Sampson says Europe doesn’t respect U.S. The U.S. World Cup team is underrated in the eyes of European soccer nations and rightfully so, according to U.S. head coach Steve Sampson. “In Europe, they have no respect for the U.S.,” Sampson said, “and quite frankly, we have not earned it. “We have earned respect in Latin America, but if you look at our track record in Europe it is not good.” The U.S. team is 10-29-5 all-time in games played in Europe against European teams, being outscored 123-42. The last time the Americans played in Europe they beat Austria 3-0 on April 22. “When Berti Vogts walks out 20 minutes before the end of the Belgium match, that shows a lack of respect for the U.S. national team, I believe,” said Sampson referring to the USA’s 2-0 loss to Belgium in Brussels on Feb. 25, where Vogts, the German head coach, was scouting. Sampson said the Americans can earn respect in this World Cup, especially against Germany and Yugoslavia. “A lot of people will look at the Germany match and our ability to hold the ball under pressure, to see how far we’ve come.” Average Age The Germans have one of the oldest teams in the World Cup. The average age of Germany’s 22-man roster is 29.9. The projected lineup for Monday’s game has just three players under the age of 30, according to the German media. The average age of the U.S. team is 28.3. Germany Connection The following eight U.S. players are playing or have played professionally in Germany: Jeff Agoos, Chad Deering, Thomas Dooley, Brian McBride, Joe-Max Moore, David Regis, Claudio Reyna and Eric Wynalda. World Cup Success This is Germany’s 12th consecutive World Cup appearance, having last missed out in the tournament finals in 1950. Germany, a three-time World Cup champion, advanced to three consecutive World Cup championship games from 1982-1990, before finishing fifth in USA ’94. Germany is the reigning European champion. This marks Yugoslavia’s ninth appearance in the World Cup finals. They have finished amongst the top five in World Cup play five times, including a fifth-place finish eight years ago in Italia ’90. Only once in their eight appearances have they finished outside the top seven. Out of the Blocks Germany’s record in its opening game during the World Cup is 8-1-4, outscoring its opponents 28-10. However, they are 2-1-2 in their last five openers, including a lackluster 1-0 win over Bolivia in 1994. Team Schedule Friday, June 12 10:00 a.m. Team departs for closed training at Trevoux. 1:30 p.m. Steve Sampson, Cobi Jones, Ernie Stewart available for interviews at Chateau de Pizay. Afternoon Team to tour Lyon. Saturday, June 13 9:00 a.m. Team departs for closed training at St. Jean D’Arieres. 1:45 p.m. Team departs for TGV station to Paris. 5:30 p.m. Steve Sampson, Thomas Dooley, Kasey Keller available for interviews at Westin Le Parc.