Usually when national anthems are played at the World Cup, half of the stadium enjoys one and half likes the other. This week, there will be a group who are moved by both.
On Thursday, midfielder Jermaine Jones is one of several US players who will have split allegiances. Jones is set to play Germany, the country where he was born, bred and played most of his soccer.
“With both the anthems I’ll close my eyes, let everything go through and then after I will try to make my game,” said the German-accented 32-year-old.
Jones played three friendlies for Germany in 2008, but he switched to the US after being overlooked by coach Joachim Loew for that year’s European championship.
His origins are not unique. German-Americans John Brooks, Fabian Johnson, Timothy Chandler and Julian Green are all included in the squad led by Jurgen Klinsmann, a former Germany player and coach.
Now Jones, whose superb strike nearly earned the US a famous win over Portugal, is to play a team including German friends and acquaintances as the US bid for the World Cup’s last 16.
“I always say that I’m proud of both countries. I grew up in Germany and they gave me a lot. I took my first steps there and I played my first games and first leagues there,” he said. “I’m not going to say bad things about Germany, I have a lot of friends in Germany. Everything is good and everything happens for a reason.”
Jones, the son of a US soldier and German mother, has pledged not to celebrate if he scores in Recife. The US, who beat Ghana and drew 2-2 with Portugal, need at least a point to ensure their progress.
After coming through the ranks of German soccer, the uncompromising Jones said he appreciates the straightfoward approach that has helped bring them three World Cup titles.
“The whole time when I was playing there and grew up, the people are straight, concentrated and always focused. They know what they want to do,” Jones said.
“The expectations in Germany are very simple. They’ve always got to win it. Otherwise they’re disappointed,” Klinsmann said.
Jones, who formerly played for Schalke 04, but now plays for Turkish side Besiktas JK, admitted he was upset for “two or three days” after missing out on a place in Germany’s Euro 2008 squad.
However, buoyed by his strike against Portugal, which was canceled out by a late equalizer, he said the US now felt ready to take on anyone.
“We showed we can play against these teams,” he said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and