Bruce Arena - fine coaching record (Allsport)

By Mark Fowler, Sportinglife.com

Although not widely known outside his native country, the head coach of America, Bruce Arena, has built himself a fine reputation.

The 50-year old coach took over the reigns in October 1998 from former coach Steve Sampson, after a disappointing 1998 World Cup saw the USA lose all three games.

Arena started with a dull 0-0 draw against Australia, but things got better with two victories over Germany, as well as victories over Argentina and Chile.

As a player Arena earned one full cap in a 2-0 loss in Israel, but it was as a coach that he really made his name.

Arena spent 18 seasons as head soccer coach at the University of Virginia, and then moved into Major League Soccer where he spent three seasons with D.C. United.

A former professional lacrosse player, Arena also took on the job of head coach of the US Under-23 side that competed in the 1996 Olympics when he took over at DC United.

And his list of achievements at D.C. United was extremely impressive.

After winning the first two MLS championships and the 1996 U.S. Open Cup, Arena also guided his team to victory in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final and the Interamerican Cup.

The winner of the 1997 MLS Coach of the Year award, the 2002 World Cup finals should see Bruce Arena's name known to fans of the world game right across the world – not just in the USA.