At 12:30 p.m. MT on Friday, the U.S. National Team kicks off against the Netherlands and Real Salt Lake veterans Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando are among the players available for Jurgen Klinsmann for the match.
It will mark the first time in Klinsmann’s tenure that the U.S. will face the runners-up in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where the Dutch lost the final to Spain in South Africa. As part of the buildup to the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Klinsmann has a difficult schedule for the team, with Germany up next on Wednesday. For the team, regardless of the opponent, getting together for training sessions and matches is a big step in that buildup.
“Anytime we have a chance to come together, it is a time to get better as a team,” Rimando said. “We don't have a lot of time together throughout the year so we have to make the most of it every time.”
Since the 2010 World Cup, the Netherlands has seen some roster turnover. However, Friday’s match could still see the likes of Robin van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Wesley Sneijder who join a young group that includes PSV prodigy Memphis Depay.
The last time they met was in 2010 as a tuneup to the 2010 World Cup, with the Netherlands winning 2-1 at Amsterdam Arena. Things won’t be any easier this time around with the sixth-ranked team in FIFA’s World Rankings.
“I think the Netherlands is a very gifted team that goes back ages – a team that over the years has been one of the best in the world,” Beckerman said. “They're quick, skillful and very organized so we have to play with the same confidence and shut down the key players.”
Added Rimando, “The greatest challenge going against Holland is that they are a really great team. They have been together for quite a while with a lot of success and they have a lot of great players playing in top teams around the world.”
The match will be broadcast live on ESPN.
