Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 20, 1990 TAG: 9006200113
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: FLORENCE, ITALY LENGTH: Medium
The team that had hoped to show the world it was ready for soccer's highest level of competition lost to Austria 2-1 Tuesday night despite having a one-man advantage for the final 57 minutes.
It was a dismal finish for the Americans, who made their first World Cup appearance in 40 years and learned they still are far from the top. They finished 0-3, matching the United Arab Emirates for the worst record in the tournament thus far.
"We paid our dues," said Bob Gansler, the U.S. coach.
The players said they were disappointed, and one, Eric Wynalda, sounded almost apologetic.
"The United States needs to know we're not happy with it and we don't expect them to be," Wynalda said.
The players were brash, almost cocky coming into the tournament, saying they thought they could advance to the second round. But the Americans were put in their place by Czechoslovakia, Italy and Austria, losing by a combined score of 8-2.
"I'm not satisfied. I thought we could have done better," said forward Peter Vermes, who missed the net twice on good scoring chances in the first half against Austria.
The Americans were unable to create many scoring opportunities in their three games. They never had the lead and their defense made numerous mistakes.
Despite the disappointment, the team saw signs of hope, especially in the final two games, both one-goal losses.
"If anything, we found out we're closer than we thought," said midfielder Tab Ramos. "We always knew we were far behind. If anything, we ended by a high note."
The United States got a gigantic break 33 minutes into the rough game when Austrian midfielder Peter Artner was ejected for kicking Vermes in the left leg.
But the Americans were unable to take advantage until it was too late.
"It's frustrating that we didn't make it to the second round," said defender Jimmy Banks. "We have the feeling we didn't play as well as we could have."
Andreas Ogris scored for Austria on a counterattack four minutes into the second half, and Gerhard Rodax gave the favorites a two-goal lead 14 minutes later.
Bruce Murray scored for the United States with seven minutes to go, taking a pass from Ramos and putting the shot through the legs of goalkeeper Klaus Lindenberger.
The game was marred by nine yellow cards - four to Americans - several shoving incidents and Artner's ejection.
Austrian coach Josef Hickerberger said he was impressed with the Americans.
"I wasn't surprised at how well the U.S. team played tonight," he said. "I saw them in the World Cup warmup matches and against Italy, when they played extremely well."
Even with a victory, the Americans would have had only a slim chance of advancing. Most of the players will go home Thursday and take a month off before a July 28 exhibition game against East Germany in Milwaukee.
Banks said the experience gained in the three losses was invaluable.
"Every time we go out there, we learn a little more and get a little tougher," he said.
by CNB