The United States is becoming a threat in the World Cup finals after trumping the recently defeated Mexico and the Italian World Cup winners, a fact that should serve as a warning to Algeria, Slovenia, and England. Bob Bradley’s team are hopeful of progressing beyond the first phase of the competition for the first time since 2002 and to do so, they are going to have to rely on the performances of some key players.
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy) 123 caps 42 goals
Donovan is America’s superstar. The boisterous winger, known for being outspoken, has already engaged in conflicts with David Beckham while Beckham played at LA Galaxy. Despite Donovan’s ill behavior, his talent is undeniable, and he is the best player wearing the authentic USA soccer jersey. The way that Donovan’s trademark technique, speed, and ability to control the ball with ease to score goals will make him a key player for the United States.
Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan) 54 caps 5 goals
Oneyewu was devastatingly injured in his first Serie A season, dashing the hope of the fans that had followed his successful seven season career in Belgian football. Oneyewu, the bigwig defender of the US national team, signed for Milan’s team in July of last year after working with Standard to win the Belgian league title twice. Although Onyewu’s injuries allowed him to play in only one game for Milan in Serie A, the United States has hopes that he will become an invaluable asset in the defensive line at the World Cup finals.
Tim Howard (Everton) 51 caps 0 goals
Bob Bradley has had much to celebrate as Tim Howard gained notoriety as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League. After an unimpressive time spent with Manchester United, Howard found his place at Everton during a loan period beginning in May 2006 and eventually signed on for a permanent spot on the team. Once Howard found his niche, he keep making bounds in goalkeeping, earning the South African Confederations Cup tournament’s best goalkeeper award in 2009, surpassing Brazil’s Julio Cesar, Spain’s Iker Casillas, and Italy’s Gigi Buffon.
Clint Dempsey (Fulham) 62 caps 18 goals
Fulham loves Dempsey for his performance in the 2009-2010 season, a season which included Dempsey’s amazing chipped winner that took the team into a promising run at the Europa League semi-finals. Because Dempsey is both a cunning striker and winger, he has a propensity towards scoring goals when the game is on the line. He provides an attacking thrust that perfectly complements Donovan on the opposite flank and the pair will be crucial in providing an inexperienced US attack with chances in their group games.
Tags: soccer, usa soccer, usa soccer team