Not Quite the Ending We Hoped For?

As I sit in my room in Hamburg, disappointed and tired I reflect on the 4 years of hard work it was to get to this point. For the players, coaches, staff and their families this has come to an all too swift finish. How can it be that just a slip by our captain and a horrendous penalty against Gooch could squash our spirit so? It makes it worse thinking how close we were to a match with Brazil in the second round.

Some have said that not making the second round will be a setback for US Soccer. However it is their naivete that prevents them from realizing that soccer in the US continues to prosper. It is with this naivete that they fail to understand the complexity of the World Cup. The difficulty in playing countries who live and die by their national teams. The experience of teams like the Czech Republic and Italy, and the passion of Ghanains who are not only playing for Ghana but according to their players and coaches, for the entire continent of Africa.

This is not a simple task, but were it simple then it would fail to capture the hopes and dreams of nations of people.

Disappointed but proud to have been a part of it, and hopeful of another chance to work for four years just for the chance to do it all again.

Heading to Nurnburg to Face Ghana

This is (from left Ching, Gooch, myself and Dempsey) loading the charter for Nurnburg.

The players are in good spirits and good physical shape after two days of recovery and treaments, with no players out due to injury. However we will be without Eddie Pope and Pablo Mastroeni after red card suspension against Italy. Let's hope that they will see the field again in this World Cup. That would be against world champions Brazil who have clinched top spot in group F.

We will be ready with new players in the starting lineup who are anxious to prove their worth. We haven't scored an offensive goal in the tournament and know we must now do that in order to move into the knock-out phase of the World Cup. The excitement in the German cities is palpable with fans from all locations gathering in the central squares to watch their favorite team. The nationalism is something that the US popular sports fan only see's from his cities' standpoint rather than from the national pride that gives those involved goose bumps as their flag is hoisted and their national anthem is played and sung.

These boys will give it their very best, make sure you are watching!!

Bruce

A Passion to Live Another Day!

What a night in K-town! With one of the most passionate performances that I have seen in my 10 years with the National Team, the USA stayed alive by drawing despite playing with nine men for 46 minutes.

After this hard fought tie, the medical staff used all means to rehydrate players who were exhausted after chasing the game at such a dramatic pace. Immediately they were given fluids, Gatorade and protein shakes.

After the game we flew directly back from Ramstein AFB to Hamburg, arriving at our hotel about 2:30AM. Today is off for the players with treatments continuing. With Pablo and Eddie Pope out due to red card suspentions, we will have some new faces in the lineup against Ghana. Let's hope we have the same spirit as against the Italians. (Root for the Italians as well as they can help us with a win.)

Keep watching and sending your comments, they're much appreciated.

Bruce

To K-town to Battle the Italians

Well, we are off to Kaiserslautern in the next hour or so, but not before ressurecting our spirit and pride. A good couple of days of training and conversations among the team seems to have us all on track. Apparently the media back in the States has a few of us feuding, but that doesn't seem to me to be the case. I think the team is ready to give a better performance against Italy.

We continue to have good fortune on the injury front with all our players available for selection to start. How many changes to the first lineup only Bruce Arena knows.

Here in K-town we are going to stay at the Ramstien Air Force Base which should ensure some good old American cooking, not that our chefs in Hamburg are anything to sneeze at.

I hope all of you will get the chance to watch the game saturday and cheer the Americans on!!

Bruce

OUCH!!

Wow, not what er were expecting or hoping for. A 3-0 loss puts us in a hole but we are not out of it yet! After the game we had a very quiet flight back "home" to Hamburg, arriving about 12:30 am. The players were disappointed but not pointing fingers. There is tomorrow, which is Italy on Saturday. After Italy's 2-0 win over Ghana, it is nearly a must win situation. A draw keeps us alive but still behind the 8-ball, whereas a win against Italy puts us in a great position.

The starting 11 were in the pool for a post game workout today, while those needing some work went to the practice field. Because of that Dave took the team out to practice while I stayed with the players for the pool workout.

It remains hot here in Germany and the excitement also remains. Today we lick our wounds but tonight we begin the task of preparing to play one of the great football nations of the world. I believe the Americans will step up to the plate on Saturday. Look for a 1-0 game with someone converting their opportunity. Let's hope they are wearing the US jersey!!

Bruce

Arrival in Gelsenkirchen!!

After training yesterday we packed up our gear and headed for the airport. We flew charter flight to Dortman airport, about a 50 minute flight. We then bussed to our new temporary home at the Sheraton Hotel in Essen.

It just seems that the World Cup has now begun! Games are going on with the players and staff as "more than interested" observers. Today we practice at the stadium and go over all the small details of Bruce Arena's game plan. Players watch film of the Czechs and their individual opponents, and treatments for all the minor ailments continue so that the players may be at their best.

The next two days will be something! Three points would start us off great.

Bruce

Day Off??!!

A day off training for the players today doesn't mean a day off for the trainers as we near the first World Cup game. Treatments will be throughout the day as we make sure everyone is healthy and ready for the last push towards the Czech Republic on the 12th. Our final hard fitness workout was held yesterday and the players sailed through it. With the day off they now will recharge their collective batteries both physically and mentally.

Today's only obligation (other than therapy) is a meeting with the mayor this afternoon.

Supe (Dave) and I were able to take a couple of hours off yesterday to tour the downtown area of the "Venice of the North"-Hamburg. It is quite a beautifull city, with lakes rivers and canals. It was really nice to see the sun for a change!

If you have any questions feel free to post them and we'll do our best to get to them.

5 days to the Czechs!

Bruce