Landon Donovan admits uncertainty in making USMNT World Cup roster

Whether or not Landon Donovan will be on the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil would seem like a no-brainer for most, but in reality it’s still not a given.

Donovan has the opportunity to be the first American soccer player to ever compete in four World Cup tournaments. But whether or not he’ll actually make the USMNT roster is still uncertain, and Donovan knows that.

The 32-year-old Donovan holds USMNT records for World Cup goals scored (5), and the record for total goals on the USMNT (57) and is only eight appearances shy of Cobi Jones record of 156. So how is it possible that the man who is regarded as the face of American soccer could be left off the 23-man roster headed to Brazil for the World Cup?

“This is my last chance at this.” – USMNT player Landon Donovan

Donovan knows that time is not on his side, and that there are always youthful players nipping at the heels of the veterans, no matter how good they are. His current lack of production as a member of the LA Galaxy isn’t helping his cause, or his confidence. The thought of not making the roster is a real thing that Donovan takes in stride however.

“This is my last chance at this,” Donovan said Monday in an AP interview. “For me personally, I sort of liken it to 2002. In ’06 and in 2010, I knew for the most part unless I was awful that I was going to make the team. This time is more similar to ’02 where I wasn’t sure. And so in that way, yes, it’s as competitive as it’s been for me personally in a long time.”