CARSON, Calif. – In his first appearance on ESPN’s 2014 FIFA World Cup coverage, Landon Donovan made a powerful statement.
The United States can complete for the World Cup.
U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has made headlines across the country due to his repeated statements that it is “just not realistic” that the U.S. can win the World Cup. During his ESPN segment on Wednesday, Donovan stated that he disagreed with the U.S. National Team boss’ assessment of the team’s chances.
“Well, this will come as a surprise to nobody, but I don’t agree with Jurgen. As someone who has been in that locker room, and has sat next to the players — and I agree with Alexi [Lalas] — we agree with the American outlaws. We believe that we will win. That’s the way Americans think. That’s the sentiment.
“One point that I’d like to make, if we’re really expecting to go out and beat Portugal and beat Ghana, and beat Germany –who are in my opinion one of the best teams in the world—if you can beat Germany, why can’t you beat anyone else? It doesn’t mean that it is going to happen, but I believe it and I think that all of America believes it.”
Donovan admitted during his interview with ESPN’s Mike Turico that he has come to terms with his omission from the national team and stated that it was time to support the USMNT in Brazil.
“It’s not easy, but at the same time, I have a lot of teammates and friends on that team and I sit next to Omar Gonzalez every day in LA so I have a lot of contact with the guys still and I’m very excited for them,” he said. “Once I’ve been able to get past the disappointment, now I’m genuinely excited for the tournament as a soccer fan. All of our fans are excited to watch the tournament and let’s hope for great things. This can be a very special summer.”
