Cast of characters

It's only a training match. They call it a "friendly" in the football world. I don't have to actually choose a side. It's just for fun! Right? I can cheer regardless of who scores or wins. I can speak English and Swedish while I watch the game. Drop local references here and there, 50/50. This will be fun?

16 of the US's 19-man roster already play professionally in Europe. One, Charlie Davies, plays for my team of choice here in Stockholm. Some players had to do nothing more than hop a regional train to catch up with their respective national team. It'll be cool to see everyone at the same place at once, sort of like when a good majority of the Hanna-Barbera cast showed up in the same episodes of Yogi's Space Race.

Tonight: Sweden vs. USA
Göteborg, Sweden. 8:30 local time

UPDATE


Sweden 1, USA 0. Tight and fairly equal match. Both sides had a handful of chances but Sweden's persistance proved to be enough. I was impressed with the US's technical passing and eventhough they didn't score they looked quite good in my eyes. Next up, Sweden vs. Denmark and US vs. Brazil (this game is in CHICAGO)