Long, strange trip: US pleased with heat and travel at the World Cup in Brazil

United States' Clint Dempsey, left, and Brad Davis work on resistance exercises during a training session at the Sao Paulo FC training center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The U.S. will play in group G of the 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (The Associated Press)

United States players work on resistance exercises during a training session at the Sao Paulo FC training center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The U.S. will play in group G of the 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (The Associated Press)

SAO PAULO – While some World Cup teams whine about withering weather and troublesome travel, American players say: Bring it on!

Some European teams worry they will wilt. The United States considers cauldron-like climates a regular finishing touch, as if the Americans were a Baked Alaska flambe.

And if FIFA added a Road Warrior prize to the Golden Ball, Golden Boot and Golden Glove, the U.S. would be assured of taking home an award.

Midfielder Michael Bradley said Tuesday: "When you talk about playing in the heat, the travel, it doesn't bother us. And not only does it not bother us, it excites us to see that now the other teams are so worried about it."

The Americans have the lengthiest first-round trek among the 32 teams at 8,800 air miles.