John O’Brien: from USA World Cup hero to doctor of clinical psychology

The former Ajax midfielder was always attuned to the feelings of his teammates. A move into the world of psychology seemed like a natural step

When people recall the 2002 US men’s national team and their run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, they may remember the quintessential Dos a Cero match. Or Clint Mathis’ surprise mohawk. Or their first game, in which they upset a golden-generation Portugal team 3–2.

One of the crucial elements to that US team – indeed, the guy who scored their opening goal of the tournament – was John O’Brien, a skillful and cerebral midfielder from Los Angeles. O’Brien also assisted Mathis’ goal against South Korea with a ridiculously accurate chip, and played a beautiful, Pirlo-esque pass to set up Landon Donovan’s insurance goal that buried Mexico in the round of 16.

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