USA ready to cast off underdog tag, says Clint Dempsey

Posted Thursday, June 10, 2010 by theguardian.com

Clint Dempsey said USA play in a similar style to Fulham and would try and do the same thing against England.

England's first World Cup opponents will take inspiration from Fulham's unexpected European run and a US military hero when they line up on Saturday, according to Clint Dempsey.

The Fulham forward said a series of motivational talks, including one from a US helicopter pilot later immortalised in the film Black Hawk Down, and the example of his own club's domestic success last season would act as driving forces for a relaxed but focused USA team.

Claiming they would not specifically target Wayne Rooney's temperament in the wake of his outburst at the referee during a warm-up match, Dempsey then drew a series of parallels between his club side and his national one.

"Fulham beat Manchester United by staying compact defensively, with two solid banks of four and choosing our moments to get forward," he said, referring to their 3-0 victory over Rooney's club side. "The USA play in a similar style to Fulham and we'll try and do the same thing."

Although expectations have been raised among the USA fans by last year's run to the final of the Confederations Cup, Dempsey said the team would revel in their underdog status against England.

"We're used to being the underdog and it suits us, because we just stick to what we're good at. We're very strong defensively, like Fulham, and try to pick our moments when we go forward," he said.

It is also clear the USA will target England's attacking full-backs as potential weak spots, especially on the right.

"Glen Johnson is a good player, effective going forward, but when he gets forward we have a chance to hit them on the counter and give them something to worry about," Dempsey said. "There will be holes in that pocket he leaves open, so we have to make sure people are aware of that. Both their full-backs like to get forward and will leave holes."

Dempsey, who provided perhaps the most memorable highlight of Fulham's unlikely run to the Europa League final with his goal against Juventus, said there were other similarities beyond the mentality of the two sides. While Rooney would not receive special personal attention, it is the avowed aim of England's first opponents to frustrate them.

"We both play 4-4-2, our outside midfield players tuck in rather than being wingers, and we keep two solid banks of four. We try to frustrate our opponents and make life difficult for them."

The US are preparing at a remote farm an hour from Johannesburg and will move up to a base nearer Rustenburg later this week.

Dempsey, one of six players with more than 60 caps in a squad that blends youth and experience, said no one should mistake the relaxed demeanour of the squad for lack of focus or ambition.

"No one thought we'd get to the final of the Confederations Cup, but we did that. No one thought Fulham would get to the final of the Europa League, but we did that. It doesn't matter what anybody thinks of us, it only matters what people inside the group think of themselves. If you have belief, then it's contagious. You can't live life in fear."

That message had been rammed home by a series of motivational speakers before the squad left the US, he said, including a talk from the US Army helicopter pilot Dan Jollota. The pilot was one of the inspirations for Black Hawk Down, which was turned into a movie by Ridley Scott and told the story of a dangerous search and rescue mission in war torn Mogadishu.

The squad also heard from Bill Russell, the former Boston Celtics player who won the NBA's most valuable player award five times.

"The speakers helped us with team bonding. They brought into reality from their experiences about coming together for one team's goal and putting personal glory aside. It is about the team. To do the best that is what you need – everyone on the same page."