DaMarcus Beasley says more than a solid performance in the American attack Wednesday is needed for him to earn a spot on the U.S. World Cup roster.
Beasley entered in the 34th minute of a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands after Stuart Holden injured a shin. Beasley's long free kick was headed in by U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra for the American goal in the 88th minute.
``It feels good to be back,'' Beasley said after his first match with the national team since his blunder led to a Brazilian goal in the Confederations Cup last June 18. ``I need more games, and then I will try make things difficult for the coach.''
After scoring twice in five games in December for Glasgow Rangers, Beasley was sidelined for two months with a thigh injury. The first match back for the 27-year-old midfielder was Feb. 14.
``My form is the most important thing,'' he said. ``I need to work on that, and then we will see.''
This was the last game for the national team before U.S. coach Bob Bradley picks his 23-man World Cup roster. Beasley, a Fort Wayne, Ind., native, was part of the 2002 and 2006 World Cup teams and has 17 goals in 90 international appearances.
``We have a little more time where we're sizing up form and assessing injuries, but certainly there is a nucleus of guys,'' Bradley said. ``There are always going to be tough decisions.''
Bradley praised Beasley, who had a chance to tie the score in the 90th minute. His free kick was saved by goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg at the far post.
``Especially as DaMarcus got into the flow of the game more he was able to make some good runs forward,'' Bradley said. ``You started to see his mobility and a little bit of his quickness. He had the confidence of being a threat and put defenders on their heels. Those are good things and, hopefully, they can be built upon.''
