NETHERLANDS vs USA, Amsterdam 03/03/10
The Unofficial Football World Championships 2010 fixture list gets underway on Wednesday with a real cracker, featuring two teams on their way to South Africa to compete in the World Cup this summer.
The Netherlands are formidable UFWC champions, having held the title for 12 straight games, remaining unbeaten throughout 2009. The Dutch are ranked fifth in the UFWC rankings, just two points behind Russia. FIFA rank the Netherlands third in the world.
But the Dutch have found it difficult to hit the net in recent games. The side's last 3 UFWC matches, including the last game against Paraguay, ended in goalless draws. The absence of the Robin van Persie, badly injured in a UFWC title clash with Italy in November, will not help matters.
The USA are ranked a lowly 36th in the UFWC rankings, having chalked up only 2 UFWC victories. The first was a famous 1-0 World Cup victory over England in 1950, and the second was a 1-0 win over Portugal in 1992. FIFA rank the Americans higher, at 14th in the world.
The USA warmed up for this one by beating El Salvador 2-1 last week. In a team made up of MLS stars, several players staked claims for a place in the USA's World Cup squad. Brian Ching and Sacha Kljestan scored the goals. But the USA's European-based stars will be back for the Netherlands game.
Can the Netherlands continue their epic UFWC title reign, or will the USA take the title towards the World Cup? Who will win? Make your prediction below, and tune in on Wednesday to find out.
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