Intro:

Landon Donovan gave his thoughts on the U.S. World Cup team as he started work as an ESPN analyst in Los Angeles.
Donovan, the star striker who was dropped by coach Jurgen Klinsmann last month, played in the last three World Cups.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Landon Donovan (On disappointment of not making squad and supporting U.S. team)

"It's not easy but at the same time I have a lot of great teammates on that team. I have a lot of friends on that team. I sit next to Omar Gonzalez everyday in L.A. (Los Angeles) in the locker (lockeroom). So I have a lot of contact with the guys still. I'm very excited for them. And once I've ben able to kind of get past the disappointment, now I'm genuinely excited as a soccer fan just like everyone else. I think all of our fans are excited to watch the tournament and let's hope for great things. I think there's a chance that this could be a really special summer."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Landon Donovan (On outlook for U.S. team at World Cup)

"Well this will come as a surprise to nobody but I don't agree with Jurgen (Klinsmann). And as someone whose been in that lockeroom and has sat next to the players, and I agree with Alexi (Lalas), we agree with the American Outlaws. We believe that we will win. And I think that's the way Americans think. I think that's the sentiment. And one point I'd like to make is that, if we're really expecting to go out and beat Portugal and beat Ghana and beat Germany, in my opinion Germany is one of the best teams in the world, if you can beat Germany why can't you beat anybody else. And so it doesn't mean it's going to happen but I believe it and I think all of America believes it. We can do it."