VIENNA, Va. - What, no marching band?
The US team arrived yesterday with no politicians waiting for photos, no booming bass drums, and very few fans. In a scene almost the exact opposite of their arrival in Boston, the players slipped through Dulles International Airport virtually unnoticed.
Only a German television crew and lone autograph seeker greeted the Americans at the gate. The team lingered in front of the gate and a few passers-by clapped when they recognized the group. The team proceeded on a shuttle to the main terminal then boarded a bus to their hotel.
Coaches canceled practice at George Mason University.
Hot tickets
World Cup organizers announced Sunday that approximately 36,000 tickets have been sold for Thursday's quarterfinal doubleheader featuring the US at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium. Organizers doubled the ticket selling staff yesterday in an attempt to sell more tickets. They were encouraged by a steady stream of walk-ups and ticket sales are now approaching 40,000 ... The Nigerian Embassy made a group purchase of 150 tickets. The Super Falcons face Brazil after the US-Germany match.
Voss out for Germany
German captain and veteran midfielder Martina Voss will miss the rest of the tournament with a torn right hamstring. She injured the leg in the first minute Sunday against Brazil, but continued to play for a while.
