Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is taking his squad to Eastern Europe for their final FIFA-international date match before the final World Cup squads will be announced.
According to a press release on the Ukrainian Football Federation’s website, Ukraine will host the USMNT on March 5, in a city and stadium to be determined later. The release states that Ukraine and their official partner, Ukraine Football International, have until Feb. 10 to decide on a location for the match.
U.S. Soccer has yet to officially comment but sources have confirmed to SBI that the friendly match will happen and a formal announcement is expected Thursday. (UPDATE – U.S. Soccer officially announced the friendly on Thursday morning.)
Last November, Ukraine was 90 minutes away from qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, before France scored three goals to defeat Ukraine, 3-2, on aggregate. Ukraine is currently ranked 18th in the FIFA World Rankings, four places behind the USA. Ukraine is captained by Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, who spent four seasons with Bayern Munich from 2009-2013.
———-
What do you think of this report? Do you regard Ukraine as a tough opponent? Who do you see earning a call-up for this game? Do you expect MLS-based played to be called up despite their season starting three days later?
Share your thoughts below.