Klinsmann Sees a Big Upside for Cameron Despite a lackluster 2-1 win on Friday over Antigua and Barbuda on a rain-drenched field, United States defender Geoff Cameron says he is confident the team will rise to the occasion when it faces Guatemala on Tuesday in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Kansas City (7 p.m. The Americans are tied for first place in Group A of Concacaf World Cup qualifying and only need a draw to advance to next year's final round. A loss, however, could potentially eliminate the Americans. "This is what you play the game for," Cameron said. Every opportunity you get to put on the U.S. jersey and wear the crest is obviously an honor and a privilege. We have to go home and take care of business. If 2012 has been a rocky year for the national team, it has been a stellar one for Cameron. When the year began, he was a member of the Houston Dynamo but not a part of the plans of United States Coach Jurgen Klinsmann. But Cameron, 27, impressed at a January camp, and afterward Klinsmann quickly integrated him into the team's core group of players. By the conclusion of a five-game series in June that included the start of World Cup qualifying, Cameron had claimed a starting spot. Shortly after the first round of qualifiers, Cameron transferred to Stoke City of England's Premier League, where he immediately became an important part of the team. "We are very, very pleased with Cameron's development," Klinsmann said. He came in for the first time in January camp and I was impressed. He told me: 'I want to go to Europe. I want to make it. I told him what it takes to get there and what to do. He's very hungry. Cameron acknowledged that he did not make the decision to move abroad recently. He began to explore the idea after he was named to the M.L.S. Best XI for the 2009 season. Unfortunately for him, he tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee early in the 2010 season and was sidelined for four months. During that time, Cameron's contract with the Dynamo was in its final year. He elected to re-sign with the club, knowing he would have to prove himself again after the injury. During his contract negotiations, Cameron said, he was straightforward with the Dynamo management and Coach Dominic Kinnear about his ambition to play in Europe. "I told Dom I was re-signing because I'm recovering from an injury but my goals were to play in Europe," Cameron said. He said, 'You give me two good years as best you can and if teams are interested, I'll do whatever I can to help you.' That's something that shows how Dom is as a manager. I think he's a great guy on and off the field. When Stoke City approached M.L.S. about acquiring Cameron during the transfer window, the process was not simple or fast. Stoke submitted a bid that that Dynamo found acceptable, but the league office took a firm stance and rejected the initial offers. Eventually, the deal was completed, but not until the middle of August. As a result, Cameron missed Stoke's entire preseason, and he said it took him some time to adjust to the team. "At one point I thought it was done," Cameron said. I don't ever want to go through that again, especially with M.L.S. I had no control over my own destiny. I think the M.L.S. could have done a better job of handling the situation. The Dynamo handled it fantastically. They were supporting me since Day One. Stoke City has earned several impressive results already, including draws against Arsenal and Manchester City. In its most recent game, against Liverpool at Anfield, Stoke played to an impressive scoreless draw and Cameron earned positive reviews for his performance. Stoke City was promoted to the Premier League in 2008 after more than two decades removed from England's top flight. Since its promotion, the club has consistently finished in midtable but it has yet to push into the top 10. Cameron, however, said he had noticed that the mood around the club has become more ambitious, and that the breakthrough could come as soon as this year. "I think it's this year," Cameron said. We've picked up some good players. Over all, I think the competition in the squad is great. We've had some pretty decent results against big teams. I think the more home games we have, we'll get some wins under our belt and climb the table. Cameron is enjoying his start in the Premier League and is showing his versatility two months into his season. When Cameron first arrived, Stoke City Manager Tony Pulis played him in central midfield to take advantage of his ball control skills. Recently, Cameron has even started at right back, which he said was a new experience for him. A Rhode Island native, Cameron is quick to point out that central defense is still his most comfortable position, but he acknowledged that playing multiple positions will help his overall game. "It's been a cool ride so far," Cameron said. I've been learning on a regular basis. I think that I'm getting more comfortable and trying to settle into my own shoes now. Klinsmann has noticed Cameron's improvement since his arrival in the Premier League, and he said he was even more optimistic for Cameron's future. He already considers Cameron to be one of his top defenders, but said his potential could be even higher. "I think he's still has a lot of room to improve," Klinsmann said. Playing in the Premier League day in and day out will form him. It gives him another level.