Klinsmann lauds Italy win as big step for US

Juergen Klinsmann is hoping the United States’ victory over Italy last month can be a springboard to bigger and better things.

A Clint Dempsey goal handed the US a 1-0 win over the Italians in Genoa on February 29, the first time the Americans had beaten a FIFA top-10 ranked team away from home.

Klinsmann feels the victory will instil a belief in his players that they are capable of becoming a power in world football.

“It was a fantastic night for us,” the German said. “For the USA to beat Italy in Italy is a result from another level, and the team were rightfully pleased in the changing room after – they couldn’t quite believe it.”

“For us it is important to try and pick up these results, whether it be against European or South American teams. Achieving results against these teams will help us get better and better and will push us forward.”

“Our goal here with the USA is to be in top 10 or 15 teams in the world and then to keep pushing upwards, but we simply just aren’t there yet. There’s a long way yet, but we want to keep improving and rival the big nations.”

Klinsmann is hopeful more of his compatriots will come to play in the US national league, the MLS, and believes the American game will benefit from their presence.

“I would have loved to play in the MLS, without a doubt,” he said.

“Michael (Ballack) could play for any team he liked here, whether it’s New York or Los Angeles or someone else, he could really offer a lot to that team. That would be great.”

“It is of course his decision though, it depends if he wants to stay in Europe or in the Bundesliga.”

“I would say that when players have this opportunity, when they are fascinated by the thought of playing in the MLS, then they should do it, because they can only profit from it.”