part was Mike Eruzione saying that when Herb Brooks walked into the locker room he said, "If you lose this ga..."
It literally didn't give me chills. 😆
The Swedish goalie was Pelle Lindbergh. If not for his drunken, fatal car crash he most likely would have been a Hall of Famer.
the ignorant young generation of today needs to watch this,
and learn what love for Country means
You’d probably be shocked to know how old I am then lol. I feel this video and all the short form content on it needs to be shown to those who just don’t get what’s it means to play sports in a national level here in America
They HATE us.
Back when people didn't kneel during the National Anthem.
USA 🇺🇸
Why were statements deleted?
Good question
What statements?
I was only 12 years old. But I remember this as if it were yesterday. This documentary may seem like hyperbole to young people today. But I can attest that the sentiments described here were 100% real.
Yeah I was 12 also and remember it so well
At the time, we all called it a miracle, but it wasn't close to a miracle. They just needed time to gel together. Herb Brooks had a great eye for exceptional talent. Look at the team and what they did in the NHL later. Neal Broten - only player ever to win the NCAA Championship, an Olympic Gold, and a Stanley Cup, 17 seasons in the NHL - 923 career points. Ken Morrow to the Islanders - the Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier Islanders - he's the final piece of the puzzle and wins the Gold and the Stanley Cup in the same year, and helps win 4 Cups in a row. Mike Ramsey - 1,070 games over 18 years in the NHL, leaves the Sabres - goes to the Red Wings and plays in the Cup but loses to the Devils - and Neal Broten. Dave Christian -14 years in the NHL, 340 goals, a Stanley Cup appearance with the Bruins and an All Star appearance. Mark Johnson - 11 years in the NHL - team captain for the Hartford Whalers. Jack O'Callahan, Mark Pavelich, and Dave Silk were all solid NHL players with 23 combined years and 903 NHL game appearances. Two more years together and they would beat any team, any time. Underdogs in 1980 for sure - but no miracle - it was a great team with tremendous talent.
If that US Olympic Team was an NHL Franchise 1981-82 they would probably finish bottom 6 in
the NHL.
Craig and Janaszak couldn't make it career wise in the NHL. The D Corp would have two good dmen
in Morrow\Ramsey with O'Callahan being at best a lower level #3 Dman. Baker played about
150 NHL Games and Suter never
played in the NHL. Christian played D but was a top 6F in the NHL.
Center was the only position where the US Olympic Team
had real NHL quality as Pavelich
and Broken were top 6C and Johnson had top 6C abilities.
Christoff was the only NHL top 6W. Silk and McClanahan were basically 3RW and 3LW level forwards.
All that being said if The USA Olympic Team had been able to roster every player that was NCAA age at the end of the 1979 season they would have been much stronger on D and deeper upfront.
G - Baker - Craig
D - Langway - Dunn
Morrow - Roberts
O'Callahan - Ramsey
C - Johnson - Pavelich - Broten-
W - Mullen - McClanahan
Gorence - Christoff
McDougal - Silk
Harrer - Christian
That is a team that could finish
8 out of 17 in the NHL.
Substitute Nilan for Harrer.
@5 never said they would win the Cup or even be NHL quality in '80. Just that it was great team with tremendous talent. My comment was specific that in 2 years they would have been even better, able to skate with anyone, and they weren't all college scrubs picked off the trash heap. Obviously they would have had to improve at goalie, but the fact that they were thrown together for a few months meant it looked like a miracle. Broten, Morrow, Silk, Christian, Pavelich, O'Callahan, and Ramsey would have - in my opinion - formed the core of a Stanley Cup contender by '82 or '83.
Nice try but these guys are young men before going into the nhl while you’re pulling out stats with top named teammates. Yes, Herb picked them cause they had talent but it was never expected to beat Russia or medal. There’s no way you can say “yeah it was a miracle up to two years after but look what they did in the future.” How the hell would anyone know what these guys would do? So since some of these guys, in their future, played in the NHL, won SC with great teammates, it takes miracle away. I 100% disagree. You’re knit picking and pulling random facts trying to say it’s not a “Miracle”. I 100% disagree.
Edit: in 2 years a player a their age can change and grow quite a bit. They where young and you’re trying to transport this team into the future, come on back to reality. That’s not the same team.
@@ironcity4182 Nice try - but let's be clear; I never said it wasn't a huge upset - it was an amazing upset. But - "Never expected to medal"?? Lot's of people thought they could grab a Bronze. For those who don't know - in the 1960 Winter Olympics the U.S. won the Gold Medal in hockey. Can you guess how many played in the NHL? One - Tom Williams. Out of 17 players he was the only one given a shot. He was still, in 1967, the only U.S. born player in the NHL - that after the U.S. team went 5-0 in the Olympics, beating both Canada and the USSR - (fun fact: Herb Brooks was the last player cut from that Gold Medal U.S. team in 1960). Just some FYI - in 1972 the U.S. won the Silver Medal in hockey. And in 1976 the U.S. made it to the Medal Round - coming in 5th (the upset that year was West Germany beating the U.S. 4-1 and took the Bronze) The 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team was one of the most talented teams assembled - has evidenced by their Gold medal and their NHL accomplishments afterward. And they changed hockey forever by proving the U.S. was producing quality NHL caliber players. 'Upset' and 'Miracle' are two different things. Ramsey, Christian, Broten, Morrow, Johnson, Pavelich, Silk, and O'Callahan are the nucleus of any great team. They were young - that's all. And lets be clear - I specifically said in two years they could skate with anyone.
I sort of feel bad for these Soviets...Just these guys. I understand.
35:05 - I have gone over & over the math, and I don't see how this was possible. There is no way they wouldn't have medaled at all. if anyone can explain the math to me on that, feel free.
How sad getting cit the night before the team left for the Olympics , but guess it fit right into gods plan
To have been there must have been something.
We were rooting for Norway 😂
Must be Canadian.
And here we are 44 years later and we have players taking a knee on the floor and others protesting that some minority group is not being treated BETTER than everyone else.
So sad, to see what the Americans have become, and how spineless the US have became.
In 1980 it was a tough time for America. The economy inflation the Iranian hostage situation and operation Eagle Claw the failed rescue attempt for the hostages. This gave us a glimmer of hope, and later that year Regan was elected, America was back. Right now history repeating itself and we're living in very dark times. We've hit rock bottom, at least we're on solid ground. Hopefully we can bounce back and have that pride again. Today's generation doesn't deserve whats happening to them. We need bring the pride back, and folks we need to make a tough choice in November. Think before you vote and end the progressive and woke insanity.
Really. You think woke insane? Voting for a narcissistic criminal , racist grifter who treats the Constitution like toilet paper is insane
I own this documentary on DVD, and I've watched it countless times.....I'm surprised they don't blame Trump for the Soviets being so well trained.
This is like Penn State beating the Kansas City Chiefs. Maybe eve more dramatic.
Maybe more dramatic? It was way more dramatic than that. They also beat the supposed second best team in Czechoslovakia.
So its like an NCAA College All Star team beating Buffalo and then Kansas City. Guess what?
Wouldn't happen.
Like the Giants beating the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Anyone can beat anyone in a single contest, however if those two teams played each other 100 times, I’m not certain they beat the Russians much more than the one time they beat them.
Edited what Herbie said lol
RUSSIANS WILL ALWAYS BE BEST AT THE MOST ALL. SPORTS. ❤❤🎉🎉
I was in my third year of college and saw this live. The pressure and thrill was unbelivable. I compare this to our woke US Woman's soccer team and thier disrespect to the anthem and flag that represent our country and its history. Shameful.
Like it was yesterday. Our guys kicked the shit out of the russkis !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to 29:54 in this video, and feel the magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a question I can’t find an answer. Why didn’t the Russians pull their goalie in the last few minutes? All I can think is they never practiced it.
They lost in the IIHF World's to the Czechoslovakia team in 1977 I believe. They clearly weren't unbeatable. Lot better than US but not 10-3 better than at MSG.
Two years later about half the US Olympic Team would play on Team USA in the 1982 Canada Cup and lose 4-1, in part because Tony Esposito let in two soft goals.
To be political, as that was a stark reality, when Johnson went down the way he did, we saw the look on herb brooks face. That was never the look Jimmy Carter gave during the entire hostage crisis. And Americans were done with diplomacy that lacked zeal and heart.
I really appreciate pulling in the Russians. Very eye opening to here the other side.
The greatest professional hockey team Russia ever produced lost to a bunch of American kids. Proves why America will always be number 1.
.
Always #1. Must stick together still
It proves it was a hockey game...nothing more.
Did you know Lombardi's GB Packers lost to the NCAA All Stars
Summer of '63?
@@cheebateam oh it was MUCH MORE THAN A HOCKEY GAME.....anyone who doesn't get that, either wasn't born yet, not American...or a liberal.
Shame on the reposter of this video for the ham-handed edits. At 35:20, Eruzione quotes Brooks' words before the Finland game: "If you lose this game, you'll take it to your fucking grave. Your fucking grave." You don't edit history to suit your own needs. That's what the Soviets did (and what Putin continues to do).
Tretiak was perhaps the greatest (goalie) to ever play the game...this vid lost the already wee dollop of credibility I had afforded it with that statement. He was indeed a great goalie, but not even close to being the greatest. Hmmm...lets start with....lol...dozens of the sons-of-guns. Chico Resch, Johnny Bower, Bernie Parent, ...
In 2024, do we realize that both the US and USSR made the mistake of entering Afghanistan. Unfortunate for both of us. God bless the US and Russia in peace.
If you had a relative that died on September 11 due to Osama bin Laden, who was hiding in Afghanistan- you would not be dumbass enough to say what you said.
sorry canada is #1
Not always and certainly not in 1980!!! Bye bye now
"You lost? To the students? How does this happen? We're you drunk?"
The Russians lost to Team Canada in 72, Canada playing without its two best players ORR ,HULL. the Russians also lost in the first Canada Cup, in 76 which brought together the top six Teams in the world , lets put some facts on this, they were not the best team on earth .
Sounds like sour grapes, since the canucks couldn't win an Olympic Gold since '52 without NHL players. And btw, these same Russian players, beat the Islanders, Rangers,and Nordiques prior to the 1980 games. The Islanders that year won the Stanley Cup(you might have heard of it), with Ken Morrow on their roster.
Why is it sour grapes? The USSR lost to FUCKING POLAND in the IIHF Worlds in the 1970's and lost to Czechoslovakia also in the 1970's.
So during the 1970's they lost to
Canada, Czechoslovakia and Poland and opened the 1980's
losing to the USA.
Those are facts buddy.
Further, the 1980 USA Olympic Team lost about 8 NCAA aged players to the NHL , including two future NHL Hall of Famers.
They lost the highest rated goalie
in Steve Baker, their best D man in
Rod Langway (HOF) and best forward in Joe Mullen (HOF).
They also lost Gordie Roberts who was already playing in the NHL and Richie Dunn. That's half the D Corp lost.
Upfront they lost Mullen, Tom Gorence, Mike McDougal, Chris Nilan to NHL Teams and Ralph Cox who was cut due to injury.
That's close to half the best team of NCAA aged players. Further the 1980 US Team beat a USSR Team and Czechoslovakia Team made up of basically the next 20 best players in a Christmas Tourney at Lake Placid.
That means a depleted Team USA
beat both the top USSR and Czechoslovakia Teams and their
#2 Teams in a span of two months.
So how unbeatable were the USSR?
Ken Morrow and Butch Boring were not on the NYI when The USSR beat them.
Just please don't mixe sport with politics...Russian's where the best regardless...Well done USA..they beat them not a big deal...one game...
Propaganda
Screw you child grow up. You probably weren’t even spawn yet
HISTORY.
Only for a Commie like you.
Communism sounds like Obama and Biden!
With all this Pride we have in the United States and then you have those players that kneel during the national anthem won't come onto the court for the national anthem really pisses me off
Lmfao they said best college hockey coach ever not even close red berenson is and was the best ever
Herb Brooks coached college guys to win a national championship against what was thought to be the favorite to win it all. Might not have been the best but close
Some unfortunate editing in this video. Cleaning it up for the kids?
Yeah even the whole hostage situation. Give me a break.
Its not the greatest moment in us sports its over rated in my book
What’s possible better? As a victory not just for a team but when you said USA victory that’s something that needs to have an impact or effect on everyone or the economy not just a personal opinion on a player or team.
What was better? You can't just refute it and come up with what was better in your humble and misguided opinion.