In the 1980 Olympic “Miracle on Ice” game, the United States defeated the Soviet Union 4–3.
The game was played on February 22, 1980, at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The Soviet team was the reigning Olympic champion and a dominant international power, while the U.S. roster was made mostly of college players. That contrast made the victory one of sport’s most famous upsets.
The Soviet Union led 3–2 after two periods, but the United States scored twice in the third. Captain Mike Eruzione scored the winning goal, and goaltender Jim Craig helped preserve the lead during the closing minutes.
A common mix-up is to say that this victory itself won the United States the gold medal. The Olympic medal round was a round-robin format, so the Americans still had to defeat Finland two days later to secure gold. The Soviet Union ultimately won silver after beating Sweden.