Czech Republic, in Connecticut
A good opponent to test many of the on-the-fence guys. The Czechs beat us 3-0 back in 2006 in Germany, but this WC failed to qualify behind Slovakia and our Group C opponents Slovenia. (The Czechs tied Slovenia nil-nil and beat them one-nil, which of course means absolutely nothing.)
Featuring for the Czechs is their aptly named goalkeeper Petr Cech; the 6'5" Chelsea custodian will be a true test for our boys, as it takes a world-class finish to beat a world-class keeper. Missing for the Czechs is Rosicky (who we "fondly" remember for these goals against us), Milan Baros, and the recently retired golden locks of Pavel Nedved.
This result of this game is superfluous. More important is for our questionable players (Buddle) to show what they're made of. Also it is a chance for our guys to finally get some games in as a full squad, the first time since our lose in Amsterdam to the Dutch.
Turkey, in Pennsylvania
While the Turks are a fantastic WC warm-up opponent, the location of the game is, to me, dumb. The USMNT has no problem playing at home when the stands are full of red, white, and blue. We struggle outside our borders when the crowds are raw, wild, and full of boos, but I digress.
The Turks somehow didn't qualify behind Spain, and were 4 points behind second placed Bosnia-Herzegovenia ( a country named because Miss Herzegovnia did not want to relinquish her last name).
However, the Turks are very good. They beat the Czechs yesterday 2-1 at Red Bull Arena. They feature Bayern's Altintop, Valencia's Mehmet Topal, Stoke's poacher Tuncay and the highly rated youngster of Galatasaray, Arda Truan. Their biggest asset is their unity as a core. Turkey's chemistry makes them very difficult to break down and their high energy and tenacity makes possession very difficult. This game will be good practice for the likes of Slovenia and Algeria.
Australia, in Johannesburg
Last up are the Aussies, who we will hit the pitch with in our last game before facing England. I like that the game will give us a taste of South Africa which we haven't had since last summer's surprising run to the Confederation Cup finals.
Australia are fast and physical and never run out of steam. They boast loads of talent, with many players featuring in the Premiership: Tim Cahill (Everton), Vince Grella and Brett Emerton (Blackburn), and keeper Mark Schwarzer (Fulham). They also have the veterans Lucas Neill and former Leeds and Liverpool winger Harry Kewell, both now playing for Galatasaray.
The Aussies will be a fantastic warm-up for England. Though they are not as good, we will need to show the same ability defending and will not be able to rely on our American athleticism and conditioning. A good result will be important to boost our confidence ahead of our June 12th kickoff.
Only three games to oil our gears and get the engines going seems sparse, but great seasons from Deuce, Timmy, and Landy D to name a few have me psyched up for our Cup chances. And if thats not enough, maybe this is:
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