With merely 2 days away, an upbeat U.S. team will play three-time world champions Germany for a semi-final spot in the 2002 World Cup finals, a feat never being dreamed by any U.S. fans prior to the tournament.
After shocking a familiar Mexico 2-0 for their first trip to the last 8, the Americans had another familiar opponent of Germany standing ahead. 8 members of the U.S. team have played in Germany, including American playmaker Claudio Reyna and goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
"We're familiar with Germany," said U.S. coach Bruce Arena.
"They have an outstanding team and they soundly beat us (4-2 in a friendly on March 27). We understand they are overwhelming favorites on Friday."
While being quick to label his squad a major underdog against the Germans, Arena remained confident of the game, saying "on paper, it looks to be no match. However, we don't play this game on paper. Hopefully, we'll come out and give Germany a game."
"We've had some impressive results in this World Cup. I wouldn't call that lucky, I think we have a good team. We will play a great team against Germany," he added.
And the shocking U.S. team in the World Cup, who tailed in France 4 years ago, were pouring enthusiasm overnight in the United States, with some fans, a tiny portion of its 283 million population, starting to think "the unthinkable" of winning the World Cup.
"The Americans will be a large underdog when they meet Germany in the quarterfinals, but if they can somehow pull off a win in that one, they would be two victories away from the unthinkable," said the Washington Times after the U.S. beat Mexico 2-0.
"We want Germany. We want the Cup," the American fans chanted after defender John O'Brien stopped Mexico's attack by fisting a corner kick away from the near post, which was shockingly unnoticed by a Portuguese referee.
With many an upsets so far, the topsy-turvy tournament leaves no game a given for any favored team. Especially for Germany, another upset is not impossible. In 1994 and 1998, the heavily favored Germans lost in quarter-finals to Bulgaria and Croatia, both only made their first appearance in the final eight.
"We all saw the game against Mexico," said former champion and current German coach Rudi Voeller. "Mexico dictated the pace, but the Americans took the lead, and it was difficult for the Mexicans after that ... We're going to have to take our chances. No one expected them (Americans) to get this far and they're really on a roll."
Editor: Ronnie
Source: Xinhua
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