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US Soccer Team to Face Italy, Germany, Ireland VOA Sports 29 Jan 2002 22:21 UTC 
The U.S. soccer team has finalized a trio of World Cup preparation matches across Europe in the next three months against traditional world powers Italy, Germany and Ireland.
The USA first meets Italy on February 13, in Catania, Sicily. On March 27 the Americans play Germany in Rostock, and on April 17 they will face Ireland in Dublin.
Collectively, the three matches represent arguably the best European-based World Cup preparation games in U.S. soccer history. Between them, the three opponents have won six World Cup championships and finished as World Cup runners-up five times.
U.S. coach Bruce Arena said to have the opportunity to play Italy, Germany and Ireland prior to the World Cup will be an invaluable experience for the team.
Italy is a three-time World Cup champion and is currently sixth in the (FIFA) world rankings. Germany has also won three World Cups and is ranked 12th. Ireland is rated 17th. The U.S. soccer team is ranked 24th.
The American men are currently competing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. They play in the semifinals Wednesday night against defending champion Canada.
The U.S. team also has scheduled domestic friendly matches on March 2 against Honduras in Seattle and March 10 against Ecuador in Birmingham, Alabama. The World Cup in South Korea and Japan opens on May 31.
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