The U.S. Team

But of the 15, six are the sons of immigrants.

Of the seven born elsewhere, two are from Uruguay, one from South Africa, one from El Salvador and three from Europe.

The Americans are not the only team to import its athletes. The Irish squad, for example, has only seven native-born players. In the modern soccer era, players no longer stick to one fixed position on the field; that’s also the case with their team allegiances.

Dooley, 33, couldn’t speak a word of English when he joined the U.S. team two years ago. German-born, but the son to an American serviceman, he anchors the U.S. defense.

Jones, who turns 24 this week, is one of several key performers off the ‘92 Olympic team who’ve stepped up to the World Cup. His prime weapon is speed, racing down the flanks.