Four years ago, what coach Bruce Arena needed most was an air pump. The U.S. men’s soccer team had ended up a flattened souffle in 1998, finishing 32nd out of 32 teams. Eleven players from that flop were still around, and it was his job to reinflate them.
Getting to the quarterfinals in 2002, their best showing in 72 years, provided a huge ego boost. “This time, they know they can go out on any given day and beat anybody,” Arena says.
The U.S. team undoubtedly has a rough road here, grouped with the Czech Republic (its opponent Monday in Gelsenkirchen), three-time champion Italy and dangerous debutante Ghana. “We feel we have a lot to prove,” says captain Claudio Reyna.
Even though the Americans are making their fifth straight Cup appearance, the global heavyweights don’t yet consider them peers. “They still feel that they’re better,” goalkeeper Kasey Keller says. “It’s hard to argue with the Italians or the English or the Dutch until you actually take it to that next level and consistently get to the semifinals.”
ELATION …
Arena says he will celebrate in the hotel bar if his team survives the group and advances, even as the second-place team. But the celebration likely will be short-lived with a presumed matchup against Brazil, the clear choice to win Group F. Though their run would end against a World Cup favorite, advancing out of one of the “groups of death” will establish the U.S. as a genuine soccer powerhouse.
… OR ELIMINATION
If the U.S. fails to advance, its soccer reputation won’t necessarily take a step back. That will depend on how competitive the U.S. plays. A lackluster performance could lead Arena to resign, leading the federation to search for a coach who would improve the offensive skills the U.S. is likely to be missing during group play.
PLACES TO KICK IT
More Top Picks Best Funko Display Cases
Here are some spots to get your kicks for World Cup futbol, err, soccer:
Delilah’s
2771 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-2771
This Lincoln Park spot has been a stomping ground for those who follow English Premiere League Soccer and should draw a hefty crowd for England’s matches.
ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St., 312-644-3776
With all the World Cup games being carried live on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, it’s natural that ESPN Zone will show them.
Ginger’s Ale House
3801 N. Ashland Ave., 773-348-2767
Nationally recognized as a soccer-friendly watering hole, Ginger’s should be packed with regulars who lean toward Ireland and England.
Glunz Bavarian Haus
4128 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-4287
If want to cheer on Germany, the World Cup host country, be in this Haus in the historically German neighborhood of Lincoln Square.
Players Bar & Grill
551 N. Ogden Ave., 312-733-2121
Manager Silvia Baranova says she’s staying true to her roots and pulling for the Czech Republic; she expects big crowds for Poland’s matches.
Sedgwick’s
1935 N. Sedgwick St., 312-337-7900
Owner Joe Drennan already has received calls from fans of Brazil, Ireland, France, Argentina and the Netherlands who plan on watching there.
SushiSamba Rio
504 N. Wells St., 312-595-2300
With Brazil a heavy favorite to win again, SushiSamba Rio will have live entertainment and a special menu from chef Carla Pernambuco.
The Globe Pub
1934 W. Irving Park Rd., 773-871-3757
More Top Picks Coffee Grinders
The official pub of the Chicago Fire, the Globe will be open for all the first-round matches.
— Tribune and Metromix