The United States begins its final World Cup preparations tonight with a “friendly” match against Mexico in Phoenix. Aside from the usual excitement surrounding a game between the two rivals (Dos a Cero, anyone?) there are a few extra reasons to take interest in the contest.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s World Cup roster is beginning to mold into its final form, and there’s a strong possibility that the team’s core players may see time on the field together for the first time in quite a while. Should Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan share the pitch it will be the first time they’ve combined for the US since June of 2012. Klinsmann will be looking for his experienced players to prove their leadership on the field, and Dempsey and Bradley will equally look to prove their returns to MLS to have been sound footballing decisions.
Youth will also have the potential to feature prominently, especially with Brad Evans’ injury and the news that Puebla refused to release Michael Orozco and DaMarcus Beasley for the match. Luis Gil and DeAndre Yedlin have been included in the roster – as well as 18-year-old Bayern Munich forward Julian Green, whose change of national association was only just approved by FIFA last week. US fans will be eager to get a look at such exciting young talent, with the potential to grow into the future of the national program.
Take a look back now to the United States’ last winning effort, a two-nil victory over Korea on 1 February in Carson, California.
Photo Gallery: USA v KOR Friendly, 2/1/14 by Debbie Von Winckelmann
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