Evaluating and assessing

The international friendly match between Japan and the United States will showcase two World Cup-bound teams that are extremely hungry -- though not necessarily for a result. Instead, another r-word is of primary importance: rosters.

"It's a camp just for domestic players; as it is, I believe, for the Japanese," U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena said when describing the past three weeks of training.

Each country has a few top players in European leagues who probably can count on making the squad for the World Cup. That leaves a number of other players from Major League Soccer and the J-League battling for each national team's remaining positions.

"Obviously, the players from both teams will be fighting for roster spots," Arena observed. "That'll certainly make the game much more competitive."

Japan, led by its Brazilian coach, legendary striker Zico, is expected to be a formidable opponent.

"We think that this next game is going to be the hardest one," midfielder Clint Dempsey said. "It's the one we're more focused on."

Assistant coach Curt Onalfo spoke about some of the elements the U.S. squad was expecting from Japan.

"We expect a team that is very skillful and quick -- not particularly big, but a team that likes to attack," Onalfo said.

"It's a team that likes to play a lot of short combinations. It just turns out to be a game that's enjoyable to watch. They're not going to be a team that sits back and defends. They're going to be a team that will look to play an aggressive style of soccer."

Arena welcomed the chance for players to prove themselves against stiff competition.

"That will be a good test for our team in terms of how well we do in possession of the ball and how we react when they gain possession, how we defend as a group. I think, in all our games to date, we haven't been tested that much at the defensive end of the field, so this will be a good challenge."

He was cautious about one player in particular.

"I understand that their number 10, [Alex] Santos, is a very good player."

The naturalized Brazilian is a key component of the Japanese midfield. Arena welcomed the chance to observe his players in a difficult game situation against players of Santos' caliber.

"We'll see how we react on both sides of the ball. That's what the test is about."

The pressure to show well is high -- especially on some of the older players -- because this year probably marks their best and last chance to be part of a World Cup squad.

"This is the end," midfielder Kerry Zavagnin admitted.

"There's a lot of guys here that won't be coming to these January camps anymore, and won't be going through qualifying. So, it's exciting; it's always nice to wear the colors of your country."

Zavagnin's own appearance at the camp was fortuitous -- as he wasn't brought in originally.

"I was placed on the alternate list to begin with, so I knew that I was in the picture at the time. I prepared myself. I was well aware of the fact that players can still get injured and that there was still quite a bit of time until Bruce picks the final 23 to go to Germany. So, I didn't get my head down. I kept training hard, and I knew that I would get an opportunity sooner or later."

To prepare well for Japan, the U.S. team scrimmaged against the South Korean national team this past weekend.

"We got a lot out of it," left back Todd Dunivant said. "It was a good test before Japan. I think Norway was a lot different game than what we're going to see on Friday."

However, Dempsey said the quick start to the Norway game was an important example to follow.

"We'll just try to come at [Japan] early and set the tone," he said. "If we do that, play our style and take the game to them and make them have to adjust, then I think we'll cause a lot of problems for them."

Arena concurred.

"The idea is to step on the field and be able to impose your game on the opponent. If we're able to do that, I think we'll have a chance to win it."

Besides letting Arena evaluate playing skill, the match also might reveal to the coach which U.S. players can withstand the pressure of a crowd rooting for their opponent. That is because the game will be played in San Francisco and the port city boasts a large Asian community.

"It's no secret why the game is in San Francisco, where there's a large influence of Japanese-Americans," a resigned Arena said. "They're going to be supporting the Japanese team."

He pointed out that the matchup was not his idea -- although he does appreciate the opportunity to face off against a quality opponent.

"I didn't pick them. It's hard to schedule international games, especially friendlies, at this time of year. You've got to take whoever you can get."

Although the majority of the U.S. players will be looking to impress Arena with their performances, his mention of which players he expected to be most effective against Japan might have hinted at who has an inside track to book a Germany ticket.

"I think our captain on Friday, Landon Donovan, is a player to watch. He's done well. Taylor Twellman has played exceptionally well. One of our other veterans from previous World Cups, Eddie Pope, has played well."

Yet Arena generally did not emphasize individual talent, which seemed reasonable, given that many have viewed the U.S. team as a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

"Our team has improved. We know from the last World Cup and qualifying that we continue to get better. The next World Cup will be equally challenging, if not more challenging. I think we're moving forward as a country."

The U.S. and Japan still are considered relatively young soccer nations. A head-to-head contest might reveal which country's approach has been more successful. Bragging rights are at stake. To the players, though, roster spots will be far more precious.

Andrea Canales covers MLS and women's college soccer for ESPNsoccernet. She also writes for topdrawersoccer.com and soccer365.com. She can be contacted at soccercanales@yahoo.com