Headline here
MILWAUKEE — The World Cup is underway. The United States Men’s National Soccer team plays Paraguay Friday night in California.
The U.S. team features Alex Freeman, the son of former Packers receiver Antonio Freeman.
Dennis Krause talked to the Packers Hall of Famer about his son before the match.
Dennis: Antonio, thanks for the time. You played in Super Bowls. I still remember that great catch against the Patriots. But what is this experience like for you, the World Cup?
Antonio Freeman: “Well, I thought my days of being nervous during game days were over. But here we are, back to being nervous with the jitters right before the game, throughout the game. And this experience has just been amazing. I mean, it’s a global sport that we’re talking about. And it just reaches so many other countries. And it’s such a serious thing. And to be one of the only 26 selected to represent the United States of America at a young age of 21 is very special for him. And of course, for me as a dad, very proud of him.”
Dennis: You kind of touched on this, Antonio, but was it easier to play than to watch?
Antonio Freeman: “Oh, man. It was much easier to play because I played with so much confidence and belief in myself. And sports is a game of ups and downs, and you go through your ups, your highs and your lows. And it was easy for me to just navigate through those ups and, of course, those downs when they come about, but to watch it as a parent, you just want everything to go up. You want everything to be great. You want everything to be just perfect. So I think I’m just a little more nervous watching him because I know the work he’s put in. I know how committed he is to the game of soccer, and I know how much he wants it, and I just root for him.”
Dennis: Alex is 21, as you mentioned. He’s the youngest guy on the team. When did you know that he might be good enough to compete at this level?
Antonio Freeman: “He was playing at Westin Academy in Florida and I think it was a Christmas or New Year’s tournament and he wasn’t even on this team and they wanted him to come play with their team and compete against other teams around the country. And I was responsible for that trip, for taking him up, and man, the way he just blended in with those kids that he didn’t even know. And they had a really good tournament, a really good run. And he ended up with a hat trick. He hit those three goals, and it was just amazing to be there to see him playing with guys that he doesn’t even normally play with.”
Watch the full interview above.