Germany v. US players to watch

Players to watch this afternoon/tonight (with comments form Bruce Arena):

Bobby Convey, a standout for Reading, should do a good job of attacking from midfield. Reading is headed for Premiership promotion next year. "We have a number of pretty good left-sided players like DaMarcus Beasley, and we need to see where Bobby Convey fits into that mix."

Steve Cherundolo played a good game against Poland and is vice-captain of Hannover in Germany. (Improved greatly since 2001, Arena said. "If he remains healthy, there's no reason to believe he won't be in our first 11.")

Twellman ought to get some time, to fight for a space. (Prediction: a goal will cement his spot)

Hahnemann, if he plays in goal, will also be one to watch.

Arena says Corey Gibbs needs to show he is back from injury.

Eddie Johnson "is challenging to make our World Cup roster."

This game is shaping up to be monumental for Germany, and Bruce is downplaying the contest as chance to fine tune his roster. "The last World Cup I learned a few lessons in terms of payer selection for the roster and I hope to learn a little bit this time," Bruce said in a news conference after the first practice in Dortmund.

"What happens tomorrow is not nearly as important as what happens in June" when he wants good results against Italy, Ghana an d the Czech Republic. “We do see that when our players go abroad and play with the right clubs and play on a regular basis, they become outstanding players.” Each side will be allowed six subs. A good thing, too, since Bruce has barely 7 for this game!