Eddie Johnson: A Man on the Bubble (Exclusive)

By Eric Beard, writing from Boston

Eddie Johnson, United States Men’s National Team Striker, will know whether or not he is going to South Africa for the World Cup by lunchtime. I was able to talk to the Aris FC and Fulham FC man after the United States-Czech Republic friendly about what it is like to be in his situation because, honestly, it is not a fun one to be in. As a top-class player, hearing whether or not you are in your nation’s 23-man World Cup roster is one of the toughest decisions to wait for.

And again, honestly, I’m not sure Eddie has done enough to make it into Bob Bradley’s squad. It’s so difficult for me to say that because he was such a nice guy to talk to, and I cannot imagine how hard it will be for Mr. Bradley to do so. Eddie said that he “can only everything in the hands of the Lord,” and I, personally, can only wish him the best.

Can you begin to imagine what a player in Eddie Johnson’s situation must be going through right now? I was also able to talk with Glasgow Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu and West Ham defender Jonathan Spector, which I will share with everyone over the next few days.