Chris Hayden and US National Team

Chris Hayden is Director of coaching of FC Dallas Juniors Academy player Development. Having managed the youth teams since 2006, Hayden oversaw the recruitment and launch of the FC Dallas Juniors program. A native of Dallas, Chris played collegiate soccer at the University of North Texas from 1986-1989 while earning a degree in Business Administration. Hayden also played professionally for the Dallas Sidekicks from 1994-1996 and currently holds a USSF A coaching license. He gave us his thoughts abou US Soccer National Team performance in SouthAfrica 2010.

TFG: Can you give us a short analysis about USNT in SouthAfrica 2010?

CH: I think that the US team now has players with international experience and experience from many of the players who play in Europe. This team will not go into the tournament thinking about whether they can advance but rather that they should get to the second round.
How good is to start against an old rival like England?It is great to play against England as the two countries are forever tied to each other through common history. The English team is very talented and has high hopes for the World Cup so it will be a great measuring stick for the USA.
How about the other first round rivals?

US will be favored in our other two matches but the we have had problems in the past as a favorite and usually do better as an underdog.4. How far do you think your national team will go?I think that the US will reach the second round or the quarterfinal but ultimately not get any further. We still need a more talented team to get by some of the more established and favored countries.

What is the strongest and weakest lines?

We have questions in all of the lines. In the back, we will have to see if Onyewu is healthy enough after his very serious injury and I think we still need a proven goal scorer at forward.
Important players on whom the team should lean on?This is a tournament for Landon Donavon and Tim Howard to shine. They will have to be very good. I am also interested to see if Michael Bradley emerges as a top performer during the tournament.
Team do you think will make the semifinals?

I like Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and Germany.
The two finalists?

Spain and Brazil.
Top scorer?

Miroslav Klose.
How does your staff is encouraging the juniors to watch the WC games? Are you getting together?

We are encouraging them to watch games but they are already very interested and very excited about the tournament. They are watching some games around our practices but they are doing it on their own.