The U.S. team in the FIFA World Cup is dealing with something fairly recent and remarkable — expectations.

For much of its World Cup history, surviving qualifying to reach the international stage was an accomplishment for the just-happy-to-be-there U.S. As recently as 1998, when the U.S. finished 32nd of 32, that was about the best that could be hoped for. Not since 1930, when only 13 nations played, has the U.S. reached the finals.

But Hawai'i's Brian Ching, a forward on this year's squad, and his teammates feel some ramped-up hopes after the last U.S. team's riveting run to the quarterfinals in Seoul in 2002.

It was an inspired showing as evidenced by their exit in a 1-0 loss to eventual runner-up Germany, who they played even for 90 minutes. The performance drew commendations from the Germans, opened eyes internationally, and whet the appetite for this year.

Now, as the fifth-ranked Americans open competition tomorrow against the Czech Republic in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, the looming question is whether 2002 was a once-in-a-blue-moon surprise or a signal of the U.S.'s rise in the world game?

Getting out of a tough first-round draw that includes the No. 2 Czechs, No. 13 Italy and No. 48 Ghana in Group E would go a long way toward burnishing the U.S.'s credentials.

Manager Bruce Arena and his players have been careful not to unduly raise hopes, setting successful departure from their group as Job One.

"We think we have a good chance of getting out of the first round but it is soccer and a lot can happen," Ching said. "That's what makes the (World Cup) so special. I mean, if you look at the last World Cup, I don't think France scored a goal (in 2002) after winning it in 1998. It just shows you how difficult the competition is at that level.

"I think people are understanding more and more about soccer and understand that. But also if we don't make it out of the first round, we're going to look at it like we didn't get as far as we wanted, either," Ching said.

The U.S. takes the field knowing this is about more than one competition, even if it is the World Cup. It is also about spreading the word and growing the interest in the sport back home for the future. And for Ching, as he is acutely aware, it is about giving it a boost in his home state as the first from Hawai'i to make a World Cup roster.

His appearance is giving the event a higher visibility here, extending the World Cup reach beyond the hardcore followers. "It is growing in Hawai'i and being the first (from the state) to play in the World Cup, I want to do all I can to make it bigger.

"People are following it more each time and it would be nice to give them something more to get excited about," Ching said.

Getting out of group would be a promising start.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.