by FOXSports.com

G Brad Friedel, Blackburn (ENG)
D Eddie Pope, DC United (USA)
D Jeff Agoos, San Jose Earthquakes (USA)
D Tony Sanneh, Nurnberg (GER)
D David Regis, Metz (FRA)
M Claudio Reyna, Sunderland (ENG)
M Pablo Mastroeni, Colorado Rapids (USA)
M John O?Brien, Ajax (HOL)
M Earnie Stewart, NAC Breda (HOL)
F Brian McBride, Columbus Crew (USA)
F Clint Mathis, MetroStars (USA)

DETERMINED TO REVENGE THE FAILURE OF 1998

The USA was unbeatable in the first half of the CONCACAF Hexagonal; with four wins and a draw they looked easily the dominant team in the region. Then the bottom dropped out, and the team wound up qualifying almost by accident, backing in on a late penalty against Jamaica and a shock loss by Honduras.

Injuries played a part in the slide, but the overall level of play dropped suddenly and dramatically. The USA likes to think it's making progress in soccer -- and there are some good young players in the current pool -- but no one really knows whether this team can improve much on the disaster of France '98.

A lot will depend on Clint Mathis and Landon Donovan. Mathis, who is best as an attacking midfielder but also plays striker, emerged as the heart of the attack during the first half of the Hexagonal. Big and very tough, he's technically sound and unafraid to go right at his man. He has a hard right-footed shot, and is especially dangerous on free kicks.

Donovan, only 20, is the golden boy of US soccer. He's small, dynamic, an extremely imaginative passer and scorer.

Originally a striker, he was converted to attacking midfielder when Mathis was hurt, and playing behind the forwards gives his creativity more scope. He seems certain to play a major role off the bench.

The midfield seems fairly set. In the middle is captain Claudio Reyna, at 28 still the most skilled player on the roster. He has vision, creativity, and knows how to conduct the transition from defense to attack. With the emergence of Mathis and Donovan, he can play deeper, where he's more comfortable.

The defensive midfielder was Chris Armas, but his injury has opened up a slot that will probably be filled by Pablo Mastroeni, a good ball winner who can also add to the attack.

Earnie Stewart offers experience, solid all-around skills, and a goal-scorer's instinct on the right side, and John O'Brien has emerged as the starter on the left. He?s quick, creative, and very good on the ball. Cobi Jones, with an amazing 150+ caps, can still offer pace and intensity off the bench.

Arena prefers an attacking 4-4-2 with the fullbacks pushing up in support, but the fullback cupboard is nearly bare.

On the left, David Regis is probably too old; even at his best, he lacked imagination in attack, and now his defensive skills appear to be fading as well. On the right Tony Sanneh is big and powerful, but probably better suited to midfield.

The center backs are stronger. Jeff Agoos, with over 100 caps, is the heart of the defense, a bit slow but an intense competitor. He should be partnered by Eddie Pope, mobile, athletic, and good in the air. Pope has had injury problems, which may open a spot for Gregg Berhalter, who?s solid and strong.

Keeper remains the great strength of the team. Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel are superb shot-stoppers: Keller is the smoother, Friedel the more spectacular.

In the past, Keller's leadership and positioning made him the clear choice, but Friedel appears to have caught him in those areas, and they're neck and neck for the spot.

Right now Friedel is the regular starter at Blackburn, whereas Keller is mostly on the bench at Tottenham; that may make the difference come June.

Without Mathis and Donovan, this group looks a lot like the one four years ago: long on determination, short on imagination and technique.

Americans are incurable optimists, but everyone remembers the fiasco in France, and there aren't many fans willing to predict a second round berth.

But the USA has a habit of playing its best when expectations are low. If that pattern holds, and the new boys are ready to go, a surprise or two might be in the cards.

Courtesy of our friends at World Cup Archive