Sampson Looking for Respect
From Staff and Wire Reports
Four days before his team’s World Cup opener, U.S. Coach Steve Sampson ripped into his German counterpart for not respecting the Americans.
“When Berti Vogts walks out 20 minutes before the end of the Belgium match, that shows a lack of respect for the United States team,” Sampson said Thursday. “In Europe, they have no respect for the United States. Frankly, we haven’t earned it.”
Sampson, who was referring to the Americans’ 2-0 loss at Brussels on Feb. 25, is using the respect issue to motivate his players going into Monday’s game.
“When TV and radio commentators talk about how weak the CONCACAF region is, that they don’t expect the United States or Mexico or Jamaica to advance, it’s pretty clear they don’t respect us,” he said.
