USMNT’s Alex Zendejas, yet to play at World Cup, readies for his moment: ‘I’m sure it’ll come’

• Club América star did not appear in first two US games

• Dual-national was surprise pick to Pochettino’s squad

• Dead-rubber Turkey match could be time for debut

As his US teammates finished off group-clinching wins over Paraguay and Australia, all Alex Zendejas could do to help was watch.

It isn’t the role Zendejas aspired to have at this World Cup. The 28-year-old was a coveted dual-national who chose to represent the nation he grew up in over Mexico, where he was born and has played most of his professional career. At the USMNT’s open training before the Paraguay match, Club América jerseys were the best represented of the club shirts held by fans for signing.