Friday, March 27, 2009

Stadium Training



Everything from the narrow streets that the bus navigates to get to the stadium to the dark, narrow the narrow hallway and stairs that ascend mere feet from the touchline, you get the sense that the Estadio Cuscatlán is all about intimacy and intimidation. So it felt for the U.S. team as they took the field for their final training session in advance of Saturday's nights game. Bob Bradley, Carlos Bocanegra and Landon Donovan spoke to a packed press conference before the field work began, the group going through a 60-minute workout to gain their bearings and put the finishing touches on preparations for the

qualifier. Dozens of photographers and film crews from the moment the team stepped on the field, wasting precious little time before the quarter-past bells signal the time of their departure. After a warm up and shadow work, the team worked on crossing and finishing before the lights shut down on the match field.

More than 30,000 are expected to work their way into the stadium for what has been dubbed "David vs. Goliath" in the local press, and there is no doubt they are committed to creating a home-field advantage. President Saca will be on hand to support the Cuscatlecos

As most players would tell you, these are the games they live for. And judging by our group, they are clearly ready to get after it.

No comments: