United States Team Page
Squad
Coach: Thomas Rongen
Roster
Goalkeepers: Brian Perk, Stephen Sandbo, Chris Seitz
Defenders: Amaechi Igwe, Ofori Sarkodie, Nathan Sturgis, Anthony Wallace, Tim Ward, Julian Valentin
Midfielders: Freddy Adu, Bryan Arguez, Tony Beltran, Michael Bradley, Dax McCarty, Robbie Rogers, Danny Szetela, Sal Zizzo
Forwards: Andre Akpan, Josmer Altidore, Gabe Ferrari, Preston Zimmerman
Scouting Report
Strengths: The Americans have a great deal of experience, as this will be their 11th FIFA U-20 World Cup, and sixth in succession. The team will also have at least 10 professional players on its squad from either the U.S. or Europe, with MLS star Freddy Adu headlining the group, giving it a big advantage over some of their opponents. Coach Thomas Rongen has a great deal of experience, as he was voted MLS coach of the year in 1996, and won an MLS Cup with D.C. United in 1999.
Weaknesses: The U.S. was barely tested in the CONCACAF qualifiers, so don't be surprised if they come out a bit flat in their first few games in Canada. The Americans are also in a tough group with four-time world champions Brazil, and South Korea and Poland, two underrated countries at the U-20 level. Adu drives the attack from midfield, but what happens if teams find a way to contain him? Can someone else pick up the playmaking slack?
Player to watch: He's only 18, but Freddy Adu is already a veteran of the international scene. The Ghana-born teen has taken part in no fewer than three world championships, two at U-20 level and one at U-17, and was the youngest player ever to line up for the senior U.S. national team. Adu is a joy to watch and will bamboozle defenders with his slick moves, quick change of pace and brilliant passing skills.
Prognosis: Rongen has assembled the greatest U.S. national youth team in history. With more team members playing professionally than at any other time, the U.S. has the experience, quality and depth to make a serious challenge for the crown. They are also brimming with confidence after being pegged as one of the pre-tournament favourites. Don't be surprised if the U.S. gives Brazil a run for its money and wins this group – the core of the U.S. team has been playing together for years and compose a dangerous threat to the South Americans. At the very least, the U.S. will finish second in the group and anything less than a quarter-final appearance would be a major surprise. Expect to see the U.S. in the final four.
ROAD TO THE U-20 WORLD CUP
2007 qualification route: The U.S. qualified to go to Canada by finishing first in group play at the 2007 CONCACAF U-20 Tournament (the two top in each of the two groups qualified for Canada).
Qualifying record: 3 games played, 2 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw
Goals for: 9 Goals against: 1
Top goal-scorer in qualifying: Andre Akpan (3)
Qualifying results:
Group A (round robin – all games in Panama City, Panama)
Jan. 17, 2007 – Haiti 1, USA 4
Jan. 19, 2007 – USA 0, Guatemala 0
Jan. 21, 2007 – Panama 0, USA 5
U-20 World Cup 1st round matches (all times local)
June 30 vs. South Korea in Montreal (Olympic Stadium) at 17:00
July 3 vs. Poland in Montreal (Olympic Stadium) at 17:00
July 6 vs. Brazil in Ottawa (Frank Clair Stadium) at 19:45
U-20 WORLD CUP HISTORY
The U.S. has competed in 10 previous FIFA U-20 World Cups. Its best finish was in 1989 when it reached the semifinals and finished fourth. Steven Snow led the way that year in Saudi Arabia with three goals in six matches.
Number of previous U-20 World Cup Appearances: 10
All-time record: 40 games played, 14 wins, 5 draws, 21 losses
Goals for: 38 Goals against: 52
Biggest victory: 6-0 vs. Turkey in 1993
Biggest defeat: 0-4 vs. Poland in 1981
Hosted the U-20 World Cup: never
1977 – Did not qualify
1979 – Did not qualify
1981 – First round
1983 – First round
1985 – Did not qualify
1987 – First round
1989 – Semifinals (4th place)
1991 – Did not qualify
1993 – Quarter-finals
1995 – Did not qualify
1997 – Second round
1999 – Second round
2001 – Second round
2003 – Quarter-finals
2005 – Second round
