Biden urges US World Cup team to `let’s go shock ’em all’

By: The Associated Press Posted: 11:44 AM CST Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022 Last Modified: 4:01 PM CST Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

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DOHA, Qatar (AP) — President Joe Biden telephoned the American World Cup team ahead of their opener against Wales, urging them to "let’s go shock ’em all.”

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DOHA, Qatar (AP) — President Joe Biden telephoned the American World Cup team ahead of their opener against Wales, urging them to "let’s go shock ’em all.”

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This article was published 20/11/2022 (1400 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — President Joe Biden telephoned the American World Cup team ahead of their opener against Wales, urging them to “let’s go shock ’em all.”

Biden called the team at about 11:30 p.m. Friday (3:30 p.m. EST), the U.S Soccer Federation said Sunday.

“It says POTUS. That’s where it’s coming from,” United States coach Gregg Berhalter said, reading the phone’s caller ID, according to excerpts of a video of players listening to the call.

Head coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States attends a press conference on the eve of the group B World Cup soccer match between United States and Wales, at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

“Coach, put me in. I’m ready to play,” Biden began, echoing John Fogerty’s 1985 song “Centerfield.”

“You guys, I know you’re the underdog, but I’ll tell you what, man, you got some of the best players in the world on your team, and you’re representing this country, and I know you’re going to play your hearts out, so let’s go shock ’em all,” Biden said.

“You keep trusting in one another, play as hard as you can, and for you and your families, your teammates — and the whole country’s rooting for you,” Biden went on.

Berhalter and the players thanked Biden for his call, made two days before Biden’s 80th birthday.

“I wish I was there to see you, I really do,” Biden said. “Go, get ’em, guys. Just play your hearts out. I know you will. I know you will.”

Back in the World Cup after missing the 2018 tournament, the United States opens against Wales on Monday, meets England on Friday and closes group play against Iran on Nov. 29.

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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports