BOB BRADLEYU.S. MNT Head CoachOn the game:“It was a typical game in Europe. Both teams made it hard for the other team. For us, it is important to understand the mentality of being in these games and still finding ways to win. It is still an important step for us. It's a game where credit goes to the team for sticking together, being organized and not giving too much away. And finding a way to win at the end.”
“This year the work has been good and we feel like it is improving. This was our second game in Europe. We need these kinds of games. Against Sweden we saw that the first half was solid, but the second half was disappointing, and so the goal tonight was to pick up on the first half to understand that the tempo of these games is sometimes different. The commitment of the other team in terms of every physical challenge. The head balls. Every tackle. These are things that now we must understand and that we must be able to sustain the commitment on our end for 90 minutes. So this was important.”
On whether he thought about bringing Adu and Szetela on earlier:"These are both young players…first time in a national team camp with this coaching staff… I think its important to bring young players along at the right speed. Having a camp where they could get a feel for the way things have been done for these last 9 months and to understand what is expected of them on the field and off the field I think it’s a good step now that they get on the field and are both part of a winning effort."
MICHAEL BRADLEY
U.S. Midfielder
On scoring the game winner:"It’s nice, but it was more important that the team come away with the win in a big game. We played really hard and it was important that we come away with a hard-fought win."
On how the goal happened:"It got pushed out wide to the right. I moved into the box and the cross went a little bit behind me and Clint popped it up a little bit. Clint, the goalkeeper and I were all going for the same ball and I just managed to get my foot on it and put it in the back of the goal. Not the prettiest, but we’ll definitely take it."
On whether he feels like more of a contributor to the team:"I think the spirit we have within the team is really good and it shows on a night like tonight. We come here, and it’s a hard game, it’s a fast, physical game. They were coming after us, we were coming after them and I think we showed that when it’s not coming that easily for us we stick together, fight for one another and in the end we’re able to get a goal."
On the year 2007 for the United States:"I think there are a lot of positive signs. We know that we’re not there yet, we have to keep working. We have one more game against South Africa, so we’ll go there and look to take another step forward and get ready for qualifying next year."
EDDIE LEWISU.S. DefenderOn what position he’s most comfortable in:"I’ve played more games in midfield, but I’ve played quite a few times in the back for the U.S. All this week, that’s how I’ve prepared. Given DaMarcus’s injury, fortunately for me, it was an easy transition."
On his goals for the national team: "I don’t really have any goals for myself, it’s always just been about trying to help the Federation and help U.S. Soccer in whatever capacity I’m asked. Bob and I have had some great discussions and I certainly wouldn’t rule myself in or out of anything. Ideally, if I’m playing and playing well, then I’d like nothing more than to be a part of things."
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