Biden phones US team ahead of World Cup game

On Friday at about 11:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. EST), the U.S. Soccer Federation said Biden phoned the squad.
According to a video of players listening to the call, United States coach Gregg Berhalter said that he read the phone’s caller ID, which identified the source as POTUS.
“Put me in, Coach,” Biden said, referencing John Fogerty’s 1985 hit “Centerfield.”
According to Biden, the United States’ Olympic hockey team is the underdogs, but he believes that the team’s talented players will give their all as they represent their country.
“Keep trusting one another, play as hard as you can, and for you and your families, as well as your teammates and the whole country, I wish you all the best,” Biden said.
Biden’s birthday was two days away, and Berhalter and the players thanked him for his call.
“It would be wonderful to see you in person,” Biden said. “Just play your heart out, guys. I know you will.”
The United States begins its World Cup campaign against Wales on Monday, faces England on Friday, and concludes group play against Iran on November 29.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File