North Carolina State University Athletics
Mastroeni Selected to Play in 2006 World Cup
5/2/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
May 2, 2006
Raleigh, N.C. - Former NC State standout Pablo Mastroeni (1994-97) has been one of 23 players selected to participate in the 2006 FIFA World Cup for the U.S. National Team. The U.S. will be competing in soccer's most coveted tournament beginning on June 12, hosted by Germany. This years World Cup marks Mastroeni's second straight, as he was a member of the 2002 U.S. squad that advanced to the quarterfinals in Korea/Japan. Overall, NC State has had one player on the U.S. National Team participate in the World Cup dating back to 1990 - Tab Ramos (1990, 1994 and 1998) and Pablo Mastroeni (2002 and 2006).
"This is definitely the pinnacle of my career," said Mastroeni on the Colorado Rapids website. "The first time around was amazing, but it keeps on getting better. We have a tough group, but I think we have the talent to come out of the first round. In the World Cup there are no small opponents, and every game will be the most important one. It is simply a privilege to be able to play for my country and all American and Rapids soccer fans."
Mastroeni has made 46 career appearances for the U.S. National Team, including starting three games as a defensive midfielder in the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan. The U.S. fell to Germany in the quarterfinals, its best showing in World Cup action since 1930.
At the 2006 World Cup, the United State will be part of Group E, which also includes the Czech Republic, Ghana and Italy. The first game for the U.S. will be June 12 against the Czech Republic in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The U.S. will then take on Italy on June 17 and Ghana on June 22. The northern port city of Hamburg will serve as the base of operations for the U.S. throughout the World Cup.
The U.S. will reconvene for training in Cary, N.C. on May 9 at SAS?Soccer Park before embarking on the team's three-game `Send-Off Series', three final exhibition games before the team leaves for Germany.
What they are saying about Mastroeni:
"He was an unknown in 2002. He had a fantastic World Cup in 2002. He's been a very solid performer with the Colorado Rapids, and now he is pushing to be in our first 11 this year." - US National Team Coach Bruce Arena
"Emerged as a star at '02 World Cup and will be a factor again." - Joe Conway, Houston Chronicle - May 2, 2006
"Covers a lot of ground in midfield; provides an edge." - Glenn Davis, Broadcaaster and Houston Chronicle contributor - May 2, 2006
"Rapids mid can play central defense; needs to stay injury-free." - Bernardo Falas - Houston Chronicle - May 2, 2006
"Useful in midfield or on the backline. He's steady and cool as ice." - Nathan Saunders, San Antonio Express-News - May 1, 2006
