"I am very proud of the bronze medal that we won in the 2007 World Cup. Playing in the most difficult group and on foreign soil, these players earned third place, matching the finish our team had in 2003 playing at home. ... I understand and accept the criticisms that accompany the decisions I made in the World Cup. Soccer is a fluid game and not every decision or strategy always works as planned. In those cases, players, fans and the media have the right to express their opinions. As a coach, I understood that and accept it as a part of the job that was entrusted to me."

-- Greg Ryan, who was dismissed as U.S. women's national team coach on Monday. (Associated Press)