Adu practices with US national team
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-06 10:25

"One of the locals randomly told me," he said. "Clearly, the look on his face told me right away, `I don't know if you want to hear this.'"

When the United States gets to Germany, it opens against the Czech Republic on June 12, plays Italy five days later and closes the first round against Ghana on June 22.

"It's going to be tough," Donovan said. "I don't think people expected us to get out last time, and people aren't going to expect us to get out this time."

Adu, just 14 when he made his professional debut for D.C United in April 2004, also is eligible to play for his native Ghana, but when asked if that door had closed, he replied, "Yeah."

"Right now, I'm not even thinking about anything else but concentrating on this camp," he said. "I can't let any distractions come along right now."

The United States has exhibition games against Canada on Jan. 22 at San Diego, Norway on Jan. 29 in Carson, and Japan on Feb. 10 at San Francisco.

"Hopefully, I make a good impression and hopefully, I can get to suit up for the United States in one of these friendly games," Adu said.

Adu has smoothed things over with D.C. United after being suspended for the team's MLS playoff opener. He had publicly complained about a perceived lack of playing time last season, saying it had ruined his chances of making the World Cup team.

After the season, Adu, his agent and his mother sat down with officials from D.C. United and MLS. Later, he met separately with coach Peter Nowak.

"It just came down to an issue of miscommunication. My coach and myself were not communicating well," he said. "I love the guys on the team and I wouldn't want to leave them for anybody else."

Adu said he learned a valuable lesson from the fallout.

"When you think you've learned everything, there's always something else that comes along," he said.