DOHA, Qatar (AP) 鈥 President Joe Biden telephoned the American World Cup team ahead of their opener against Wales, urging them to "let鈥檚 go shock 鈥檈m all.鈥
Biden called the team at about 11:30 p.m. Friday (3:30 p.m. EST), the U.S Soccer Federation said Sunday.
鈥淚t says POTUS. That鈥檚 where it鈥檚 coming from,鈥 United States coach Gregg Berhalter said, reading the phone鈥檚 caller ID, according to excerpts of a .
鈥淐oach, put me in. I'm ready to play,鈥 Biden began, echoing John Fogerty's 1985 song 鈥淐enterfield.鈥
鈥淵ou guys, I know you're the underdog, but I'll tell you what, man, you got some of the best players in the world on your team, and you're representing this country, and I know you're going to play your hearts out, so let's go shock 'em all,鈥 Biden said.
鈥淵ou keep trusting in one another, play as hard as you can, and for you and your families, your teammates 鈥 and the whole country's rooting for you,鈥 Biden went on.
Berhalter and the players thanked Biden for his call, made two days before Biden's 80th birthday.
鈥淚 wish I was there to see you, I really do,鈥 Biden said. 鈥淕o, get 'em, guys. Just play your hearts out. I know you will. I know you will.鈥
Back in the World Cup after missing the 2018 tournament, the United States opens against Wales on Monday, meets England on Friday and closes group play against Iran on Nov. 29.
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