New England Revolution and Trinidad & Tobago defender Avery John knew the day of reckoning was upon him yesterday.
"I got an e-mail," John said. "The team manager sent an e-mail out to everyone to tell them that the team would be announced today."
After an anxious night, John's dream came true on Thursday morning -- he was included in Trinidad & Tobago's announced 24-man squad for the FIFA World Cup. The squad brought joy for Los Angeles Galaxy striker Cornell Glen, who was named in the party, and despair for Kansas City's Scott Sealy, who was named as an alternate.
"I was very excited," John said. "It's every boy or man's dream to play at the World Cup. It's the biggest thing in the world. The best 32 teams play in it. It makes you feel like all the work is paying off."
Hard work brought John to MLS in May 2004. After a globe-trotting career that included stops in the USL, Ireland, and South Africa and earned him numerous caps with his national side, John has reached the pinnacle of his career after featuring in 35 MLS matches in less than two years with the club.
Instead of worrying about selection, John knows that he'll be on the plane heading to Germany.
"For me, it was always a dream," John said. "When it would happen, I never knew. Everything happens for a reason at the right time. This is my time. The hopes and the dreams have come true."
The dreams were granted by T&T head coach Leo Beenhakker, who took the reins during the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying and guided the Soca Warriors to fourth place in the final hexagonal and past Bahrain in a playoff to secure the berth.
"He's well respected," John said of Beenhakker. "His knowledge gives us a lot and lets us know what to expect. He's done a great job of taking us to where we are. We all know that this is our time. He brought a unity and organization."
With his selection now assured, John can change his mindset from potential World Cup plans to a certain berth.
"It's a month and a half away," John said. "You're not worrying about being on the team. You're trying to be smart and keep fit and not get injured."
One complicating factor for John is the lack of match fitness. The Revolution back three of Jay Heaps, Daniel Hernandez and James Riley has not allowed a goal this season, leaving John as an unused substitute in the team's first two games.
"It is a concern," John said. "There isn't much I can really say or do. The only thing I can really look forward to is playing in the friendlies. We have friendlies with Slovenia, Peru, and the Czech Republic.
"In April, we have four or five games to go. I'll at least have a couple of reserve games. I have a month to get into the team and maybe play in a couple of MLS games," John said.
John said he can identify with the feelings of Revolution teammates Clint Dempsey, Taylor Twellman, Pat Noonan, Steve Ralston and Matt Reis ahead of the U.S. roster announcement on May 2.
"Everybody is in a different situation," John said. "As a player, you have an idea of how close you are to making the team. For me personally, it was just one of those things you had to wait and see.
"I wish them all the best," John said. "I hope everyone [from the Revolution] goes."
For John, there is now one certainty: he's headed to Germany.
"It's a dream come true," John said.