Americans Abroad

Hahnemann's play for Reading stands up to any keeper in Europe.

After once seeming headed for soccer oblivion, Marcus Hahnemann has established himself as one of Europe's best goalkeepers with Reading FC. -- Reading FC web site photo --

-- Steve Coppell, Reading FC coach, a former Manchester United and England star, about his starting goalkeeper, Marcus Hahnemann.

READING, England (Friday, February 24, 2006) -- High praise indeed from one of the game's greats, and reflective of the growing opinion in England that Reading FC's goalkeeper should be on the United States men's charter to Germany for the World Cup this summer.

Hahnemann's standing as one of the leading goalkeepers in Europe this season has been a hard-earned reward that seemed very distant four years ago while his was with Fulham FC in the English Premier League.

"I had played four games in three years and was on a month-to-month contract while I found another club," said Hahnemann of his time at Fulham. "The problem was, the ITV television deal had just collapsed, so the club had no money. I had a second child on the way and nowhere to go. However, I did feel if I got my shot, I would be in and luckily Reading came along."

Now Hahnemann is a leading reason why the Royals are about to be promoted to the Premiership, sitting atop the second-division English League Championship. Reading's 33-match undefeated streak (25-0-8) ended recently, but not before it became the longest ever for second-division play in England.

Hahnemann's mental strength and character under pressure never wavered, and when offered the chance to trial with Reading, he left Fulham in no uncertain terms, demonstrating the full extent of his potential and the strength of his personality. These qualities are likely to be key factors for Bruce Arena when it comes to selection for Germany 2006.

"It was very clear on his arrival that he had what it took to be a top-flight goalkeeper," said Nick Hammond, Reading director of football. "He has a huge presence and muscular power that belie his technical skills, speed of thought and reactions."

Since Hahnemann got his break, he has been unrelenting in his drive to be the best and has been open to any advantage available to him. This trait has drawn him to some of the latest technologies in sports performance;

"I found I was struggling to see the ball out of the shadows of the south stand of the Madejski Stadium," he said. "This can obviously lead to problems, so I wear a shaded contact lens that brightens the field. I had never even worn glasses, so to put these in was painful, but if that is what it takes. . ."

He also uses the energy drink "Red Bull" which he thinks helps him concentrate through the quieter periods in the game that often occur, given Reading's dominance this season. "These kinds of details can make all the difference over a season," he noted.

The stats suggest his utilization of sports performance technology do give him an edge. With 21 clean sheets on the season, he has conceded only four goals in the final 30 minutes of regulation time of the last 20 outings. In the last World Cup, over 46 percent of the goals conceded occurred in the final third of the game.

Steve Coppell, who played in the 1982 World Cup in Spain, suggested he was ideally suited to the tournament environment, "His temperament breathes confidence through the side and he is the same person from Monday through Saturday," Coppell said. "There can be no qualms about him playing at the highest level."

Hahnemann's transition from potential to a World Cup contender has been enhanced by his form this season. Only Peter Cech of Premier League power Chelsea has conceded less goals per game -- 0.6 -- in England, compared to Reading's 0.65.

Hahnemann's record also withstands scrutiny against the best of Europe. Spanish league leader Barcelona concedes more goals at 0.8 per game, while Italian and German front runners -- Juventus and Bayern Munich, respectively -- have records equal to that of Reading.

Considering his current form, Hahnemann clearly states his case to be the U.S. starter in Germany. The selection policy of American manager Bruce Arena suggests, however, that he will stick with the success and experience of Kasey Keller. Hahnemann's loss is the U.S.'s gain, because he will serve as an excellent backup and offers long-term potential, as well.

At 33, Hahnemann is entering the peak years of his career, Italian keeper Dino Zoff lifted the World Cup in his 40s and, more recently, David Seaman was 39 when he backed England's defense at the 2002 Cup. Hahnemann makes a strong case he will still be a candidate for South Africa 2010.

"I've played over 180 games for Reading now. I'm 33, in great condition and injury-free," Hahnemann said. "I have at least a couple more contracts in me. Since becoming a regular, I've taken my anticipation to a new level, I'm very comfortable with my role in the defensive unit and as a communicator."

Hahnemann's route and routine on the way to the top may not have been conventional, but his skill, temperament and leadership do conform to the standards Arena requires the World Cup squad he will announce in mid-April.

Hahnemann understandably refuses to be drawn into discussing his success, or what his future might hold. One must instead look to his deeds, his pulling himself out of football oblivion and putting himself in the frame for the English Premiership and World Cup. His courage has drawn admiration from his teammates and fans.

With a certain sang-froid, he concluded: "It all seems like such a long time ago, the journey I have come through has been amazing, and to think in 2002, I was watching (the) USA vs. Germany (World Cup quarterfinal) on the TV."

Andrew Rogers, a regular contributor to the United Kingdom's League Paper and Non League Paper, lives in Sunbury on Thames in England. Formerly the director of communications for the Long Island (N.Y.) Rough Riders, he is a UEFA 'B" license coach and plays semi-professionally with Spelthorne FC. E-mail Andrew Rogers.

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