USMNT vs Belgium: Preview

The U.S. men's national team will face Belgium -- one of the rising teams in Europe, as U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said -- in a friendly match in Cleveland on Wednesday on its first of five matches they will play over the next three weeks. With some European based players missing, Klinsmann will have the opportunity to evaluate new blood or some players that need to prove things. With Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu out, Klinsmann will test Anderlecht midfielder Sacha Kljestan alongside Jermaine Jones in the middle of the pitch. DaMarcus Beasley is expected to fill up the left-back position, although there's a chance Klinsmann could line up Beasley as left wing, starting Michael Parkhurst on defense. After their superb performance against Mexico at Estadio Azteca, Matt Besler and Omar Gonzalez could be lined up together again. If Besler isn't fit enough, Clarence Goodson could get the start. Still, questions can be raised up about Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo's absences. Also, Klinsmann needs of a strong offensive performance after the lack of play in attack USMNT showed during last games. Team created few scoring chances. After he scored 31 goals for AZ Alkmaar this campaign, Jozy Altidore is the team's main scoring threat, but he needs support. Graham Zusi and Herculez Gomez need to step up in the way to help Altidore up front. Belgium’s defense will be a good test for Klinsmann's offense.