Soccer has never been a widely supported sport in the United States, but despite playing second fiddle to the basketball, baseball and American Football, the US football team has a proud history not without success.

The 1930 World Cup ? where they reached the semifinals ? was the most successful for the 'Stars and Stripes' finishing third on the final standings. Incidentally, Bert Patenaude became the first player in World Cup history to score a hat-trick during the event when he scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory over Paraguay.

The Yanks would have to wait until 2002 to achieve reasonable success at the World Cup again, reaching the last eight where they lost to eventual runners-up Germany.

They were drawn in the so-called 'group of death' in 2006 with eventual winners Italy, the Czech Republic and Ghana, and could not make it into the knock-out stage.

Coach: Bob Bradley

Well respected and in possession of an impressive Major League Soccer CV, Bob Bradley took over from the legendary Bruce Arena after the disappointment of 2006.

Captain: Carlos Bocanegra

Winner of several MLS awards, defender and occasional left-back Carlos Bocanegra has plied his trade in the US, England and France.

Star Players: Landon Donovan, Jozi Altidore