Clint Dempsey and his US team-mates received a series of motivational talks this week, including one from a legendary US serviceman, ahead of Saturday’s clash with England.
The man inspiring Bob Bradley's side ahead of the World Cup Finals in South Africa was Dan Jollota, a US Army helicopter pilot whose experiences in Somalia, in 1993, inspired Ridley Scott’s Hollywood blockbuster Black Hawk Down.
The Blackhawk Down mission saw US and UN forces attempt to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid in what was one of the US's biggest battles since the Vietnam War. In the intense battle with local militia a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was downed and the subsequent rescue of its crew inspired the film.
Jollota’s experiences certainly had a telling impact on his compatriots. Jallota has 33 years service, winning the Bronze Star Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross and Fulham star Dempsey says his contribution has been invaluable.
"We have had the opportunity to have some speakers come in and it has been cool," Dempsey explained. “Like we had one of the pilots from Blackhawk Down come in to speak. The speakers helped us with team bonding.
"They brought into reality from their experiences about coming together for one team's goal and putting personal glory aside. It is about the team. To do the best that is what you need – everyone on the same page."
Dempsey is looking to replicate his European success with Fulham on the world stage with America over the next month and the attacking midfielder sees more than a few similarities between the two teams.
"The USA play in a similar style to Fulham and we'll try and do the same thing," said Dempsey. "Fulham beat Manchester United [3-0 in the Premier League] by staying compact defensively, with two solid banks of four and choosing our moments to get forward.
"We're used to being the underdog and it suits us, because we just stick to what we're good at. We're very strong defensively, like Fulham, and try to pick our moments when we go forward."
Dempsey and company will be looking get behind England’s full backs on Saturday night, hoping to capitalise on the attacking nature of Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson.
"Glen Johnson is a good player, effective going forward, but when he gets forward we have a chance to hit them on the counter and give them something to worry about.
“There will be holes in that pocket he leaves open, so we have to make sure people are aware of that. Both their full-backs like to get forward and will leave holes."
