The U.S. National Team kicks off a pair of difficult friendlies to help prepare for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday with a matchup against Denmark at NRGi Park in Arhus, Denmark (1 p.m. MT, ESPN2).
Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando is among the 23 players originally called in by U.S. Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann and is among the more veteran players of those assembled. After starting in both prior friendlies this year against Chile and Panama, Rimando has a chance to again don his nation’s jersey and now he has a chance to test himself against some difficult opponents in Denmark and Switzerland (Tuesday, 10 a.m. MT, Fox Sports 1).
"Whenever you go to camp the focus is always to improve from the last time we were together, if that's defensively, offensively, jelling more as team or just seeing more personalities come out,” Rimando said before departing for Europe over the weekend. “Obviously the goal is to put a lot of hard work in and reward ourselves with a result against our opponent. We have two very tough games against Switzerland and Denmark so I expect the next two weeks to be challenging that we all will take in for the opportunity to move this team in the right direction."
Rimando is no stranger to international call-ups, but there is still a special feeling that comes when he pulls on the U.S. jersey for training or when it’s to face some of the best countries in the world.
“It's always a great feeling and honor to get the call from your national team and to have friendlies in two countries I've never been to or played against is exciting,” Rimando said. “I take a lot of passion in representing the US especially after the World Cup, we're in this transitional period with lots of new players coming in and young players being developed and to be a part of this stage is exciting.”
This will be Rimando’s first chance to face Denmark or Switzerland and they are challenges that he is looking forward to. Denmark is ranked 28th in the current FIFA rankings while Switzerland is ranked 12th in the world. The U.S., meanwhile, is ranked 32nd.
"You always want to play the best teams out there to see where you're at or where you need to be. If you look at our schedule this year it's very challenging and I know the team takes this as a great opportunity,” Rimando said. “In Europe there's just a different feel to soccer, the weather, the culture, the fans, but for me I see the difference being how physical the game is in Europe and the surface you play on is very slick and at a high tempo, I expect these games to be a great test for our team. It's always good to step outside your region and play different brands of soccer if it's in Europe, South America, Asia, or Africa, it's another opportunity to gain experience.”
