Josh Wolff discusses helping USA reach the Sydney 2000 semi-finals and his country's return to the Men's Olympic Football Tournament.

While USA have largely become a regular fixture on the FIFA World Cup™ stage, their presence in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament has not been as consistent. Paris 2024 will be just their third participation in the event since the start of the millennium, and their first since 2008.

In most Olympics, the US have failed to advance past the group stage, but Sydney 2000 was a different story. Coached by the beloved Clive Charles, a team playing their matches while most back home were asleep went on a spirited run to the semi-finals before finishing fourth, which is a personal best for USA in the modern Olympic era.

Playing a big role in that success, with two crucial goals and an assist, was Josh Wolff. Fast-forward 24 years and Wolff is a coach himself with Major League Soccer outfit Austin FC, but his recall of his time in Australia brings a wide smile and evokes cherished memories.

What stands out about your Olympic experience?
Josh Wolff: Our coach, Clive Charles, who has passed away, was a huge component during the Olympics. He was business on the field. There was no deterring from what we were there to do, but off the field he was emphatic about having team experiences, that families be part of it, team barbecues, going to casinos, golf. He wanted us to experience the Olympics and enjoy the moment. It’s a big event and the soccer is what we are there for, but players are at their best when they are focused on what they are doing, but also comfortable.

Is there a particular game you remember the most?
We didn’t have big expectations. We tied Czech Republic, we tied Cameroon, and then we won the Kuwait game 3-1. That got us to where we didn’t have to play Brazil in the next round. Instead, we played Japan in Adelaide. The Japan game was the most memorable one because we went to a shootout, we won in penalties and that put us into the medal round.

You scored in that Japan game and then converted your penalty. Was that the most pressure-packed penalty you ever took?
Probably. Having not really been on a national-team stage other than youth national teams, there’s pressure there, but we had such positive vibes going into each and every game. As you get results you have a different level of belief, and as I said, the off-the-field experiences kept everyone in a hungry and humble space. Fortunately we made all of our penalties and got through.

In the modern Olympic era, that fourth-place finish is still the best by a USA team. What made that group so special?
Brad Friedel, Jeff Agoos and Frankie Hejduk were our overage players. That gave us a real spine, real character and personality. They were highly influential, highly respected, so you had a mix of guys who had been together for a while along with the young guys like DaMarcus [Beasley] and Landon [Donovan], two of the biggest talents this country has ever seen. It was the right balance of experience and youth, but it all started with Clive and the way he ran the show.

What made Clive such an effective coach?
He would be direct and give you that ‘Come to Jesus’ talk when you needed it. He was always pushing and creating a good vibe. There was no deterring him from what made a team: honesty, respect, discipline, detail, but also a communal enjoyment. When we were off the field playing golf with him, he was lovely as you would imagine. He didn’t tell anybody he had cancer [while at the Olympics]. He never told anyone there and never let that be a story. That gives you a good indication of who he was and what he prioritized.

How much did your Olympic experience help you in future World Cups?
All of those experiences, the U20s, qualifying tournaments, they help you know what that feeling is like when you arrive on a stage like the World Cup, because it can be an overwhelming experience and be uneasy and uncomfortable. Something like the Olympics helps you get comfortable with what it feels like, the pressures that comes with it.

I can see you smiling as you think back to being in the Olympics. Why was that so important to you?
The Olympics are still so vivid for me. The Olympics came with a whole other prestige. For us as Americans, you watch Winter Olympics, you watch Summer Olympics, you come to know that the Olympics are the pinnacle for most sports.

What does it mean to have the USA men back in the Olympics?
I think we all grew up with the Olympics as the biggest event in the world. To have our guys back in the Olympics, and to be able to be on that stage and hopefully have positive experiences, is an exciting opportunity. It’s been way too long. I hope this group can make an impact and enjoy it. The Olympics are a unique experience. It’s probably the most lasting memorable experience of my playing career. I went to two World Cups, but the Olympics are just different.

What would be your advice for the team going to Paris?
I think people in US Soccer understand how important environment and culture is to allow these players to enjoy it. The players need to see that side, to try to enjoy it, see the other events going on, but also understand the responsibility that comes with being on a national team. You’re representing your country and it’s still the greatest thing in the sport. The Olympics are a massive event, so be yourselves, enjoy it and represent the country well.

  • نویسنده : محمد مهدی اسماعیلی رها