This page contains affiliate links. When you subscribe through the links provided, we may earn a commission.
John Brooks UMSNT 2014 World CupGetty Images

'Goosebumps' - USMNT World Cup goalscorer John Brooks remembers 2014 header and insists he could make international comeback

  • Brooks scored in 2014 World Cup
  • Claims goal still gives him "goosebumps"
  • Still has his eyes on USMNT selection

WHAT HAPPENED? Brooks, who has 45 caps for the United States but hasn't featured for his national side since September 2021, had a World Cup to remember nine years ago. In what was his only appearance at that tournament, the centre-back came on as a second-half substitute in the USMNT's group opener against Ghana. He popped up to score a dramatic 86th-minute winner - scenes which he admits still move him to this day.

🏆 TOP STORY: Haaland's dad led out of Bernabeu after throwing peanuts

📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Madrid or City will thrash UCL final opponents

🚨 MUST READ: Will the Messi of Malaga be the star of San Siro?

WHAT THEY SAID: “Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. You can’t even put it into words,” Brooks told Hoffenheim's official website. “Somehow the guy from the flank found my head. I’ll never forget that moment. I didn’t know what to do after that [with the celebration]. I was stunned and just overjoyed.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Despite a disastrous Achilles injury to future defensive stalwart Miles Robinson, fellow veteran Tim Ream stepped up to the plate and largely impressed in Qatar. The Fulham star played every minute as the USMNT were eliminated in the last-16 by the Netherlands. But given Ream's recently fractured arm, a path may open for Brooks to end his year-and-a-half away from the national side. The defender appears determined to do so, adding with a laugh: “I think if I perform well here I can still be an option for the national team. I’m not that old yet!"

Article continues below

This page contains affiliate links. When you subscribe through the links provided, we may earn a commission.

Sign up here for MLS Season Pass through Apple TV and watch every MLS match, including the playoffs!

IN THREE PHOTOS:

John Brooks header UMSNT 2014 World CupGetty ImagesTim Ream injury Fulham 2023GettyJohn Brooks Hoffenheim 2022-23Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR BROOKS? Before the USMNT's upcoming Nations League fixtures, though, the veteran defender will aim to finish the season strongly with Hoffenheim, whose next opponents are Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Advertisement