'New feeling'

U.S. out to bolster reputation at Confederations Cup

Veteran U.S. defender Frankie Hejduk arrives at the Lyon airport. AP

LYON, France (AP) -- After reaching the World Cup quarterfinals last year, the United States is embracing the unfamiliar burden of a good reputation.

It's a reputation its keen to enhance in the Confederations Cup.

"It's a new feeling for us," U.S. defender Greg Vanney, who plays for French club Bastia, said Friday.

"The team has a responsibility to win matches. I think we are recognized now as a team that can win games on this level.

"But we have to repeat that kind of performance to convince the really big teams that it wasn't a fluke. If we keep repeating, we'll make believers out of them," Vanney added.

The Confederations Cup is a perfect opportunity to gain more respect.

The United States opens June 19 against Turkey, which finished third at the World Cup, then plays five-time World Cup champion Brazil on June 21, and closes the group stage two days later against African champion Cameroon.

"We would like to advance out of our group and finish one or two, reach the semifinals," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said.

"It will be tough. It's a very difficult group. But every time we step out on the field, we expect to win, that hasn't changed since the World Cup."

Vanney said: "We have some very good teams in front of us but we always play to win."

At least the U.S. team can't say it's surroundings are uncomfortable.

Through the carpeted, air-conditioned corridors of its accommodations at Chateau Perrache, hurried waiters hustle along shouldering trays with samples of Lyon's renowned cuisine.

Thick curtains provide a cool respite from the muggy outside and allow only a peek of the bustle along the banks of the Saone and the Rhone.

The living quarters of the U.S. team has an "Old Europe" look about them. Arena likes to have his team in the heart of the city, giving his players a taste of the local life.

He may be getting a little bit more than he bargained for. Step outside the hushed oasis of the hotel, you'll hit the busy Lyon train station, with the gleaming TGV trains pulling in and out -- if the railway company doesn't happen to be on strike, which is often these days in France.

Come out the imposing main gate of the station and you'll walk right into a huge construction site of dug-up streets and confusing deviations.

But then again, the "bouchons" offering local fare and wine in traditional atmosphere are not far away either.

"We like to have our players downtown and to have them be able to enjoy themselves," Arena said. "It's very important for them."

 

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