Obviously this will depend on how the draw comes out tomorrow - don't want to play anyone in our group or who we could possibly meet in Round of 16. That said, I would like to play other teams that have qualified for the WC - they will be the most motivated and hungry. Here are some European options: Croatia Switzerland Portugal Greece If we get an African side or South American side, I'd try to schedule it at a neutral ground in Europe for ease of travel: Ghana Ivory Coast Nigeria Cameroon Uruguay Colombia A number of European teams are already spoken for, however: http://us.soccerway.com/matches/2014/03/05/
If we don't get Ghana -- which of course we will -- then I'd say Ghana would be a great warm up. Next choice: Portugal.
March 5, 2014 is the date for playing Mexico in a big US stadium to make a lot of money on a Wednesday night. (Not that I'd agree with that decision or that Mexico is the team the USA should play in March, but it may be what US soccer opts to do. Although, they should/could just play Mexico in a fall friendly in 2014.) The May/June friendlies are for playing "tactically similar" opponents based on who the US will see (or will possibly see) in Brazil.
African Sides: Ivory Coast Nigeria European Sides: Portugal Switzerland South American Sides: Colombia Uruguay Brazil Argentina Asian Sides: Japan
It would almost assuredly be in Europe. A majority of the USMNT starters and important reserves are in Europe and the euro leagues have matches on the weekends before and after the open date. No side should travel to the Americas, ours included.
We should play one of these: Croatia or Switzerland (to prep for Germany, though it's impossible to prep for Germany) Ivory Coast/Nigeria/Cameroon (to prep for Ghana) Brazil/Argentina/Uruguay/Colombia (to prep for Portugal - all have a few dangerous offensive weapons they lean heavily on)
I would try to get Holland to prep for Germany. Only Aus in Hollands group can be said to have a somewhat similar style to the US, but I think Holland is most interested in a Chile analog, they should take care of Aus easily and already know Spain very well. I cannot really think of a good analog for Portugal, who are more defend and counter than they team we played in 02. Maybe Argentina, as they are more quick strike and less possession than in the past, but we would to worry about marking 4 excellent attackers, not just one. Also both Arg and Port could probably choose to play possession against us and we would not be able to change that. I do not know how Portugal will approach us. Also I cannot think of a good analog for Ghana.
I doubt they'll be available, but the best opponent for us, since we're limited to one, is Brazil. They (almost) have the size and speed of Ghana, the quick transition style that Germany uses, and flank play that, while it doesn't compare to it, would be a great tactical test for Portugal.
I'd love to play the Netherlands, but they're already booked for March 5 friendly date. Actually, Brazil and Argentina are already booked as well. http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/03/05/
The US seems to do better against opponents like Portugal than opponents like Germany or Ghana. I would try to schedule one of the big-name African or Central European countries.
Ivory Coast would be another interesting match up. The style is slightly different from the Ghanaians, but the central midfield battle would be a better test, with Yaya Toure.
I would say we did prep for Germany.... by playing Germany. We can pretty much expect a team which will be a bit deadlier and savvier in their attack, without any of the weaknesses we saw in D.C. except perhaps the humid heat-induced wilting. Of course, they didn't see the best of us either... I would say Holland is good prep, except I don't trust any of our starters on the field with them ever again unless points are at stake (nor then, but obviously then it wouldn't be optional)
If Klinsmann doesn't do everything in in his power to line up Ivory Coast or Nigeria, then he's not taking this seriously.
Agreed. Seeing as most of the best European opposition already has a sparring partner on March 5th, and that the match with Ghana is so important, I say we schedule a top West African side in Europe. Ivory Coast or Nigeria.
Given circumstances and the draw, I'd say we need a change of plan. Maybe we can host Bosnia in May as one of our three Stateside pre-WC preps.