Okay.....Let's say Keller gets injured and is unable to play in the World Cup. Does Bruce Arena call up Friedel?
I would guess yes.Can't "call him up" since he is retired.But would ask him if he wants to come on as #1.
I hope it never comes true but it's a great question. Suppose Big Brad declines, then what? At the very least who do you bring in? I bet Arena would tap Tony...
Based on his stellar performances against Costa Rica and Poland in 2 of his last three appearances for the USMNT? I think not. While Timmy remains the chosen future of USMNT goalkeeping, Friedel would certainly get the call if, god forbid, KK were to be injured. If Brad elected to remain retired, the competition between Marcus and Tim would be fierce and I would not be surprised to see Tim end up on the short side of that stick, on current form.
I expect Friedel to come out of retirement and be in Germany whether Keller gets injured or not. Bruce will make the call because he'll sleep much better knowing that Friedel can step in if something happened to Keller, rather then Howard who's not playing, and Hahnemann who according to Bruce is significantly less worthy than Keller.
Has Fifa decided how many keepers you have to bring this time around? Maybe it would be MadBrad, Timmay and FatTony (can you imagine that? Yikes.) Or Marcus would cap all their asses and take the #1. I bet Keller's the only guy MH truly fears, even with his piece.
Friedel hands down. Although I'm afraid that would still be a drop off in skill - - KK has been absolutely awesome of late.
What convinces you guys Friedel would come out of retirement? I've no doubt that Arena would make the attempt. I don't really want to consider this question, to be honest. Let's pretend this can't happen.
You can bet your bottom dollar da' Bruce would be on the phone with Big Bad Brad the millisecond KK went down (God forbid). And Brad would be stupid not to say yes. If KK is healthy going into Germany '06, I do not expect da' Bruce to call Brad. He'll take KK, Timmy, and someone else.
Why would he be stupid to not say yes? That is a really rediculous opinion and it doesn't take into consideration all of the factors I assume BF considered when he made his initial decision in the first place. I think he'd definately consider it, and there might be a good chance he'd say yes. But would he be "stupid" to say no? Hmm...
First I assume Brad would come out of retirement and take the job if Keller went down BEFORE the World Cup. Now if the team is already at the World Cup, and Keller goes down... On currnet form.... no doubt in my mind.... Marcus Hahnemann easily. First he's playing Second, he's playing VERY well I know people love Timmy (I'm a big fan too) but at the moment I believe Marcus would be the better choice.
No one can know his thought process, but I'm sure Brad considered a lot of things when retiring from the National Team. Time away from family, additional travel, fatigue, and not being guaranteed the starting spot. Getting an invite to the Cup without having to participate in qualifying and being the guaranteed #1 would be tough for anyone to turn down.
Let's not stir up any bad karma here. Nonetheless, I'd fully expect Brad to come out of retirement. First, his ego is about the size of Wisconsin, and he'd love the rush of being the savior. Second, coming out of retirement just for the WC doesn't conflict with the reasons he gave for retiring-- (1) focus on club and (2) too much trans-Atlantic travel. He might have to travel for a handful of US friendlies, but many will be in Europe late in the season (when, sadly, it appears that Blackburn will not be playing for anything meaningful but, happliy, they should not be in relegation danger).
I personally don't think Brad comes out of retirement. The three for WC06: Keller Hahnemann Howard If one of those guys is injured we call in either Cannon or Reis.
Yes, if KK goes down injured before final rosters are submitted, I would bet that house that BA calls Brad and Brad gladly shows up in Germany as the #1 keeper.