U.S. captain Reyna retires from international stage (Reuters) Updated: 2006-06-23 10:59
NUREMBURG, Germany, June 22 - U.S. captain Claudio Reyna has called time
on his international career after their World Cup exit on Thursday and could
soon be followed by striker Brian McBride and maybe even coach Bruce Arena.
"I'm probably done," Reyna told reporters after his team lost 2-1 to Ghana in
their final Group E match. "That's it."
The curtain-call was bitter-sweet for Reyna, 32, who came off just before
halftime after straining his left knee ligaments having lost possession in the
lead up to Ghana's first goal.
He then had to watch from the bench as the U.S. slipped to defeat after a
dubious penalty awarded against them deep into first-half stoppage time by
German referee Markus Merk.
"I knew pretty much before (the tournament) that this would be the last World
Cup for me," said the midfielder.
Reyna and goalkeeper Kasey Keller became the first Americans to feature in
four World Cups when they played at these finals.
"For me, the right time (to retire) is now. The next World Cup is far away. I
just wanted to play this as the last World Cup," he added.
Reyna's error gifted Ghana the lead as he received a back pass from Clint
Dempsey and collided with Haminu Dramani who took the ball and raced into the
U.S. area to slot home.
Forward McBride, bidding to score in three consecutive finals, hinted that he
too would retire from the national team and told reporters he would make an
announcement soon.
Coach Bruce Arena is in his eighth year in charge of the national team and
under contract to the U.S. federation until December. He would not say if he
would be stepping down.
"I have some other opportunities that I need to examine as well," he told
reporters. "But that's not important right now."
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