Chasing the Game : America and the Quest for the World Cup

They were a huge disappointment in 2006. But after beating the number one team in the world, Spain, in the Confederations Cup last June and playing a very competitive final against a supremely talented Brazilian squad, the Americans head into next year's World Cupto be held for the first time on African soilwith a renewed sense of optimism.InChasing the Game, Filip Bondy assesses the composition of the team, led by their no nonsense coach, Bob Bradley, and featuring gifted players like Landon Donovan, goalie Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, up-and-comer Jozy Altidore, and the coach's son, Michael Bradley. He also traces the evolution of American soccer from its origins to the rise of contemporary soccer academies, from the American squad's amazing upset of England in 1950 to their checkered performance in recent World Cups.Bondy also previews the key teams and players at the 2010 World Cup, including England's Wayne Rooney, Argentina's Lionel Messi, and Brazil's Kaka, among others.

Filip Bondy is a columnist for the New York Daily News and is the author of Tip-Off, among other books. He lives in New Jersey.