Donovan back and is better than ever
Landon Donovan not only is back, he’s better than ever.
A four-month sabbatical cost him his spot on the U. S. national team, but the 31- year- old rejoined the group in July and led the Americans to victory in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. That earned him a roster spot whenWorld Cup qualifying resumed, and his goal and assist spurred the U.S. to a berth-clinching 2-0 win over Mexico on Tuesday night.
“I firmly believe that life’s happening the way it’s supposed to, and I’m meant to be here right now,” Donovan said after Tuesday night’s win. “So I’m glad that I can be a part of this.”
Donovan first gained widespread attention at the 1999 FIFA Under- 17 World Championship, where he won the Golden Ball as most valuable player as the U.S. reached the semifinals. Now he’s on track for his fourth World Cup.
He’s started all 12 matches the U.S. has played at the last three tournaments, scoring against Poland, Mexico, Slovenia, Algeria and Ghana.
But a few months ago, he wasn’t sure he’d wear his country’s jersey again.
Burned out after helping the Los Angeles Galaxy to a second straight Major League Soccer title last Dec. 1, Donovan wasn’t certain until mid-January that he wanted to keep playing. He missed preseason training and didn’t return to the field for Los Angeles until March 30.
U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann bypassed him for three qualifiers in June, saying there were players ahead of him in the depth chart.
Donovan’s opportunity came in the Gold Cup, when Klinsmann used something akin to a “B” team while Europe- based regulars vacationed and returned to their clubs ahead of the new season. Donovan had five goals and seven assists, earning another MVP award.
“We always said that Landon is an important part of our team, and the things that he went through, that was his decision, and we were totally fine with that,” Klinsmann said. “But he also had to understand he’s not getting anything for granted. He has to work his way back. He has to fight his way back. And that’s what he did with the Gold Cup to start with, and now coming here. He understands the message clearly that nobody has a spot guaranteed.”
During Friday night’s game at Costa Rica and Tuesday’s match at Columbus Crew Stadium, Donovan appeared rejuvenated. Despite conjunctivitis that made his right eye a narrow slit, his corner kicks were precise and created the breakthrough first goal by Eddie Johnson against El Tri. He had precise exchanges with Clint Dempsey. He tracked back on defense.
It was exactly what his fellow Americans missed when Donovan was traveling the globe last winter and doubting his future.
“We said that when he was in Cambodia hiking or wherever he was, (that) he’s a guy that when he’s on the field, he puts fear in any opponent,” goalkeeper Tim Howard said.