3/27/2008 5:00 PM
USA to Face Argentina in New York
For the first time since last summer's Copa America, the United States and Argentina, ranked #1 in the world, will meet in a friendly on June 8.The U.S. National Team has announced it will take on Argentina in a friendly at Giants Stadium, just outside of New York, on June 8. The game, long rumored, will just days after the U.S. has faced England, at London’s famed Wembley Stadium, on May 28, followed by a match against Spain, in Santander, on June 4.
“Argentina is clearly one of the best teams in the world and playing against an opponent of that caliber is a great opportunity for our team,” U.S. head coach Bob Bradley said in a statement. “Combined with the matches against England and Spain, we have put together a very good schedule to help us prepare for World Cup qualifying.”
The U.S. begins qualifying for World Cup 2010 with a two-leg series against Barbados. The home leg is scheduled for June 15, at the Home Depot Center, in Carson, CA. The away leg will take place in Barbados on either June 21 or June 22.
Having just won 3-0 against Poland, a Euro 2008 qualifier, the U.S. is on a good patch of form. But the three upcoming games will put the squad to the test. Argentina, which beat Egypt 2-0 in a friendly on Wednesday, is currently ranked #1 in FIFA’s world rankings.
The two nations have squared off eight times before with Argentina taking six wins and the U.S. taking two. The first victory came in 1995, when the Americans beat the Biancocelesti 3-0 in the Copa America. The U.S. came out on top again in 1999, winning 1-0 at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC.
The last time the two met, in last summer’s Copa America, Argentina won 4-1.
According to a federation statement, this game will be the last one played by the U.S. National Team at Giants Stadium. In eight matches at the stadium, the side has won four, lost one, and drawn two.
“We expect it will be a fantastic crowd at Giants Stadium,” Bradley said, “and we are looking forward to an exciting atmosphere.”
-- Goal.com