Clint eyes 1950 repeat
US playmaker Clint Dempsey sees his American World Cup squad on the verge of doing something special in South Africa, possibly a Saturday repeat of a 1950 shock World Cup upset of England.
Dempsey, a veteran at Fulham of England's Premiership, knows well the talent that make England a formidable first-match foe in their Group C showdown, but he also knows the faith his teammates have in themselves even as others doubt.
England figure to be a favourite with an all-time 7-2 record against the US squad, but the Americans look back at a 1-0 stunner over England at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil and understand anything is possible.
"If we didn't believe we could (beat England again), why would we be here? It would not be right if we didn't feel we could do something special," Dempsey said. "Hopefully we can do something special like we did in the Confederations Cup."
Dempsey scored goals in three consecutive matches in the Confederations Cup last year in South Africa, leading the Americans to a shock upset of Spain to snap a 35-match win streak and a 2-0 lead on Brazil before losing in the final.
"Nobody thought we could make the final," Dempsey said. "It doesn't matter what people think. It matters inside the group what they think of themselves.
"I hope they say, 'Why not?' You can't live in fear. You have to go out and try to do something special."
The 27-year-old midfielder has gone from testing his skills in scorching conditions on the west Texas dirt as a youth to shining for Fulham, a stunning goal to beat Juventus in the Europa League leaving no doubt of his ability.
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