2014 World Cup: America's best and brightest head to Brazil as soccer's biggest event kicks off
The
US begins play in Brazil a week from Monday
in the so-called
Group of Death: Group G, which features
Germany,
Portugal and
Ghana,
the nation which has eliminated us from the previous 2 World
Cups.
By Frank Isola NEW YORK DAILY NEWSJune 7, 2014, 11:51 AM
Jozy Altidore says he hasn't lost his confidence despite a dismal season with Sunderland.
Jurgen Klinsmann wasn’t exactly channeling his inner Vince Lombardi
when he declared that it is “not possible” for the United States to win
the 2014 World Cup. Talk about a buzz kill.
There is something very American about a rah-rah speech to rally the
troops. The German-born Klinsmann, though, turned that concept on its
proverbial head with his reality based preview that raised just as many
eyebrows as did his decision to cut Landon Donovan, the country’s most
accomplished player, from the 23-man roster.
Maybe there is a method to Klinsmann’s madness, or perhaps he is just mad.
“Since Jurgen was hired we’ve trusted in his decision-making and his
opinion on what he thinks is best for the team,” says starting
goalkeeper Tim Howard. “He obviously has a vision for his team that he
thinks is a winning one and we believe in that.”
The US begins play in Brazil a week from Monday in the
so-called Group of Death: Group G, which features Germany, Portugal and
Ghana, the nation which has eliminated the U.S. from the previous two
World Cups. In theory, Klinsmann’s team should not be one of two teams
to advance to the knockout rounds; Ghana is talented enough to reach the
semifinals, while Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s Player of
the Year, and Germany is traditionally a threat to lift the
championship trophy.
But a case could be made for the US to earn enough points to
survive the group. The fact that they play Ghana first plays in their
favor, since Ghana is the most vulnerable of the three. Ronaldo arrives
in Brazil with a leg injury following a long and successful club season
in Spain with Real Madrid, which two weeks ago won the Champions League.
In 2002, the US shocked the heavily favored Portuguese so
anything is possible.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesCaptain Clint Dempsey is the top goal scorer on Team USA with Landon Donovan staying home.
The objective is to get to the final group match against Germany, the
nation that Klinsmann led to a World Cup title as a player and later
coached, with a chance to advance. The most optimistic scenario is that
the Germans show up for their third match having already advanced and
their manger, Joachim Löw, who worked under Klinsmann, rests some of his
stars. That would be wunderbar.
“I kind of had a feeling in my stomach that we were going to get
Germany,” Klinsmann says. “It is one of the most difficult groups of the
whole draw. It couldn’t get any more difficult, or any bigger, but that
is what the World Cup is all about.”
As the U.S. team arrives in Brazil there remain several troubling
issues, starting with Donovan being omitted from the roster despite his
experience and penchant for delivering in big games. Donovan has
appeared in 12 World Cup matches while the rest of the roster has
appeared in a combined 25. His five goals in the tournament are more
than the number scored by England’s Wayne Rooney, Argentina’s Lionel
Messi and Ronaldo combined.
To recap: Klinsmann says the US has no chance to win the
World Cup before cutting its most accomplished player. Donovan’s
dramatic last-minute goal against Algeria in 2010 helped the US win the group under Bob Bradley, who was fired a year later.
Klinsmann managed to secure a contract through the 2018 World Cup while
at the same time lowering expectations. Clearly, Bradley erred in being
so successful.
It was a shrewd move by Klinsmann: claim you can’t win it all, cut a
top player and if somehow you advance, you look like a genius. If you
fail, you point to players like 19-year-old Julian Green and simply say,
“See you in four years.”
Green is one of the players referred to as a Jurgen-American; players
who were either born or spent their formative years overseas and have
dual citizenship. John Brooks, Timmy Chandler, Fabian Johnson and
Jermaine Jones were all born in Germany. Mix Diskerud is from Norway and
Aron Johannsson was born in Mobile, Ala., before his parents moved back
to Iceland when he was was 3. “Players on the national team should be — and this is my own feeling —
they should be Americans,” L.A. Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, who coached
the United States in 2002 and 2006, told ESPN The Magazine. “If they’re
all born in other countries, I don’t think we can say we are making
progress.” Having a melting pot for a roster is very American. In fact, it is a
common practice among other nations, most notably France, Portugal and
even Germany. Klinsmann is just taking advantage of the system to
enhance the roster.
Johannsson’s goal-scoring prowess earned him a spot, especially after
starting striker Jozy Altidore struggled this past season with
Sunderland of the English Premier League.
Corey Sipkin/New York Daily NewsAn
honest Jurgen Klinsmann says his team has no shot to win the World Cup, but a quarterfinal berth is not out of the question as the Americans
(and German-Americans) head to Brazil.
“Everybody’s so worried about my confidence. My confidence is fine,”
Altidore says. “It’s not going to change at all. Whether I score a hat
trick or I don’t score at all, I’m fine. It doesn’t matter how I play as
long as we win.”
Jones, 32, will start in midfield and while a physical presence he is
prone to yellow cards. Johnson, who scored a brilliant goal last week in
a friendly against Turkey at Red Bull Arena, can play either midfield
or outside back and is dangerous making runs down the flank.
The team’s best players, however, are still American-born. Michael
Bradley, the son of the former U.S. coach, could play for a number of
top clubs in Europe but elected to return to Major League Soccer and
sign with Toronto. He is a terrific two-way player with a non-stop
motor. Clint Dempsey, a veteran of two World Cups, tends to float in and
out of games but he is incredibly skillful and creative. Four years
ago, it was Dempsey’s goal that gave the U.S. a 1-1 opening-match draw
against England.
Howard, raised in North Brunswick, N.J., plays for Everton in the EPL
and is considered one of the top goalkeepers in the world. And he’d
better be, because the soft underbelly of the U.S. team is its backline,
which has little experience playing together as a group, essential at
this level.
Germany has the ability to pick the Americans apart, and considering
that Ronaldo scored three goals against Sweden just to get Portugal into
the World Cup, the U.S. defense needs to be at its best. Klinsmann will
pick two of the four center backs — Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler, John
Brooks and Geoff Cameron — to be his starters. And then he’ll cross his
fingers.
DAN LEVINE/EPAThe U.S. faces perennial power Germany, Portugal and Ghana in Group D action at the World Cup.
The US has advanced out of group play in every other World
Cup dating back to 1994. Eight years later, Arena took them to the
quarterfinals, and in 2010, Bradley’s team was eliminated by a late goal
from Ghana that was caused by a poor marking.
If you go by the “Eight Year Itch” theory, this is Klinsmann’s year to
at least make it to the round of 16. He never said that is impossible.
“There’s always pressure no matter what World Cup you’re in,” Dempsey
says. “You always have to be performing. We’re excited by the 23 that
are here, and now we can push forward. We look forward to that chance of
trying to do something special in Brazil. We’re focused on going down
there and doing well in order to move things forward.
“You do that by doing well in major competitions.”
USA: Brooks, Chandler, Green und Johnson im Aufgebot
Am Montag hat US-Nationaltrainer Jürgen Klingsmann
sein vorläufiges Aufgebot für die Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft 2014 in
Brasilien bekannt gegeben. Im 30-köpfigen Kader finden sich mit
John-Anthony Brooks (Hertha BSC), Timothy Chandler(1. FC
Nürnberg),Fabian Johnson (1899 Hoffenheim) und überraschend auch
Julian Green (FC Bayern München) gleich vier Bundesliga-Legionäre sowie
weitere bekannte Gesichter.
Innenverteidiger Brooks sowie die Außenverteidiger Chandler und
Johnson zählen schon seit längerem zum festen Bestand der USA.
Wie schon
damals 2006, als Klinsmann plötzlich David Odonkor für die Heim-WM aus
den Hut zauberte, überraschte der amerikanische Nationalcoach auch
dieses Mal und nominierte den erst 18-jährigen Green. Der in Tampa
(Florida) geborene Mittelfeldmann feierte erst Anfang April sein
Länderspiel-Debüt für die Vereinigten Staaten und wurde im
Prestige-Duell gegen Mexiko (2:2) eingewechselt.
Des weiteren vertraut Klinsmann auch auf einige Spieler, die früher
schon in Deutschland aktiv waren: DaMarcus Beasley (Hannover 96),
Michael Parkhurst(FC Augsburg), Michael Bradley (Bor. Mönchengladbach),
Jermaine Jones (FC Schalke) und Landon Donovan (Leverkusen, FC Bayern)
standen schon in der Bundesliga auf dem Rasen.
"Wir mussten ein paar schwere Entscheidungen treffen und sind jetzt
sehr zuversichtlich mit den 30 Spielern, mit denen wir in die
Vorbereitung starten", sagte Klinsmann. In besagter Vorbereitung
bekommen es die US-Boys mit Aserbaidschan (27. Mai), der Türkei (2.
Juni) und Nigeria (7. Juni) zu tun. Bis zum 2. Juni muss Klinsmann dann
seinen endgültigen 23-Mann-Kader benennen.
Bei der WM trifft die USA in
der Gruppe G auf Ghana (17. Juni), Portugal (23. Juni) und Deutschland
(26. Juni).
Das erweiterte Aufgebot der USA:
Torhüter: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (FC Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Verteidiger: DaMarcus Beasley (FC Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting
Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha BSC), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City),
Timothy Chandler (1. FC Nürnberg), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Omar
Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Fabian
Johnson (1899 Hoffenheim), Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew), DeAndre
Yedlin (Seattle Sounders)
Mittelfeldspieler: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro
Bedoya (FC Nantes), Michael Bradley (FC Toronto), Joe Corona (Club
Tijuana), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg
Trondheim), Maurice Edu (Philadelphia Union), Julian Green (Bayern
München), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas Istanbul), Graham Zusi (Sporting
Kansas City)
Stürmer: Jozy Altidore (FC Sunderland), Terrence Boyd (Rapid
Wien), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy),
Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Manager Jurgen Klinsmann Working With MLS-Based Side
By Paulo Winterstein
Jan. 14, 2014 6:07 p.m. ET
SÃO PAULO—U.S. men's soccer coach Jurgen
Klinsmann played down the long distances and muggy climate his team will
have to face at this year's World Cup, saying that American players are
used to both.
The U.S. team will be
based in São Paulo, South America's biggest city, and will travel for
first round matches to the Amazon heartland city of Manaus, as well as
the northeastern coastal cities of Natal and Recife. That means the U.S.
will have to travel some 14,000 kilometers in the first round alone,
the most of any of the 32 teams that will compete in the league play
round of the monthlong event that starts in June.
"We
have the worst travel schedule of all teams," Mr. Klinsmann told
reporters after a brief training session at the training grounds of São
Paulo Futebol Clube, one of the continent's top teams.
Twenty-six
players arrived in Brazil Monday as part of the men's team annual
January training, and Mr. Klinsmann is using the opportunity to get to
know the training center as well as a chance to pick new talent for the
team. The squad is made up of players from Major League Soccer except
for Norway-based Mix Diskerud.
"American
players are used to traveling long distances, but we want to minimize
the problem," he said, mentioning th possibility of traveling between game
sites directly, rather than making the long slog back to São Paulo
between rounds.
After two weeks in São
Paulo, the 26 players head back to Los Angeles for another week of
training. The final group of 23 players Mr. Klinsmann picks will be back
in Brazil in June to prepare for a crucial first match on June 16
against Ghana in Natal, some 1,800 miles northeast of São Paulo.
"We
have to win our first game no matter what," he said. That's because
after Ghana, the U.S. will face Portugal—whose star Cristiano Ronaldo
this week won the prestigious Balon d' Or title as the world's best
player—and then plays soccer powerhouse Germany in the final group
match. Germany clinched second place in 2002 after losing to Brazil, and
came in third place in the following two World Cups.
With such a tough group, it will be a challenge for the U.S. team.
"We
still have a long way to go and we know that, but we are getting better
and hopefully we can prove that in the World Cup," he said.
The
rapid growth of soccer in the U.S. following that country's hosting of
the 1994 World Cup has helped improve the quality of American soccer,
Mr. Klinsmann said, but they are still some years away from ranking with
the best.
"We need to develop better players and better coaches, but that's not going to happen overnight," he said.
With all the excitement of the World Cup draw last Friday for Brazil
2014, now seems like a good time to take a closer look at the cities and
stadiums the U.S. national team will play in next summer.
As we all know, Jurgen Klinsmann’s side were handed and incredibly
tough draw In Group G with Germany, Portugal and Ghana standing in their
way of making it to the knockout stages. Ahem, ‘Group of Death’…
But what many have overlooked is the fact that in the group stages
the USA will play in three of the four most Northern cities hosting
games in the World Cup, which means unbearable heat, incredible humidity
and will put plenty of extra strain on the players bodies as they play
three games in 10 days.
So, from the Amazon to the North East coastal resorts, here’s a look
at what cities fans of the USMNT will be visiting if they’re lucky
enough to be heading to South America to cheer on the Yanks. Plus, we
take a cheeky look at the venues the USA may play at in the knockout
stages, if they make it out of the dreaded ‘Group of Death.’
Warning: take plenty of sun block… and a hat.
Estadio das Dunas stadium, named after the famous sand dunes which are in the region of Natal, is a beauty.
NATAL – 16 June, 6pm ET: Ghana v USA City: In the far North East of Brazil, a tropical
climate awaits the USA (that will be a running theme here) as Natal
enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year and is known as ‘Sun City’ in
Brazil. Heavy European influence adorns the buildings and architecture
of the city and tourism plays a big part in the local economy due to
wonders such as Ponta Negra, Genipabu, Redinha, Pipa, Pirangi and the
fabulous beaches along the coast. This area has struggled for any
domestic soccer success for quite some time as fierce rivals America
Futebol Clube and ABC Futebol Clube have both struggled since the
1980′s. Stadium: The Estadio das Dunas has been newly
constructed and it’s fantastic curving shape emulates the sand dunes
Natal is famous for. A capacity of over 42,086 means it’s the smallest
stadium at the World Cup. Could prove difficult to get tickets for this
one.
The Arena Amazônia is the host stadium in the humid confides
of the Amazon rainforest. Will the USA handle the heat?
MANAUS -22 June, 6pm ET: USA v Portugal City: One of the most spectacular, yet problematic,
venues in World Cup history, the Amazonian capital of Manaus is host to
the USA’s game against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Humidity around the
99 percent mark is likely to greet the USMNT, as well as heat in excess
of 100 degrees in the heart of the Amazon rainforest but plenty of
stunning sights, such as the convergence of the Negro and Amazon rivers,
will make a trip to Manaus a one in a life-time experience. The most
northern venue boasts quite a poor crime-record, so be on your guard.
Stadium: There are plenty of concerns over the heat
and conditions deep in the world’s largest rainforest, as the kick off
time has been moved backwards, but what a stadium they’ve built to
welcome the world into the Amazon. Huge interwoven rafters mimics the
wooden baskets this region is now far, but once again the capacity is
only just over 42,000 so the USA will be playing in another of Brazil’s
smallest host stadiums.
The Arena Pernambuco has already hosted Confederations Cup games
and is ready to go.
RECIFE – 26 June, 12pm ET: USA v Germany City: Just down the coast from Natal, Recife is the
state capital of Pernambuco and the fourth largest metropolitan area in
Brazil. The gorgeous beaches close to urban areas makes this city unique
and a heavy Dutch influence from the 16th century can be found amongst
the architecture. Just like Natal and Manaus, this sprawling Northern
city also enjoys searing temperatures and the USA’s noon kick off time
vs. Germany may actually play in their favor. Well, at least more of the
USMNT’s players will be used to playing in hot conditions compared to
the Germans.
Stadium: Built through public and private funding,
the stadium is now home to Clube Nautico Capibaribe, one of Recife’s
three professional teams. With a capacity of 46,154, again it’s not the
biggest stadium in Brazil but there’s sure to be a terrific atmosphere
in the ‘capital of the North-east’ when the U.S. face Germany in their
pivotal last group game. The stadium itself is located outside of the
city proper and close to the region known as Grande Recife where huge
poverty affects the local people, but this venue has regenerated the
area by offering shops, jobs and other businesses to locals.
USA’s potential venues in knockout stages Last 16: Porto Alegre on June 30 orSalvador on July 1 Quarterfinal: Rio de Janiero on July 4 orBrasilia on July 5 Semifinal: Belo Horizonte on July 8 orSao Paulo on July 8 3/4 place game: Brasilia on July 12 Final: Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janiero on July 13
Wer spielt für uns?
American Top 30: Projecting Klinsmann’s 2014 World Cup roster, 17th ed
June 2: FIFA deadline to submit 23-man World Cup roster. June 7: Nigeria friendly in Jacksonville. June 8: Team flight to Sao Paulo. June 16: Group G opener against Ghana in Natal, Brazil.
********************* Changes from last week:
Maurice Edu overtakes Mix Diskerud in midfield. Terrence Boyd rejoins
the 30, DeAndre Yedlin drops out. Movement among the midfield and
defensive contenders.
Of note: Check marks indicate my picks for the final roster.
“Contenders” are my leading candidates for the 23-man list (+ 7 contenders, for 30-man list).
Players not
mentioned could re-enter the mix at any time in the coming weeks.
As it
stands, I am projecting 14 MLS players, eight European-based players
and one Mexican-based player on the flight to Brazil.
GOALKEEPERS 3
√Tim Howard (Everton): 90 minutes in 2-0 victory over Man-U. Next: at Southampton Sat.
√Brad Guzan (Aston Villa): 90 in 0-0 draw with Southampton. Next: at Swansea City on Saturday.
√Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake): 90 in 1-0 victory over Portland. Next: Vancouver on Saturday.
DEFENDERS 8
√CB Matt Besler(Sporting Kansas City): 90 in 4-0 victory over Montreal. Next: REVs. Sat.
√RB-CB Geoff Cameron(Stoke City): 90 in 1-1 draw at Cardiff City. Next: at Tottenham, Sat. √LB-RB-LMF Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim): 90 in 3-1 loss at Werder Bremen. Next: Eintracht Frankfurt on Sat.
√CB Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy): 90 in 2-2 draw at Vancouver. Next: at Colorado on May 3.
√CB Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes): 90 in 0-0 draw at Colorado. Next: Chivas USA on Sat.
√LB-LMF DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla): 1st 40 (injured) in 2-1 victory at Pachuca. Next: Morelia on Sun.
√RB-DMF Brad Evans(Seattle Sounders): last 23 in 2-1 victory at Chivas USA. Next: Colorado on Saturday.
√LB-RB Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew): 90 in 1-1 draw with D.C. United. Next: NY on Sat.
— Contenders —
↑CB Tim Ream(Bolton): 90 in 0-0 draw at Charlton. Next: Leicester City on Tues., Sheffield W. on Sat. ↓CB Michael Orozco(Puebla): not in the 18 (leg injury) for 2-1 victory at Pachuca. Next: Morelia on Sunday.
MIDFIELDERS 8
√DMF-CMF Michael Bradley (Toronto FC): 90 in 2-1 loss at Dallas. Next: REVs. on May 3.
√CMF-F-RMF Clint Dempsey(Seattle Sounders): 90 (assist) in 2-1 victory at Chivas USA. Next: CO on Sat.
√RMF Graham Zusi(Sporting Kansas City): 90 (assist) in 4-0 victory over Montreal. Next: REVs. on Sat.
√DMF Jermaine Jones(Besiktas): 90 in 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce. Next: Sivasspor on Sun.
√LMF-CMF-RMF-F Landon Donovan(LA Galaxy): 90 in 2-2 draw at Vancouver. Next: at CO, May 3.
√DMF Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake): 90 in 1-0 victory over Portland. Next: Vancouver on Sat.
√RMF-CMF Alejandro Bedoya(Nantes): 90 (goal in 31st) in 6-2 victory at Valenciennes. Next: Marseille on Fri.
√↑DMF Maurice Edu (Phila.Union): 90 in 0-0 draw with Houston. Next: at Montreal on Saturday.
— Contenders —
↓CMF Mikkel Diskerud(Rosenborg): no match scheduled. Next: at Bodo/Blimt on Monday, at Orkla in Norwegian Cup on Thursday, Brann on Sunday. LMF-F Julian Green(Bayern Munich II): no match scheduled. Next: at Rain Lech on Sat.
↑RMF-LMF Joe Corona (Tijuana): 7 in 2-1 victory at Atlante. Next: Leon on Friday.
↓LMF Brad Davis(Houston Dynamo): not in the 18 (ankle
injury) for 0-0 draw at Phila. Next: NY Wed;
Portland Sun.
FORWARDS 4
√F Jozy Altidore(Sunderland): 24 (drew controversial late PK; video) in 2-1 victory at Chelsea. Next: Cardiff City on Sun.
√F-LMF Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar): no match scheduled. Next: at Den Haag on Sunday.
√F-LMF Eddie Johnson (D.C. United): 76 in 1-1 draw at Columbus. Next: Dallas on Saturday.
√F Chris Wondolowski(San Jose Earthquakes): 90 in 0-0 draw at Colorado. Next: Chivas USA on Sat.
– Contenders –
↑F Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna): 90 (goals in 24th
and 43rd) in 2-2 draw at Groedig. Next: Red Bull Salzburg on Sat.
(11 goals in 26 league matches, 16 in 34 overall)
Lustig von Stefan Raab? Wie immer. Und auch erfolgreich. So aber auch ist Hans Hubert Vogts. Wer ist er denn? Er kommt aus Kaarst -- nahe Düsseldorf. Gibt es noch was? Ja, und wie! Das ist wirklich noch etwas für uns herauszufinden.
Jurgen Klinsmann Discusses USMNT Changes Surrounding Berti Vogts, Martin Vasquez
Jurgen Klinsmann has appointed former Germany,
Scotland and Nigeria head coach Berti Vogts as Special Advisor for the
United States' men's national team, further altering the nation's
backroom staff after dropping Martin Vasquez from his assistant role.
Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl revealed the news on Twitter:
USMNT assistant Martín Vásquez being reassigned within USSF. Berti Vogts hired as adviser, Tab Ramos working with senior team.
Klinsmann revealed his delight at linking up with Vogts once again,
the manager he played under when Germany captured the Euro '96
championship, as reported by USsoccer.com:
We are absolutely thrilled to have Berti join us as an advisor.
He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, both as a player and a
coach, and he knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He
was my coach for Germany in the 1990s and we have a great relationship. Through his time as the head coach of Scotland, Nigeria and
Azerbaijan, he is obviously very familiar with our opponents in the
group stage of the World Cup, and for us this is a huge bonus.
USA Under-20's overseer Tab Ramos has also been promoted to the
senior coaching staff, while Martin Vasquez moves across toward other
duties within the United States Soccer Federation. Klinsmann believes
such change provides the nation "with the best opportunity to be successful," per USsoccer.com's report.
Vogts' appointment could prove to be a real coup for the
U.S., who have tied up another German legend until after the 2014 FIFA
World Cup. The 67-year-old won the 1974 tournament with West Germany and
totted up five Bundesliga titles with Borussia Monchengladbach during
his playing days. UEFA Cup wins in '75 and '79 also sum up a successful
career on the pitch.
Klinsmann has hired Vogts to scout opponents and develop
training regimes in a key role for the U.S. Despite his Euro '96 success
with Germany, Vogts' international tenures with Kuwait, Scotland,
Nigeria and Azerbaijan have been riddled with frustration.
Boris Roessler
He will continue to serve as Azerbaijan manager even
after agreeing to the U.S. role. Vogts' team have little action to look
forward to across the summer after failing to qualify for the
competition, ensuring his jobs won't clash.
The upcoming World Cup puts both Klinsmann and Vogts in
the strange position of facing their country of birth while representing
the U.S. Vogts is sure to have a detailed knowledge of happenings
inside the German camp and may be able to call upon his experience with DFB to inspire a positive result for the USMNT.
Matthew Tomaszewicz of The Guardian outlined Vogts' recent experience against the country's World Cup opponents as a key to his appointment:
It seems everything has slotted into place for this deal to go ahead.
Klinsmann and Vogts' previous relationship was a winning one,
highlighting that they can work well together against difficult odds.
Although the USA aren't expected to challenge for the trophy in Brazil,
Vogts' scouting duties provide Klinsmann with the chance to focus on his
players and strategy.
Both the U.S. team and staff can head into the World Cup with a
fearless outlook in a group that includes Germany, Portugal and Ghana.
These are tough matches that could yield little to shout about for the
Americans, but with Klinsmann and Vogts leading the charge, there's
enough experience here to challenge in each encounter.
We're in Group G: Yesterday we learned our opponents for the 2014 Men's World Cup Soccer Championship, to be held in Brazil. They are ALL huge soccer nations (no marshmallows). We certainly dream of being able to move ahead this time. Will that stay a dream?
Here's how our current MNT coach, Jürgen Klinsmann, (also key player on Germany's 1990 Championship Team; Coach of Germany's National Team 2006; ) reacts to the draw.
Frage: How many German footballers has new coach of the USA National Team, Jürgen Klinsmann, recruited from the Bundesliga?
ussoccer.com: How is your first U.S. MNT camp going so far?
JB: “So far everything is fine. My new teammates and the staff have been very nice to me so everything is perfect.”
ussoccer.com: You played for the U-20 MNT and have also been courted by Germany.
What went into your decision to play for the United States?
JB: “The U.S. really wanted me, so it was not a hard decision to play
for the USA. I talked a lot to my family. My dad, who is from Chicago,
my mom, my
sister, my grandparents, my agent … all of them gave me advice. Since I
decided to play for the U.S., they have been very happy, congratulating
me and
wishing good luck.”
ussoccer.com: For those U.S. Soccer fans who haven’t seen you play yet, how would you describe your game?
JB: “I think I am calm on the ball. I have good passing skills. And I am
not as slow as I seem [laughs]. I don’t have that much experience yet
as it’s my
first year in the Bundesliga, so I have to learn a lot. I will learn
when I am with the U.S. team and I will learn from Hertha and put those
experiences
together.”
ussoccer.com: It’s setting up to be a big week for you. You first make
your Bundesliga debut and score the eventual game-winning goal, and now
you may
make your MNT debut. What are your feelings as you accomplish another
goal in your career?
JB: “I just take it step by step. The next step is to play here against
Bosnia. When I play, I want to give my best and go from there.”
ussoccer.com:
:
What is it like for you as a German-American to play for Jurgen
Klinsmann, who accomplished so much during his career and is so
respected in Germany?
JB: “It’s nice. He has lots of experience and has brought a little bit
of German football over here into the team, so it’s exciting for me.”
ussoccer.com:
What is it like to have the other German-Americans in the team?
JB: “It is nice having Jermaine [Jones], Fabian [Johnson] and Danny
Williams so I can talk a little bit of German with them [laughs]. We can
also talk
about the Bundesliga, the U.S., and they can give me little clues.
That’s good for me.”
- See more at:
http://www.ussoccer.com/news/mens-national-team/2013/08/brooks-it-was-not-a-hard-decision-to-play-for-the-usa.aspx#sthash.3jMWyywT.dpuf
U.S. vs. Germany friendly: Jürgen Klinsmann’s American team is victorious at RFK Stadium
Washington Post, By Steven Goff, Sunday, June 2, 4:47 PM
Dennis Grombkowski/BONGARTS/GETTY IMAGES - American star Clint Dempsey celebrates scoring his side's third goal in a 4-3 win over Germany at RFK Stadium on Sunday.
Too bad the U.S. national soccer team couldn’t bottle this attacking performance for more consequential endeavors in coming weeks.
In a final test before 3 World Cup qualifiers, the Americans scored three outstanding goals and took advantage of a comical goalkeeping gaffe Sunday to defeat a young German squad, 4-3, in a wildly entertaining friendly before a sellout crowd of 47,359 at RFK Stadium.
In an early three-minute span, Jozy Altidore volleyed his way out of a scoring funk and Marc-Andre ter Stegen misplayed a back pass for an own goal. After Germany scored early in the second half, Clint Dempsey tallied twice in four minutes to provide what appeared to be an emphatic send-off ahead of Friday’s qualifier in Jamaica.
However, Max Kruse and Julian Draxler struck in the 79th and 81st minutes for Germany, which was missing eight Bayern Munich stars and two Real Madrid standouts.
It was the U.S. team’s first victory over Germany since 1999.
The turnout was the largest for soccer at RFK since David Beckham’s MLS regular season debut in 2007 and the fourth biggest to see the U.S. senior national team. The stadium record for soccer is 58,012 for a 1996 Olympic group match between the United States and Portugal. (At the time, the Redskins were still playing there and the facility accommodated more spectators.)
Juergen Klinsmann, the U.S. team’s German-born coach, made four changes to the lineup after the 4-2 loss to Belgium on Wednesday in Cleveland: Michael Bradley and Fabian Johnson were available after completing club obligations; Brad Evans replaced Geoff Cameron at right back; and Matt Besler took Clarence Goodson’s spot in central defense.
Bradley took his usual role in central midfield, while Johnson, who has played almost exclusively at left back for the U.S. team, pushed up to left wing, a position he often fills for German club Hoffenheim.
The Americans showed immediate improvement over the Belgium game with confident ball work leading to two corner kicks in the first three minutes. Evans, a natural midfielder, targeted Altidore in the box for a deflected bid and Graham Zusi’s free kick located the striker for a glancing header.
U.S. defensive frailty resurfaced in the 11th minute. Unable to contain pressure on the left or clear a cross, the Americans were fortunate the ball rolled onto the foot of a German center back, Per Mertesacker, whose six-yard shot trickled a fraction wide of the left post.
Altidore’s scoring rut ended two minutes later. Zusi served a delicious cross from the right flank to the heart of the penalty area. Altidore was unmarked and unfazed, smashing a 10-yard volley with his right foot for his first goal since a friendly at Slovenia in November 2011.
Famous for impeccable composure, Germany made a comical mistake in conceding a second goal. Under moderate pressure deep in their own end, the Germans failed to find an escape route. Benedikt Hoewedes decided to play the ball back to ter Stegen, who let it slip past him and over the goal line before he could recover.
Just 21, ter Stegen started the past two seasons for Moenchengladbach in the celebrated Bundesliga and was making his third national team appearance.
The opportunities continued to flow. Sven Bender weaved through the U.S. defense but missed wide on a clear look and Altidore set up Dempsey for a near-post bid that ter Stegen pushed aside.
The goalie had another clownish experience midway through the half when, backpedaling on Alitdore’s ambitious floater from 40 yards, he tumbled. To his relief, the attempt was off target.
While Germany made four changes at halftime, Klinsmann had one: Brad Davis for Johnson.
The Americans lacked cohesiveness after the break and conceded Heiko Westermann’s six-yard header off Kruse’s corner kick. Germany continued to press. Klinsmann turned to Eddie Johnson and Edgar Castillo in the 56th minute in place of Zusi and DaMarcus Beasley.
The Americans regained their two-goal lead in the 60th minute when Jermaine Jones delivered a long ball to Altidore on the left side of the box. Altidore waited for support and then crossed to the center of the box, where the on-rushing Dempsey tagged an 11-yard shot into the left side.
There was more Dempsey four minutes later. In a seemingly harmless position, he began toying with Lukas Podolski well beyond the penalty area, carved a pocket of space and then unleashed a swerving, 25-yard rocket to the upper left corner for his 35th international goal.
Kruse scored from 20 yards and Draxler converted a rebound, causing late angst for the Americans. But referee Paul Delgadillo of Mexico ignored Germany’s penalty kick plea in the 90th minute.
U.S. notes: The team will remain in Washington until Tuesday morning, then charter to Jamaica. The delegation will get settled in Kingston as the Reggae Boyz host U.S. nemesis Mexico on Tuesday night.
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STAY TUNED! THE USA MUST STILL QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CUP! There are some doubts. BUT according to Juergen Klinsmann's former side-kick, and current trainer for the German national team, Juergen Loew, there's no doubt that the USA team will be successful.
Corey Sipkin/New York Daily News Michael Bradley is a two-way player that drives the engine of the U.S. World Cup squad. 
Corey Sipkin/New York Daily News An
honest Jurgen Klinsmann says his team has no shot to win the World Cup, but a quarterfinal berth is not out of the question as the Americans
(and German-Americans) head to Brazil. 
DAN LEVINE/EPA The U.S. faces perennial power Germany, Portugal and Ghana in Group D action at the World Cup. 
Boris Roessler 
