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World Cup Q&A
Featuring San Jose Earthquakes and United States National Team Forward Landon Donovan
07-2002
www.sjearthquakes.com

How is the atmosphere at the World Cup? Is that the only thing that people in Korea are talking about?

The atmosphere has been fantastic, I think the Korean people have taken a real liking to our team. Everyone has been very nice to us, very supportive and friendly, it's everything we could ask for and more.

How were you guys able to neutralize Mexico's attack?

We played in a 3-5-2 system, which helped us because the Mexicans only play with one real forward in Borgetti. Blanco likes to drop off a lot, and having an extra player in the midfield helped us stop him.

You played in a different position for the fourth consecutive game? How have you been able to adjust so well and perform well, without knowing where you will be playing game in and game out?

I don't really care where I am on the field, and Bruce has played me in a number of positions this year, so I feel comfortable in any position. I play the same way regardless of where I am on the field.

What do you think the team as a whole did well against Mexico?

I think we defended very well. Not just our defenders, but our midfielders as well, and our forwards worked extremely hard for us. Also, our finishing was pretty good. We didn't get a lot of chances, but we made the most of them.

Did you learn anything in the game with Mexico that you can take with you while facing Germany?

I learned that anything can happen, and that we need to play like we know how, to our strengths, and hope it all works out for us.

How do you feel about playing Germany? Do you feel like you have something to prove?

I don't really feel like I have something to prove. I just really want to beat those guys. I want to show them that we are a strong team and that we can beat them in a "real" game.

What do you guys have to do to get the win against Germany?

Like I said before, we have to play to our strengths, we need to defend well, counter them well, and finish our chances when we get them.

How did you feel when George Bush called to wish all of you luck before the Mexico game?

That was special. He definitely has more im portant things to do right now, and for him to take time out of his busy schedule and call us really meant something to all of us.

This is the first time that the US has made it this far in the World Cup since 1930. How does it feel to be part of a history making team?

It's incredible. I think if you ask the guys here, 1930 doesn't count! We feel like this is the most successful US team ever, PERIOD!!!

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