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. For the first time in 8 years, Bob Bradley’s team stands a chance to move on past the first phase of the World Cup finals. However, if they wish to succeed, the US will to have to lean heavily on the performance of their best players.
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy) 123 caps 42 goals
Donovan is America’s superstar. The United State’s rough winger is known for not holding back and for picking fights with David Beckham while the two played for the LA galaxy. Donovan isn’t winning any awards for sportsmanship, but he is the most talented player in the authentic USA soccer jersey. An excellent ball handler, Donovan will use his quickness, skilled technique, and capacity to score goal after goal to pull the US through the finals.
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 tall, strong defender that is making other teams take notice of the US national team, first signed with Milan last July, with high hopes after winning two titles for Standard in the Belgian league. The US defensive line has high hopes that, even though Onyewu only made one appearance in Serie A for Milan, he will rise above his conflicts to achieve great success in the World Cup finals this summer.
Tim Howard (Everton) 51 caps 0 goals
Tim Howard, Bob Bradley’s star goalkeeper, has come into his own over the past three years, achieving a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the entire 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. Howard has continued with an impressive career, beating out legendary goalkeepers Iker Casillas, Gigi Buffon, and Julio Cesar to own the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa’s coveted best goalkeeper award.
Clint Dempsey (Fulham) 62 caps 18 goals
Dempsey and Fulham enjoyed a memorable 2009-2010 season, the highlight being Dempsey’s incredible chipped winner that took Fulham into the Europa League semi final ahead of Juventus. 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.
