Columbus Crew defender Frankie Hejduk was named to the U.S. roster for his third consecutive World Cup by manager Bruce Arena early Tuesday evening. With the roster announcement live on television for the first time, Hejduk learned his fate simultaneously with all U.S. supporters.
"We found out with everyone else," said the MLS veteran. "It was kind of cool. It was like the NFL draft."
Despite being considered nearly guaranteed for a spot on the roster, Hejduk still had some butterflies up to the time of the announcement.
"I am sure a handful of guys weren't nervous, but the rest of us guys were," said Hejduk. "You want to believe that you are going to make it but you never know until the final word is passed out."
Even though he is making his third trip to the World Cup, Hejduk was as exuberant as if it were his first.
"I am at a loss for words a little bit. It is an incredible feeling," said Hejduk. "I can't wait to go participate in the Cup."
The Crew captain has made a name for himself as a player who steps up his game to answer the challenges of the world's stage. Hejduk's exemplary play in Korea during the 2002 World Cup was integral to the U.S.'s quarterfinal run. In 1998, he was one of the few bright spots from a disappointing U.S. performance and his play led to a four-year run with Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga.
Hejduk said he sees the trip to Germany as a chance to expand upon the success of four years ago.
"As a player, you want to make it further than you did last time around. Last time, we made it to the quarterfinals," said Hejduk. "Making the semifinals is a goal I think we should set for ourselves and I don't think it is an unreachable goal."
To achieve that goal, the U.S. will need to first advance from a tricky Group E that includes Italy, Czech Republic, and Ghana.
"What would be a better way to prove ourselves than in probably the toughest group in the draw? We are definitely confident that we can advance," said the 10-year international veteran with 72 caps.
Hejduk added that a good start is vital and playing the role of the underdog certainly doesn't hurt.
"The first game is important because you never want to take a loss there. It is against a proven and incredible team [Czech Republic]," said Hejduk. "Even though we are ranked fourth [in the latest FIFA world rankings], I think teams are counting us out, which is great."
With the 2006 event being held in Germany, Hejduk and his family return to the familiar setting that was once called home.
"Germany is great place to have it. They are nuts for soccer," said Hejduk. "He [his son, Frankie Nesta] still remembers the days from when I was at Leverkusen."
His son, nearly 8, was too young to go Korea in 2002 and Hejduk hopes the 2006 version grabs his son's attention.
"He is definitely going this time. He is excited to see the games," said Hejduk. "He can appreciate it a bit more now that he is older. I hope he gets that soccer bug in him."
John Kuhn is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
