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US look to frustrate England´s volatile Rooney

SoccerNews in English Premier League, MLS, World Cup 8 Jun 2010

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United States defenders do not plan to specifically “wind up” Wayne Rooney in their World Cup opener on Saturday, but they do plan on giving the England superstar a frustrating day.

Rooney was booked for dissent and delivered several challenging exchanges in a 3-0 victory over South African club Platinum Stars on Monday.

The Manchester United striker was famously sent off in England’s 2006 World Cup quarter-final loss to Portugal and a similar eruption against the Americans on Saturday at Rusterburg could spell trouble for England’s World Cup hopes.

“A person with as much fire as he has, if you can make it difficult for him, that’s an effective thing for us,” US defender Jay DeMerit said Tuesday.

“It’s not our job to kick him when no one is looking or try to wind him up. You don’t try to bring it out on a personal level. I don’t think it’s something you continuously try to do. Then you can’t concentrate on the right things.”

DeMerit, who plays in England for Watford, has put in his time guarding Rooney and knows the playmaker can make days difficult for backliners as well.

“We’re under no illusion. We’re going to have to be at our best in order to beat him,” DeMerit said. “He’s one of the best players in the world and getting that tag does not come easily. (But) even the best guys can have a bad day.

“The key to defending Rooney is matching his work ethic. He’s always working hard, putting you under pressure. If you can match his athleticness and aggressiveness, that’s a good way to play him.

“I’ve been able to make his day difficult. That’s the only way you can have a chance against him.”

DeMerit said predictability and anticipation can work against Rooney, while US midfielder Stuart Holden, who plays for Bolton in England, sees less chance Rooney will erupt compared to 2006, even as England fans hold their breath.

“He’s now a more experienced player in his temperament and how to handle himself. I don’t think England has anything to worry about,” Holden said.

Both Holden and Oguchi Onyewu, the AC Milan backliner who was out for seven motnhs with a torn left knee tendon, stressed that they will concentrate on defending the entire England team, not simply shutting down Rooney.

But Onyewu notes that frustrating rivals is a part of the game, as much as Rooney is respected.

“It’s not in my game plan to try and wind him up. I respect him and that’s part of the game. Our plan is to respect them,” Onyewu said.

“In terms of frustrating players, that’s an element of the game. Our game is not to frustrate them a long time and then get a goal.”

Told of England complaints about the World Cup game ball and coping with altitude, Holden put it simply: “We hope they are still thinking about those things on Saturday.”

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