No more World Cup for Pope

Real Salt Lake veteran Eddie Pope has played in three World Cups for the United States, a fantastic achievement by itself.

During that time, the native of High Point, N.C., has developed a reputation for being the top defender in U.S. National Team history.

On the heels of the 2006 World Cup, which Pope returned from last week, the 32-year-old made it clear he won't be playing in a fourth World Cup.

Pope hasn't announced whether he'll play in any future games for the United States — he won't decide that until he speaks with U.S. coach Bruce Arena in the near future — but the MLS veteran said after RSL's practice on Sunday that he has played his last World Cup game.

"I definitely will give (Bruce Arena) a call and see what he's thinking," said Pope, "but I definitely won't play another World Cup."

Given the fact that he is 32, Pope's decision was hardly surprising. U.S. captain Claudio Reyna announced his retirement from international duty shortly after America exited the Cup, and other veterans are expected to do the same.

Still, it's the end of an era for Pope, who started a whopping nine World Cup matches, and the United States.

And it's a bittersweet way to exit.

The Americans had high hopes before the 2006 World Cup, held in Germany, but the squad wasn't able to emerge from an extremely tough group, composed of the United States,, Italy, Ghana and the Czech Republic. The United States' World Cup dreams ended when the team lost to Ghana in its final group game.

What were Pope's overall thoughts on the 2006 World Cup?

"It hurts — it's a World Cup," he said. "I think, as Americans, we don't really understand how the tournament works. We're Americans, so we think we should go and win everything all the time.

"Especially when you're in a difficult group, it is what it is. You go and do the best you can, but you just have to be happy with what went on . . . I wish we would've done better, but that's life."

As it played out, Pope's last moment in a World Cup came when he was red-carded for a second yellow during America's valiant 1-1 draw against Italy.

Pope was shown a second yellow card by Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda for tackling Italy's Alberto Gilardino from behind, even though he clearly won the ball.