Okay, let’s talk about the US Men’s National Team roster for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Man, that feels like a while ago now, doesn’t it? I was trying to remember the full squad the other day, just for kicks.
Getting the Old Memory Jogging
So, I started just trying to pull names out of my head. It’s funny what sticks. Clint Dempsey, obviously. Captain America himself. He scored that super quick goal against Ghana, remember? Right off the bat. And Tim Howard, our Secretary of Defense in goal. His performance against Belgium was legendary, even though we lost. Those two were easy gets.
Then I thought, okay, who else was key? Michael Bradley in midfield, running the show. Jermaine Jones, what a goal he scored against Portugal! Those guys were core parts of that team. I also remembered DaMarcus Beasley, playing in like his fourth World Cup, Mr. Consistent.
But then it got a bit fuzzy. Trying to recall the full 23… yeah, that took a bit more effort. I had to actually sit down and think. Who were the defenders? Matt Besler and Geoff Cameron in the middle, I think? Fabian Johnson was a big part too, bombing down the wing before he got hurt.
Digging Up the Full List
Honestly, my memory wasn’t perfect. I remembered the big moments and the standout players, but the full roster? I had to do a quick search to confirm everyone. Didn’t want to get it wrong! It’s surprising how you forget some names even though they were part of such a big event.
So, after jogging my memory and confirming things, here’s the squad Klinsmann took to Brazil:
- Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, Nick Rimando
- Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Omar Gonzalez, Fabian Johnson, DeAndre Yedlin
- Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Mix Diskerud, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, Graham Zusi
- Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aron Jóhannsson, Chris Wondolowski
Seeing names like John Brooks brings back that winner against Ghana. Wow! And DeAndre Yedlin, bursting onto the scene. Remember Julian Green scoring against Belgium with basically his first touch? Crazy moments.
It was quite the ride, that World Cup. Getting out of a tough group with Germany and Portugal was something. That team had grit. Anyway, that was my little trip down memory lane figuring out the 2014 roster. Fun to think back on it.
