FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Team Profile: USA

Best Finish: In 1930, the United States made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup. Four years ago, in 2002, the United States made their second-best finish when they reached the quarterfinals before losing to Germany.

Team Colors: The United States wears red, white, and blue.

Current FIFA World Soccer Ranking: The United States is currently ranked fifth in the FIFA World Soccer Rankings. Many soccer critics around the world believe that this ranking is much too high.

Key Players:
Kasey Keller: Keller is the veteran leader for the United States and his goalkeeping will be a major factor in whether or not the United States can go deep in the tournament. He also adds experience of playing in Germany, as he has been the goalkeeper for Borussia Moenchengladbach since 2005.

Landon Donovan: The quickness and technical talent of Landon Donovan will be necessary for him to help run the United States’ attack. Although this is only his second World Cup, his outstanding debut in 2002 has other teams aware.

Oguchi Onyewu: Although this is Onyewu’s World Cup debut, he will be a key factor for the success of the United States’ defense. Both Italy and the Czech Republic have large strikers who Onyewu will have to match up with due to his size and powerful defending.

Coach: Bruce Arena coaches the United States. He has been the coach since 1998. Before coaching the United States, Arena coached D.C. United of Major League Soccer.

Group Schedule: The United States is in Group E, which has been called this World Cup’s “Group of Death.” The other teams in Group E are Italy, the Czech Republic, and Ghana. The first match for the United States is against the Czech Republic on June 12 in Geisenkirchen. On June 17, the United States plays Italy in Kaiserslautern. The United States finishes up group play on June 22 in Nuremburg against Ghana.