As the United States men’s national team prepares to take the world stage, soccer legend Landon Donovan keeps expectations grounded while believing Team USA is capable of making a lot of noise. The former American football star and present TV presenter spoke about the team’s World Cup potential while speaking to journalists, including The Blast, during a celebrity tour in Raise the cane new flagship restaurant in Inglewood on Tuesday, June 9.
When asked what fans should reasonably expect from the United States this summer, Donovan admitted there was plenty of potential, but cautioned that making a deep run in the tournament was no easy task. “They are capable of beating any team,” Donovan said. “It happens. Football is a unique sport, and just one goal can make the difference in how things go.”
However, Donovan didn’t go so far as to predict a Cinderella story for Americans. “What is realistic is probably to win one or two knockout matches [games]”, he explained. “The challenge is: can you do it twice in a row, three times in a row, four times in a row, five times in a row against world-class teams? This is the part that is difficult.
The football icon highlighted how difficult sustained success on the international stage is, pointing out that only a select few nations have managed to win the tournament. Donovan, however, believes this version of Team USA has the ability to surprise people.
Donovan says Christian Pulisic has opportunity to make history
Donovan also weighed in on the growing conversation around American soccer star Christian Pulisic and whether he could one day surpass him as the greatest American player of all time.
Asked about recent comments from football analyst Alexi Lalas, who suggested Pulisic could eventually win that title, Donovan acknowledged the possibility, especially if the team goes on a memorable run. “He absolutely has that opportunity and he’s capable of it,” Donovan said.
According to Donovan, a remarkable home tournament could elevate Pulisic’s legacy to another level. “If this team reaches the quarter-finals or semi-finals, has this miraculous run and they score four goals, five or six goals and become one of the stars of the tournament, that’s much better than any of us. [did]” said Donovan.
Landon Donovan says this World Cup feels bigger than ever
For Donovan, this year’s tournament has a deeper meaning, especially with matches taking place in the United States. Reflecting on his first World Cup experience in 1994, Donovan remembers attending a match as a child and realizing the sport was much bigger than he ever imagined. “In 1994 I played in my first World Cup match,” he said. “For the first time in my life, my eyes were opened to this larger world that I never knew existed.”
Donovan now believes millions of young fans could experience the same spark. “There will be millions of girls and boys watching this summer and saying, ‘Oh my God, I want to be like them,’” he said.
Although Donovan admitted he felt nervous before the tournament, he said the excitement outweighed everything else. “I’m nervous,” he admitted. “I’m also very optimistic and excited.”
Donovan says the World Cup finally feels real
Although Donovan faced the pressure of the World Cup as a player, he admitted this year’s tournament was different now that he is preparing to cover the action from the broadcast booth.
The former soccer star, who is preparing to travel to Mexico City to host the opening match, said the magnitude of the moment had only recently begun to sink in. “Honestly, this week did it,” Donovan said when asked when the tournament finally started to feel real. “Probably yesterday… we were doing my podcast and we were like, ‘Oh my God, it’s been three days.'”
Landon Donovan admits he still feels deeply connected to Team USA
Donovan said seeing Los Angeles transformed by the energy of the World Cup also made this moment more difficult. “Getting here and seeing Hollywood Park and SoFi… when I flew over, I was like, ‘Oh my God, it’s here,’” he said. “I see World Cup stuff everywhere.”
Although he is no longer on the field, Donovan admitted that he still feels deeply connected to Team USA and remains emotionally invested in the continued growth of the sport. “This matters to me deeply, deeply, deeply,” Donovan said. “This opportunity is greater than anything that has ever been presented to us. »
