Germany 4 - 1 US

One look at that scoreline, and you’d think that’d make the case for my post the other day regarding the lofty #5 ranking FIFA granted the US. However, a closer look at the sides that took to the pitch in Dortmund today tells a different story.

Germany had gotten their asses handed to them by Italy a few weeks ago, and needed a win to restore confidence going into the World Cup. The US, on the other hand, had a side full of second stringers. This was partially by design, and partially out of necessity. Several US players were not released by their clubs to take place in today’s friendly, and as such, Bruce Arena gave a chance to a lot of guys that wouldn’t normally play in these types of games.

The US gave a good account of themselves through 50+ minutes, but then the difference in class began to show. Germany scored 3 goals in 2o minutes, including 2 in as many minutes, to make the result beyond doubt with 10 minutes to spare.

The US pulled one back late, but it was all over but the German dancing at that point.

Next up is another friendly, this time against Jamaica, on April 11. Let’s hope some of the first stringers will be back by then.