Ramos Back on U.S. Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

In an unexpected and somewhat surprising move, U.S. national team Coach Bruce Arena named Tab Ramos to his 18-player squad for the team’s first two World Cup 2002 qualifying games.

The New York/New Jersey MetroStars’ midfielder has not played for the United States since June 21, 1998, in a 2-1 loss to Iran in the Americans’ second game of the France ’98 World Cup.

“Tab has shown that he can definitely add something to the national team,” Arena said. “His recent form with his club team has been outstanding, and he has experience playing World Cup qualifiers on the road, so he’s a natural fit for the team.”

Ramos, 33, has played 78 games for the U.S., but injuries have kept him sidelined for much of the last two seasons. He took part in only five games for the MetroStars in 1999 and has played only 11 games this season, scoring two goals.

“I got to the point where I thought I might never play [again], period,” Ramos told the Associated Press. “It’s been difficult. I’m very happy to be back at this level of soccer after two years.

“Hopefully, I’ll be able to help them, not only on the field, but off the field. Obviously, experience has a lot to do with it.”

The U.S. will play at Guatemala on July 16 and at Costa Rica on July 23.

The roster:

Goalkeepers--Brad Friedel (Liverpool, England), Kasey Keller (Rayo Vallecano, Spain).

Defenders--Jeff Agoos (D.C. United), Chad Deering (Dallas Burn), Robin Fraser (Galaxy), Eddie Pope (D.C. United), Davis Regis (Metz, France).

Midfielders--Chris Armas (Chicago Fire), Frankie Hejduk (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Cobi Jones (Galaxy), Eddie Lewis (Fulham, England), Ben Olsen (D.C. United), Tab Ramos (New York/New Jersey MetroStars), Claudio Reyna (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tony Sanneh (Hertha Berlin, Germany).

Forwards--Jason Kreis (Dallas Burn), Ante Razov (Chicago Fire), Earnie Stewart (NAC Breda, Netherlands).