Steve Sampson
On the mood of the U.S. team: “It’s natural to go through an angry period after a game like that, which I think is healthy. The best way to deal with that is to train. The second match is always the most important. I don’t have any question that these players will come out to play.”
On Iran’s qualification (a 2-2 draw in Australia, after trailing 2-0): “I was very impressed with how they maintained concentration when down 2-0. They have definitely grown as a soccer nation.”
On Alexi Lalas in training today: “I was especially impressed with Alexi in training today, and at his professionalism this week. At halftime of the Germany game, from the time the players first walked into the locker room, Alexi lifted their spirits and got them refocused on the task at hand, which was playing better in the second half. Today in training he did the same kind of things, helping lift the team after a sluggish start. He has been very inspirational.”
On the Iran hostage crisis: “I can relate to that period of time a lot better than the players can. I believe the two governments are attempting to make better relations, and we have to meet that challenge on the field.”
On whether or not he is using the political aspects of the match as motivation: “Of course not. I don’t know what we would gain by that. The Germany game is enough motivation for us.”
Frankie Hejduk
On the upcoming Iran match: “I was very impressed with both teams in that game (Iran vs. Yugoslavia). Iran had some great opportunities. It’s definitely not going to be a walk in the park. We have to play the best we’ve played to beat them. Before seeing them play Yugoslavia, I really thought the game could be a walk through, but they showed us that they are a strong side and we won’t take them lightly. We are going to have to play our best to win.”
On his performance against Germany: “We had to bring some aggressiveness into the game. We had nothing to lose at that point. I always try to go out as relaxed as possible, no matter who we happen to be playing.”
On U.S. goal scoring: “We have a lot of great goal scorers on this team. We just need to stick to our game plan and get as many chances as possible.”
Tab Ramos
On the competitiveness of the U.S. team: “We have very competitive people on this team, and we all want to prove to the world that we can play. I think we will do that before this World Cup is over.”
On Alexi Lalas in practice today: “We started slow in training today and some of the guys were down, but Alexi was the key. He was training hard. He really lifted everyone up both verbally and physically by the way he practiced.”
On the Iran game: “We have to lead by example. We have all lost a bunch of games (in the past) and you just have to go on. This is nothing new. We’ll be ready on Sunday.”
