USA 2010 World Cup Team

The popularity of football in America started rising only in the 1970’s, but the USA national team has made considerable progress in football, ranked number 14 in the world rankings, the Stars and Stripes qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup on the top of the group. Led by coach Bob Bradley, the American team is no pushover, filled with international stars as well as young talents the Americans hope to build on their second place finish at the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa 2009.

After a 9-0 thrashing of Barbados, the USA was in a tie with Trinadad and Toibago, Guatemala and Cuba in Group 1. Out of the next six games, the USA went to win 5 and lost only to the Soca Warriors, but the stage was already set and the Stars and Stripes had booked their ticket to South Africa. In the final phase of the Group, the USA went to a 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Mexico, followed by a 2-2 draw at El Salvador. After beating Trinidad and Tobago by a comfortable margin, team USA went on to 3-1 loss to Costa Rica before the 2-1 loss to Mexico in Estadio Azteca. The Stars and Stripes sealed their position as group leaders with a 3-2 win over Honduras at San Pedro Sula.

Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan, the player with highest number of goals for the national team is the man to look out for from the Stars and Stripes at South Africa. Others who make up the team include players from the European Leagues such as Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey.

 

Coach Bob Bradley was not a permanent fixture as a national team coach but after leading the Stars and Stripes to a ten-game unbeaten streak and leading the National team to second place at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 losing only to eventual winners Brazil on a 3-2 margin proved that he was the man for the job.  

 

The Pre-World Cup list of players for USA is given below.