WASHINGTON: Team USA have gone to unusual lengths to get the soccer-skeptical country behind their World Cup campaign.
Ahead of the United States’ make-or-break clash with mighty Germany in Brazil yesterday, the official US Soccer Twitter feed sent out to its more than 1m followers a letter ostensibly from coach Jurgen Klinsmann for fans to fill in and give to their bosses.
The letter, complete with the US Soccer letterhead, reads: “To whom it may concern: Please excuse (insert name) from work on Thursday, June 26th.
“I understand that this absence may reduce the productivity of your workplace, but I can assure you that it is for an important cause.
“The #USMNT has a critical World Cup game vs. Germany and we will need the full support of the nation if we are to advance to the next round.
“By the way, you should act like a good leader and take the day off as well. Go USA!”
It is signed: “Jurgen Klinsmann, Head Coach, US Men’s National Team.”
US Soccer also encourages fans to take pictures of their bosses signing the letter granting the time off for the Germany showdown, which will see the US into the knockout round of the World Cup with a win or draw.
The Governor of New York State, Andrew Cuomo, responded to Klinsmann’s appeal. In an open letter on his official Twitter account, he said he was extending the lunch hour of all New York State employees. AGENCIES
