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| Tuesday, February 12, 2002 18:28 EST |
Striker has seen only limited action for Everton
[Reuters]
CATANIA, Italy -- United States striker
Joe-Max Moore says he is relishing his country's high-profile
World Cup build-up but is well aware that he and his teammates
need to start scoring more goals.
Moore, who plays in England's Premier League for Everton,
scored both goals for the United States in its 2-1 win over
Jamaica, which booked a place in this year's finals in South
Korea and Japan.
With 24 goals from 92 appearances, he is the second top
scorer in the history of the U.S. national side and is expected
to lead the line in its friendly against Italy on Wednesday.
"More and more pressure falls on us forwards but really it
is the whole team that has to produce. In the past few years we
have had a lot of 0-0 and 1-1 draws," said Moore.
But the Californian-born forward said Wednesday's game was
unlikely to see the Americans start a goal rush.
"Against the Italians you are not going to go and get
three goals," said Moore.
Although Moore is finding his opportunities limited at
Everton, the Americans' upcoming fixtures see them pitted against top
European opposition, ahead of a World Cup which will see them
face Portugal, Poland and joint-hosts South Korea.
"We really have a fantastic schedule with games against
Italy, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands. We are playing
against high-quality World Cup qualifiers and also we can really
prepare for the Portugal match with a game like the one against
the Dutch," said Moore.
While Moore can be confident about his place in coach
Bruce Arena's final squad of 23 for the finals, it is clear that
Arena will be using the upcoming games, including the match with
Italy, to help make those tough selection choices.
"The game is important to help make squad decisions," said
Arena, "But If I needed to announce the squad of 23 tomorrow I
could do it. There is lot of time left however, we will take our
time and have patience and make our decision at the end of
April".
Arena said Wednesday's game will offer a major challenge
for his side.
"There is no question that the Italian team are among the
favorites for the World Cup although most people would still
say that France and Argentina are the favourites. I expect that
they will come out strongly at us and try and impose their game,"
said the U.S. coach.
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