X-factor

Mad, bad striker Mathis could be key to U.S. attack

Updated: Sunday June 16, 2002 03:46 a.m. ET

CHONJU, South Korea (Reuters) -- Mad, bad, mohicaned striker Clint Mathis is the X factor in the U.S. team that takes on Mexico on Monday for a place in the World Cup quarter finals.

When on form, he is dangerous and unpredictable, strong in the air and on free kicks, and known to shoot from pretty much anywhere -- the sort of player who creates goals out of nothing.

But in the last month, coach Bruce Arena has questioned the fitness and hard-partying lifestyle of the 25-year-old firebrand from Georgia, who missed most of the 2001 season after surgery on an injured knee.

"In the next couple of years, if Clint really wants to move forward, he has got to bend a little bit towards conforming to the way professionals on big clubs have to act," Arena said.

"I think he's got a real good future if he can just develop some better habits as a professional, and that will happen."

Arena did not include Mathis in the team that notched up a famous 3-2 victory over Portugal in their first group D game.

He came back in style in the next game when he scored against South Korea to give the Americans a 1-1 draw but failed to shine against Poland on Friday, who scored twice in the first five minutes and went on to win 3-1.

So Mathis will be keen to prove he is back on top form on Monday and parlay a strong showing into a chance to play professionally in Germany, Italy or England.

"My life could change drastically after two months," Mathis said before the World Cup.

"You've got to take the bull by the horns. It's not going to help me or the team to go out there and worry about failing. I know if I didn't have the ability, I wouldn't be here."

GOOD OLD BOY

As for Arena's warning, Mathis says he took notice.

"I don't pay no attention," he said, when asked if he had heard what Arena said. "I've got a job out there to do. I try to play the best soccer I can and hope all is well after that."

Teammates say Mathis's irreverence is key to his game.

"He's loopy," said goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

"You could put him anywhere and he'll draw a smile from people. People in discipline positions might have to bear with him a little, but he's got talent and he's very good for the group. If you took those things away, he wouldn't be the player he is."

Nicknamed Cletus by teammates for his Georgia drawl, Mathis plays up to his reputation as a southern redneck in a sport dominated by the soccer hotbeds of California and New Jersey.

While playing in Los Angeles, he used to drive a pick-up truck around town and do a bucking bronco routine every time he scored.

He has been known to blow kisses at referees after being given a yellow card.

While this wild streak has clearly exasperated Arena, it could be just what the Americans need to beat Mexico.

"If he has a chance, he'll shoot," said captain Claudio Reyna. "Some forwards pass up an opportunity. He doesn't hesitate. Being a bit selfish, that's a good thing when you're a forward."

Copyright 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.