The Game-"The Miracle on Ice"

The much anticipated semi-final between the United States and the Soviet Union occured in the evening of February 22, 1980. The game had sold out with thousands of American fans who chanted "U-S-A!" throughout the game, and this is where that famous chant originated. Before the game, Herb Brooks said in a speech to his players, "You were meant to be hockey players, this is your time!" (Brooks). The Soviets scored first in this game, scoring only a few minutes into the first period, but the Americans were quick to score, with Buzz Schneider scoring their first goal. After the Soviets scored again, Mark Johnson scored at the buzzer of the first period for a 2-2 tie, and this goal prompted the Soviet coach to replace his goalie, Vladislov Tretiak (considered to be the best goalie in the world) with his backup, Vladimir Myshkin. The Soviet Union scored once in the second period, and going into the third and final period, the Soviets led by one goal. The United States scored twice in the first ten minutes of the period with goals from Mark Johnson and Mike Eurozione to take a 4-3 lead. There were still ten minutes in the game, and goalie Jim Craig made numerous saves from Soviet shots during this time, and the United States won this game 4-3. With only five seconds remaining, American broadcaster Al Micheals made the famous quote, "Do you believe in Miracles...Yes!" (Michaels). The United States went on to win the Gold Medal two days later by defeating Finland 4-2.