On tap: U.S. U-20's v Germany

The U.S. Under-20 National Team kicks off their 2009 World Cup adventure today by meeting Germany, an international foe quite familiar to us at all age levels.

Today, our boys of... erm... early fall will not only be looking for a fast 2009 start, but also a duck breaker. The Germany U-20's have two wins and a draw from the previous World Cup meetings.

I am confident they can get a result, even a win - but this won't be easy despite a significantly weakened Junior Mannschaft. Of course, you're not interested in 'I'm confident, but... ' - you want a prediction. I remember how strong my picks were at the Olympics and know that won't happen again. I really don't know what to call, could see a variety of final scores for this one.

But, okay. Count me as uncomfortably on board with a 1-1 draw.

That bit of shaky prognosticating to the side, let's open the reading room:

- U.S. U-20 match notes
- FIFA match preview
- Baby 'Nats in final prep mode
- Arguez: I have the inside info on Germany
- Rongen: Organization is the key
- Mix Diskerud talks with Greg Lalas
- Germany's roster woes (25 call-ups rejected!)
- FC Dallas watching tourney closely
- Kasey Keller looks back at '89 U20WC

And on to video, where the team talks about facing Germany...




Here is a small taste of what to expect from Germany star Lewis Holtby.







- Greg Seltzer