After the first three matches of the final round of World Cup qualifying, no player was a bigger, or more pleasant surprise for the US national team than Frankie Hejduk.
First-choice right back Steve Cherundolo of German club Hanover 96 still recovering from hip surgery, meaning the 34-year-old Columbus Crew captain had to step into the breach. His subsequent performances likely did more than enough to guarantee his place in the Confederation’s Cup squad with both a rock-solid defensive showing in the vital 2-0 victory over Mexico and a man-of-the-match performance in a dramatic 2-2 draw in El Salvador.
At two goals down in steamy San Salvador with just 18 minutes to go, the marauding Hejduk first whipped in a cross to set up a goal by 19-year-old rising star Jozy Altidore in the 77th minute and then headed in the equalizer two minutes from time.
Remarkably, it was his first World Cup qualifying goal since his debut national team start over 12 years ago, also a 2-2 draw in San Salvador but played against Guatemala.
The former Bayer Leverkusen (1998-2002) player admitted the goal and comeback were special. ”The emotions were unexplainable,” he told German Press Agency dpa. ”During a World Cup qualifying campaign, you need different players to step up at different times and lift things. It’s usually the same guys over and over again, but it was just good to be that guy for that game — and for once to get my name on the score sheet.”
Despite having missed out on the 2006 World Cup in Germany with a very late knee injury, Hejduk was standout not only at France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002 but also at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. And his versatility and pace make him a perfect squad player for current US coach Bob Bradley, who also values his experience and determined vigour.
”Frankie is a guy who brings an exceptional attitude and approach to his game,” Bradley told dpa about his stalwart back, who is equally at home on the outside of midfield.
”He has a spirit and a commitment that is a great example for his team-mates. His experience in big games will certainly be a benefit to the team in South Africa.”
And on a team heavy on talent in its 20s, Hejduk is also a much-needed elder statesman. It’s a role he’s ready for after winning 84 caps, at least one of which has come in every year since he first donned the US jersey way back in 1996. Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore revealed his respect for the veteran after the late heroics in San Salvador, saying: ”Hejduk is a unique player and you can’t underestimate what he brings to this team. A lot of our guys are on the younger side, but Frankie has been there and done it all. He has experience and more energy than most guys ten years younger than him. As you can see from what he’s done so far in the final round, he’s invaluable.”
Famous for both his commitment on the pitch and his positivity off it, Hejduk leads by example in a promising American side. ”I try to do little things just as a veteran player. Our job is to keep the team at ease and to try to give a positive outlook on everything. I think its coming together fine. We’re in a good place in qualifying.
”We’re looking forward to gauging ourselves as a team,” he said, looking ahead to their Group B matches against Italy, Brazil and Egypt. ”There’s some pressure and anticipation, but it should be fun to see how we respond to that. I think it’s going to be a great tournament.”
And even with the 2010 World Cup looming as his possible last hurrah for the national team, Hejduk looks forward with his usual upbeat attitude. ”To be honest, I just take it one game at a time. Every game I try my best, and as long as I’m competitive and still enjoying it, I want to do this forever,” he said laughing.
”I think it’s the greatest job in the world. Why would I want to quit the greatest job in the world? In no way was this in my plans, or even my wildest dreams, so I’m basically living the dream right now and just really trying to enjoy it.” — dpa