Socceroos to meet US in final World Cup tune up

The Socceroos will play the United States in Johannesburg on June 5, eight days before their opening World Cup Group D match against Germany.

The friendly match at Ruimsig Stadium in the suburb of Roodeport was announced by the US Soccer Federation and American coach Bob Bradley welcomed the clash with a “quality opponent” before his 18th-ranked team meets England in their Group C opener on June 12.

“Australia demonstrated in 2006 (they went out to eventual champions Italy in the last 16) that they’re a team capable of competing at the World Cup,” Bradley said.

It will be only the third time the two teams have ever met and the 25th-ranked Socceroos hold an historical edge, having drawn 0-0 in 1998 at San Diego and winning 1-0 at Orlando, Florida, in 1992.

The game could produce a matchup of Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer against his Fulham teammate, US striker Clint Dempsey.

The clash with the Americans could also be repeated in the round of 16 at the World Cup since winners and runner-ups from groups C and D play each other in the round of 16.

The Americans went out in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup.

They edged Mexico to top the table in North American final-round qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

They also have warm-up matches at home against the Czech Republic on May 25 and Turkey on May 29 before leaving for South Africa.

The Aussies also play Serbia and Ghana in Group D. The Americans will also face Slovenia and Algeria in Group C first-round matches.

The Turkey 10

The Turkey 10 teams have now been selected, as Wild Turkey Bourbon's sport sponsorship kicks into the next exciting phase.

Choose which side you're going to support and get in the running to win $2,500!

Simply visit Wild Turkey Australia on Facebook for your chance to win.

Find out more.