United States of America USA
1913
Coach: Bob Bradley Confederation: CONCACAF
FIFA Ranking (Dec 09): 14
Previous Appearances: 7 (1930, 1950, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)
USA v England 12 June; Rustenburg
USA v Slovenia 18 June; Johannesburg
USA v Algeria 23 June; Pretoria
Coach: Bill Bradley
1998, 2006 First round; 1994 Second Round; 2002 Quarter Finals, 1930 Semi Finals
Background
The United States of America has been growing in stature as a force to reckon with in world football. Proof: World Cup 2010 will be its sixth consecutive appearance. After the semifinal spot in the inaugural World Cup, a quarter-final finish was the USA’s best result.
the road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
Second Round
The second round comprised of only a double header against Barbados, which they won 9-0, aggregate. Easy affair.
Third Round
In the next stage, the United States were in Group 1 along with Guatemala, Cuba, and Trinadad & Tobago. Opening with a 1-0 win against Guatemala, they followed it up with the same score line against Cuba. The third was a big 3-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago.
Winning all the three matches of the first part, the United States went on to beat Cuba, 6-1. But a surprise was in store for them as Trinidad & Tobago took it out on them 2-1. the last fixture of the third round saw them secure a 2-0 win at home to Guatemala.
Fourth Round
The Fourth Round had six teams: Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Trinidad & Tobago El Salvador and the United States of America.
As in the previous round, the Yanks began with a victory, beating Mexico 2-0 followed by a 2-1 win against El Salvador. The USA then accounted for Trinidad & Tobago 3-0. a shock followed, Costa Rica defeated them 3-1. The Yanks restored the lost momentum with a tough 2-1 win against Honduras. Next out, Mexico fresh from the 5-0 win over USA in the final of the 2009 Gold Cup, again mauled them 2-1. The United States of America did not lose heart and defeated El Salvador 2-1. This was followed by victories against Trinidad & Tobago and Honduras. In the final match of the campaign, the United States drew with Costa Rica 2-2 and sealed their slot in the 2010 World Cup.
Strengths
The United States of America can have the measure of any team if it is their day. May be the stars of the team are not household names in Europe and elsewhere, but they have the talent to fight any reputation. The squad has determination and is hard working and possesses high motivation.
Weaknesses
Lack of creativity is a major weakness. Very few opportunities come their way because of this. Barring Donovan, and perhaps Clint Dempsey, there not many flamboyant playmakers.
The Coach
Bob Bradley has tried as many as 87 players since January 2007. He is still in the search for the right combination. He has been criticised to be a conservative, but Bradley has an impressive record as a coach with the USA.
Star Men
Tim Howard (Everton);
He has been very impressive in the English Premier League, as the custodian of the Everton goal. Howard has quick reflexes and has made several heart stopping stops under the bar. For USA, a lot depends on his performance in the World Cup.
Landon Donovan;
Donovan is the star player for the United States of America. He is a versatile footballer on the field. Wherever the action is, he will be in the thick of it. Donovan has scored 42 goals in his international career and the 27-year-old can aspire to be the all time topper. One of his greatest assets is that he is quick on the ball and never delays the passes.
Clint Dempsey;
Clint Dempsey was a member of the US squad that played in the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup. He scored just after 15 minutes and Donavan put one more in. But Dempsey found himself on the losing side as Brazil won the cup 3-2. The Fulham striker was in tears, but it must also have taught him a few lessons, that he will remember when he plays in the same country in the coming World cup.
Best Footballing Moment
Shocking Portugal in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, US barged into the knockout stage. They advanced to the quarter finals defeating Mexico 2-0. There they met the inimitable Oliver Kahn under the German cross bar and despite being in command of most of the 90 minutes, they lost out. Their first World Cup quarter final after 72 years.
World Cup Objective
Entering the knock out stage will be the first target and if they hit the bull’s eye, then a quarter final finish is not impossible.
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