Luis Robles had undoubtedly pondered the question before.
The Sierra Vista Buena High School graduate made his first-ever appearance for the United States national soccer team, starting at goalkeeper last Saturday against Haiti.
Reached earlier this week in Philadelphia, Robles was asked if his start was everything he had dreamed it would be.
"That's a hard question to answer," he said.
He was thrilled to start, but disappointed by allowing two goals as the Americans tied Haiti in a Gold Cup group-stage match.
"I'm always my worst critic," he said.
Here are some things the 25-year-old took away from his first appearance:
• It was a thrill. Before the team played Honduras on July 8, Robles was given extra rooting interest. Goalkeeper coach Zak Abdel told Robles he would likely play the following game if the Americans defeated Honduras to guarantee a trip to the next round.
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Was he nervous?
"A little bit, yes," Robles deadpanned.
The Americans beat Honduras 2-0 and used the Haiti match to give players some experience. Robles was one of six players to receive his first international start and one of four to make his debut.
Wearing No. 18, Robles stopped five of seven shots on goal. Giving up two goals to the underdog Haitians, however, doesn't sit well with Robles.
"It puts a deeper hunger within myself," he said.
• It continued a hot streak. Since October, Robles has made his debut with FC Kaiserslautern's first team in Germany's second division, won the starting job away from an established goalkeeper and received his first invitation to train with the national team.
He was married last month, too. His wife, Cara, and his parents were among the 10 or so in Robles' cheering section Saturday in Foxborough, Mass.
"I've seen how quickly things can work out," he said. "Maybe before it was a pipe dream, but now it's become a reality."
There was no moment before or during the game when Robles paused to consider his most unlikely journey. But he will, one day.
"I haven't done that for Kaiserslautern," said Robles, who will return to Germany after today's quarterfinal match against Panama in Philadelphia to prepare for the season. "So much has gone on this year. I know I'll do it later."
• He was part of a special team. Before the Gold Cup, Robles was the third goalkeeper on the U.S. team that stunned the soccer-watching world at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
"I'll remember South Africa for a long, long time," he said.
Facing elimination, the Americans had to defeat Egypt by at least three and have Italy lose to Brazil by three or more — all without the Italians scoring more goals than the Americans.
That's exactly what happened.
"It wasn't a massive surprise," he said. "We had a little bit of luck, though."
In the semifinals, the Americans stunned Spain 2-0, marking the first time ever the team had reached a FIFA final.
That American squad — which eventually lost to Brazil in the final — will be remembered for one of the country's greatest soccer upsets ever.
And Robles was there.
"We were astronomical underdogs," he said. "That was something special."
Today
• What: CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals
• Who: U.S. vs. Panama
• Where: Philadelphia
• When: 5 p.m.
• TV: Channel 34
