Celticrugby
Apr 30 2004, 05:21 PM
Donovan: Real business in the summer
Friday, 30 April 2004
http://skysports.planetfootball.com/images/playerpics_sky/usa/donovan_shirt.jpg by Chris Bergin (ussocceruk.com)
Landon Donovan's star showing against Mexico on Wednesday night may have earned him the plaudits from the international clash, but the San Jose Earthquakes forward played down the win as unimportant - compared to the main job that is in hand this summer.
Donovan - who is being overshadowed in the media by a certain 14-year-old wonderkid in D.C. United's Freddy Adu - is very much the best American player to emerge over recent years and he proved that once again by his showing in Dallas.
However, despite his performance against the Americans' border rivals, Donovan noted how the friendlies that he is involved in are not important.
The real business end of his international career will come this summer when the United States take on the challenge of qualifying for their fifth consecutive World Cup finals.
"None of these games are really that important," he said. "They are important from a personal standpoint, because you want to perform for Bruce (Arena), but the real games are coming up."
Following Mexico's post-game comments that claimed the US were lucky to win the clash at the Cotton Bowl, Donovan analysed the match in the straight-talking style that he is usually noted for.
"We deserved to win the game. Defensively we were better. Attacking, we were better," he added.
"From a physical standpoint, we were better. We were faster, and we wanted to win more.
"I don't know if I've been in a game that we've played that well, certainly not in a long time. I'm just glad we won."
Despite the US playing on home soil, the vast Mexican support that follows their national team when they clash with the US ensured the visitors didn't have to approach the match sitting back.
However, Donovan believed the US was ready for them to be pushed forward by their large following in the Cotton Bowl, and stifled Mexico in style. "I expected them to pressure us and try to go at us, especially with so many (Mexican) fans, but I don't think they had a chance to breathe," he noted.
"We were all over them, and they didn't get a chance to get out and relieve any pressure."
Donovan himself is facing an important year, with his co-sharing agreement between MLS and Bayer Leverkusen coming to an end in the winter.
It is likely that the Californian won't be returning to Germany, with a sale to England most likely. Manchester United have been monitoring his progress intently, with a US-based scout for the Sir Alex Ferguson's team reporting back on a weekly basis to the Old Trafford club.
Friday, 30 April 2004
http://skysports.planetfootball.com/images/playerpics_sky/usa/donovan_shirt.jpg by Chris Bergin (ussocceruk.com)
Landon Donovan's star showing against Mexico on Wednesday night may have earned him the plaudits from the international clash, but the San Jose Earthquakes forward played down the win as unimportant - compared to the main job that is in hand this summer.
Donovan - who is being overshadowed in the media by a certain 14-year-old wonderkid in D.C. United's Freddy Adu - is very much the best American player to emerge over recent years and he proved that once again by his showing in Dallas.
However, despite his performance against the Americans' border rivals, Donovan noted how the friendlies that he is involved in are not important.
The real business end of his international career will come this summer when the United States take on the challenge of qualifying for their fifth consecutive World Cup finals.
"None of these games are really that important," he said. "They are important from a personal standpoint, because you want to perform for Bruce (Arena), but the real games are coming up."
Following Mexico's post-game comments that claimed the US were lucky to win the clash at the Cotton Bowl, Donovan analysed the match in the straight-talking style that he is usually noted for.
"We deserved to win the game. Defensively we were better. Attacking, we were better," he added.
"From a physical standpoint, we were better. We were faster, and we wanted to win more.
"I don't know if I've been in a game that we've played that well, certainly not in a long time. I'm just glad we won."
Despite the US playing on home soil, the vast Mexican support that follows their national team when they clash with the US ensured the visitors didn't have to approach the match sitting back.
However, Donovan believed the US was ready for them to be pushed forward by their large following in the Cotton Bowl, and stifled Mexico in style. "I expected them to pressure us and try to go at us, especially with so many (Mexican) fans, but I don't think they had a chance to breathe," he noted.
"We were all over them, and they didn't get a chance to get out and relieve any pressure."
Donovan himself is facing an important year, with his co-sharing agreement between MLS and Bayer Leverkusen coming to an end in the winter.
It is likely that the Californian won't be returning to Germany, with a sale to England most likely. Manchester United have been monitoring his progress intently, with a US-based scout for the Sir Alex Ferguson's team reporting back on a weekly basis to the Old Trafford club.