WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : Spotlight : MIRACULOUS, BUT NOT A MIRACLE

The improbable may have come to mind--1980 and Lake Placid, N.Y.

“Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” was the call that helped make Al Michaels a household name. The United States had just beaten the former Soviet Union in the Winter Olympics, 4-3, and would play in the gold-medal game against Finland.

The Soviets were international hockey’s elite.

Colombia has been among international soccer’s elite.

And the United States beat the Colombians, 2-1, Wednesday at the Rose Bowl.

Was this another case of do you believe in miracles?

Not according to U.S. Coach Bora Milutinovic, called a miracle worker for coaching Mexico to the World Cup quarterfinals in 1986 and Costa Rica to the second round in 1990.

“I don’t believe in miracles,” he said, “because all these players today put forth a great effort and with great support of the fans. But it’s very important that we don’t think ahead. It’s much more important to think about where we are now.”

Where they are is in a game against Romania on Sunday that could win them the Group A championship after going into the tournament just hoping to avoid being the first host team to fail to advance into the elimination round.