Two berths in Beijing up for grabs in US showdown

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

TAMPA, Florida, (AFP) — Ghana-born teen Freddy Adu of Benfica leads the host United States into an eight-team North American qualifying tournament showdown for two Beijing Olympics berths starting here Tuesday.

US teammates for the 18-year-old Portuguese-based playmaker include Jonathan Spector, a defender for West Ham United; Charlie Davies, a forward for Sweden's Hammarby and Sal Zizzo, a midfielder for Germany's Hannover 96.

"We've seen many strong players over the past few months," US coach Peter Nowak said. "The players that will compete in the qualifying tournament give us the best chance of going through to the Olympic Games in Beijing."

The US squad is in Group A with Panama, Honduras and political rival Cuba and will play in Tampa while Group B...