THE UNITED STATES are not even among the top 20 countries in the Fifa rankings but all-time leading goalscorer Landon Donovan believes they will win the World Cup in his lifetime.
In 10 appearances, USA have only ever advanced to the quarter-finals of the showpiece event on one occasion – at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s side made it to the last 16 in Brazil two years ago, but went out against Belgium following a 2-1 loss in extra time.
But as USA prepare for next month’s Copa America Centenario with an international friendly against Ecuador on Wednesday, Donovan believes the Americans can reign supreme on the world stage.
“In each World Cup, you need a lot of luck in addition to excellent preparation,” ,” the 34-year-old told Mexican news agency Notimex.
“While Brazil and Germany can have four [average] matches in a World Cup and two excellent ones to be World Cup champions, teams like the USA and Mexico need to play great games and then it can happen.
“Mexico has several decades playing in World Cups and hasn’t won it and the United States has only been to some World Cups.
“But I believe that I’ll see the United States as world champions.”
Host nation USA will kick-off the Copa America against Colombia on 3 June, followed by matches against Costa Rica (7 June) and Paraguay (11 June).
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Absolutely terrible decision that has to be a red card , high speed neck high challenge to stop a goal scoring opportunity. Very generous refereeing for Galway in that first half
Coen was a lucky boy
Terrible decision!
That was one seriously dangerous challenge and he should have walked . The short conversation with linesman had me convinced he was gone.
Hurling > football
Lower viewing figures, less participating counties…..
Hoping for a Galway win, Kilkenny will shade it no doubt!!
So the location of the match is at Old Trafford?
When did Mick McCarthy lose his lovely quiff & when did he start managing Galway ?
Boring. Kilkenny too good again. Hurling becoming a joke.
Galway resorting to Dublin tactics and being facilitated by ref
Zzzzzzzzzzzzz
You mean Kilkenny tactics?
Big time bottlers are Galway, not helped by some terrible refereeing
Galway can’t complain about refereeing, got 2 points from soft overcarrying decisions and should have had 14 men for the whole 2nd half
OMG Stick Wars !!
It was disgusting to see half of the Kilkenny crowd leave before the cup was presented, talk about arrogance.
Galway could have won it but the Cats ‘re the best for a reason, great second half display by them.
Maybe next year Galway…
Well done, Galway. A few stats! Galway all Ireland Intermediate champs, All Ireland Minor Champs, and 2nd best Senior team in the country…and the Ladies to come yet…Not bad, I suggest…
Keep it going, Galway.
Great Kilkenny team, no argument. But they will be stopped sometime!!
How can the 42 not get the full time score correct?
Great Galway display, against an indisputable set of Kilkenny legends. No doubt about that. But just remember a little stat (to the knockers!). Galway= all Ireland Intermediate champs, All Ireland Minor Champs and 2nd best Seniors in the country and all for 2015. And the Ladies Camogie has to come yet in the all Ireland… Not bad stats? So, Galway, well done, a credit to yourselves. And under great leadership.
Man of the stadium: Messi
Jonny Ryan a legend