Pressure is on as USA aim for repeat of 1950 shock

There may well be far more recognition of the game Americans call soccer than there was in 1990, when they began a run of six successive finals appearances.

But the most popular team sport on the planet still has to fight for recognition in the most lucrative commercial market.

The World Cup provides an invaluable shop window but in order to seize the opportunity to showcase their wares, America have to make an impact, something they totally failed to do in Germany four year ago.

Victory over England in Rustenburg today would certainly make people sit up and take notice, and maybe create a longer lasting impression than was managed 60 years ago when Joe Gaetjens scored the only goal in one of the most stunning results in the tournament's entire history.

Beasley is aware life is not so simple. He is not sure the vast

majority of American sports fans understand.

"People back home have read about 1950 and think we beat them then so we can beat them now," he said.

"But they are the people who don't know anything about football. England are one of the favourites to win the tournament. I am sure the people who know about these things would think it was a massive shock even if we got a draw."

Beasley is one of the growing US contingent to have a British connection.

He spent six months with Manchester City – and remains in contact with former team-mate Joe Hart – in 2008 before spending a couple of unfulfilling years at Rangers.

His Ibrox contract expired this summer and he will not be going back, disappointed at leaving supporters he had a lot of affection for but disillusioned by the way he was treated.

"I am done with Rangers," said the 28-year-old. "They are a great club with great fans and in that respect I didn't want to leave. But I never felt I got a great chance in Scotland.

"I need to play football and I need to move my career along, so I have to find another club."

Beasley spent enough time in the UK to be aware that while the flag of St George will fly proudly over England, in Scotland, the Stars and Stripes will be the flag of choice.

Already plenty of Scottish friends have been in touch offering their best wishes to the Indiana-born player ahead of a game Beasley is anxious to ensure England start burdened down by the pressure of increased expectation.

"England should beat America," he said. "We will try everything we can but they have the better players because they play for the really big teams. All the pressure is on them."