Friedel

Friedel is the guy you'd want in the air traffic control tower in Atlanta or Chicago, bringing you in during rush hour, in a snowstorm, with an engine down.

USATODAY.com - U.S. keeper thrust into spotlight at World Cup 2002

After the latest win, played on a humid 82-degree afternoon in a stadium surrounded by rice fields, Friedel is challenged again.

USATODAY.com - U.S. keeper thrust into spotlight at World Cup 2002

That Friedel is on the cusp of worldwide recognition is equally stunning, considering his beginnings.

USATODAY.com - Keeper Friedel helping U.S. near its goal 2002

Friedel is better at blocking with his legs, which was needed against the relentless Korean attack.

USATODAY.com - Keeper Friedel helping U.S. near its goal 2002

South Korea couldn't finish its chances against the mobile mountain Friedel but managed to find its finishing touch when it didn't need it against Portugal.

USATODAY.com - U.S. makes its own luck at the Cup 2002

At the heart of it, Friedel is passionate about his game and one of those rare people who can say he is doing the one thing in life he was meant to be doing.

USATODAY.com - U.S. keeper thrust into spotlight at World Cup 2002

Because women are on average smaller than men, they fill up much less of the goal (the men's-national-team keeper, Brad Friedel, is six feet four inches; his counterpart on the women's team, Briana Scurry, is eight inches shorter) — hence there's more scoring in the women's game.

As American as Women’s Soccer? 2001

Because women are on average smaller than men, they fill up much less of the goal (the men's-national-team keeper, Brad Friedel, is six feet four inches; his counterpart on the women's team, Briana Scurry, is eight inches shorter) — hence there's more scoring in the women's game.

As American as Women’s Soccer? 2001

Walker got away with a poor header when Brad Friedel saved from Jermaine Beckford but the full-back was not so fortunate when Diniyar Bilyaletdinov dispossessed him and invited Osman to run at Collins before scoring.

Gérard Houllier senses way forward for Aston Villa after Everton draw 2011

His reply to suggestions that he was keen on signing Brad Friedel, whose contract at Aston Villa expires in the summer, was intriguing.

Tottenham keen to finish fifth to avoid Europa League aggro 2011