Team USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann has announced the 23-man roster and shocked many fans when he left out one of the US’s most storied players, Landon Donovan.
“We’re not building the group based on the past, we’re building the group based on what we experience and go through together and what we believe, and as of today, is the right decision,” Klinsmann said, explaining his decision to leave out the veteran.
He continued, “This is certainly one of the toughest decisions, the toughest decision in my coaching career, to tell a player like him with everything he’s done and what he represents, to tell him that you’re not part of those 23 right now.”
The #USMNT 2014 FIFA World Cup Roster: @j_klinsmann Names His 23. #OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/UFM7YCa4Tx
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) May 22, 2014
Donovan was understandably upset. He had expected this World Cup to be his fourth and final, reports USA Today.
“It has been an honor and privilege to have represented the US National Team in three World Cups,” Donovan wrote on his Facebook page. “I was looking forward to playing in Brazil and, as you can imagine, I am very disappointed with today’s decision. Regardless, I will be cheering on my friends and teammates this summer, and I remain committed to helping grow soccer in the US in the years to come. Thanks for all your support.”
Donovan was one of seven players who attended training camp and were left off the roster. The others were Terrence Boyd, Joe Corona, Maurice Edu, Brad Evans, Clarence Goodson and Michael Parkhurst.
The final roster going to Brazil is:
- Forwards- Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aron Johannsson and Chris Wondolowski
- Midfielders- Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Mix Diskerud, Jermaine Jones, Graham Zusi and Julian Green
- Defenders- DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Omar Gonzalez, Fabian Johnson and DeAndre Yedlin
- Goalkeepers- Tim Howard, Brad Guzan and Nick Rimando