International Friendly: USA vs. Netherlands

Posted Tuesday, March 02, 2010 by Goal.com

The USA has never defeated the Dutch.

Who: United States vs. The Netherlands
What: International Friendly
When: 2:30 ET; Wednesday, March 3
Where: Amsterdam ArenA; Amsterdam, Netherlands
TV: ESPN2 and Galavision

The full United States Men's National Team faces their first true test of 2010 with a match against world No. 3, the Netherlands. For coach Bob Bradley, it's an opportunity to see his A-team -- minus injured stars Clint Dempsey, Oguchi Onyewu, and Charlie Davies -- and continue the evaluation process for the World Cup. The match against the Dutch is likely the final game before the U.S. coach names the 23-man roster that will travel to South Africa. For some players -- Clarence Goodson, DaMarcus Beasley, and two of the three strikers -- the tilt represents a last chance to demonstrate their value. For others, it's a chance to prove they deserve a spot in the Starting XI. In many ways, the result isn't as important as finding answers to these questions, which is good because the Americans won't leave Amsterdam victorious.

Much Edu about midfield

Michael Bradley is a lock to start in the center of the American midfield. Questions remain about who will partner him. While some want the creative Jose Torres to get the nod, expect to see recently fit Maurice Edu to hear his number called. The Glasgow Rangers midfielder tallied a game-winning, stoppage-time goal in the Old Firm derby over the weekend. The strike wasn't pretty -- Edu pounced on a loose ball sitting on the goal line -- but he found himself in the right place and finished well. The pairing of the former Maryland player and Bradley won't create the most dynamic unit, but the duo will be hard-nosed and hard-working. If they can handle the Netherland's midfield, they'll be the starting duo against England in June.

Jonesin' for Johnson

The U.S. needs a second striker. Brian Ching stated his case with an excellent performance against El Salvador last week. Robbie Findley also saw time in the match and demonstrated his physical prowess but failed to impress. He could still make the roster, but he isn't the answer in the first 11. Eddie Johnson seems to have found his game in the hinterlands of Greece and should start alongside Jozy Altidore. The striker's up and down career is well documented and getting to South Africa would be an impressive notch on his resume. It's too early to tell whether the fairy tale will have a happy ending, but an impressive showing on Wednesday will help his case greatly.

A Dutch measuring stick

The Dutch are without star Robin Van Persie -- who could return from injury by April -- but still boast an impressive line up. The biggest story is whether Ron Vlaar makes his first appearance for the Oranje in over four years. The 25-year-old could see time for Bert van Marwijk's side and will be hoping to put himself in line for a World Cup spot. Arjen Robben is finally fit and tearing up the Bundesliga for his Bayern Munich side, while Wesley Sneijder continues to be a worldbeater at Inter Milan. The Dutch won't overlook the Americans, however, as they prepare for a stiff test against Cameroon, Denmark, and Japan in the group stages at South Africa. Expect a win, but not an easy one.

Projected U.S. Line Up

--------------------Howard-------------------

Spector--DeMerit--Bocanegra--Bornstein

Holden-----Edu-----Bradley-----Donovan

-----------Johnson--------Altidore-----------

Projected Netherlands Line Up

-------------------Stekenlenburg--------------------

Heitinga--Ooijer--Mathijsen--van Bronckhorst

De Jong-----------Sneijder-----------van Bommel

Kuyt---------------Huntelaar---------------Robben

Goal.com prediction

United States 1-2 Netherlands