FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template
Toothbrush. OK. Underwear. OK. Goal scorers. Ooops. Finding someone to put the ball in the back of the opponent’s net is becoming a real problem for the US team, which played a second goal-less draw in two weeks against Scotland here Saturday.
” The last two weeks have shown we have a real problem scoring goals, “ US midfielder Tab Ramos said. ” No question we can play a lot better. “
The Americans drew 0-0 with Macedonia and beat Kuwait 2-0 earlier in May. They have equaled a team record by not allowing a goal in four consecutive matches since adopting a 3-6-1 formation.Using one forward and two attacking midfielders has not helped the US team find a finisher with an opening match looming June 15 in Paris against powerful Germany.
” Against Germany, everyone will play 10 times harder than they did against Scotland, “ US captain Thomas Dooley said. We’re still trying some things on offense. We have to create more opportunities to score. “
The Americans also face political rival Iran on June 21 in Lyon and Yugoslavia on June 25 in Nantes in the match that will likely decide which advances.
” We want to prove we’re a soccer-playing nation and not concern ourselves with the politics of (the Iran) match, “ US coach Steve Sampson said. ” A lot about Yugoslavia will be determined on the basis of the first two matches, whether we need one or three points (to advance). “
Sampson said he is not planning to make any last-minute player switches to help the attack, giving the final roster spot to ex-Frenchman David Regis, a playmaking defender who became a US citizen May 20.
” I’m confident in these individuals, “ Sampson said. ” We have created dozens of great opportunities. It’s just a matter of being a little more precise, a little more composed, in front of the goal.
” I’m not going to concern myself too much with that. I would be more concerned if we weren’t creating opportunities. “
US Soccer Federation president Alan Rothenberg showed concern, trying to diminish expectations for the Americans by saying he doubts they can advance to the second round, something they did as hosts in 1994.
” The goal is to make the second round. Realistically I don’t expect to achieve that goal, “ Rothenberg said. ” Realistically I think we will fall a little short of that goal and not make it our of the first round.
” We’re in a very tough group. Against teams like Yugoslavia and Germany you have to be realistic. It would be an upset with we beat either one of these teams or even tied either of these teams. “
FIFA does not think so, rating the Americans 11th. Rothenberg puts himself at no risk by trying to ease damage if the US fails to make round two and can set the stage to claim achievement by matching 1994’s effort. Sampson is somewhat more confident in his team. ” On paper the entire world would agree with him, that Germany and Yugoslavia would advance. But that’s only paper, “ Sampson said. ” I think this US team can surprise some people. Our best soccer is yet to come. “