I like the fact that we're not playing at altitude (as in Mexico City), and Columbus is as good a venue as we can select. We have no excuses. We need to step on the field and win.

Mexico City is a lopsided advantage for the Mexican team. With the altitude, it makes it a completely different game. But we know that when we play them anywhere else, we can beat them. We proved that tonight.

Despite the fact we've had a rash of injuries and some conflicts with clubs, we feel this game is an excellent test for our veteran players in Europe as well as some new players in the team.

It's easy to look at [qualifying] and think that it's a breeze . . . but it's not a breeze. Our experiences over the last four years have positioned us to be successful. Our guys know how to win in big games.

We want to give some promising players some opportunities and start to formulate some strategies for 2006. There is no easy way to establish a player at the international level. The easiest way is to get them on the field.

I think it's critical. If we want this sport to grow, if we want to truly position ourselves to one day win a World Cup, we need support from the people that follow soccer in the United States.