The mood is upbeat ahead of Italy

PRETORIA, South Africa -- Well, here I am checking in from the Confederations Cup tournament in South Africa. All the guys on the squad are obviously excited about the opportunity of playing against some of the best teams in the world, and the possibility of winning a very prestigious tourney. At the same time, we all understand it's far easier said than done.

AP

After a rough couple of days on arrival, Jozy Altidore and the U.S. team are over their jet lag in South Africa.

Needless to say, there's been a lot of travel for us the past couple of weeks. First, there was the qualifier in Costa Rica on June 3 and then the team had to hop a flight to Chicago for the game on June 6 against Honduras. Following that, we hit up the friendly skies again, this time to South Africa, and now we're finally here and adjusting to the conditions.

After arriving on June 9, sleep was virtually impossible at first. The jet lag got the best of me and some of the others, especially the first couple of days. Saying that, most of us are now all settled in and generally sleeping like babies. The space on our hotel floor is pretty limited, so the hotel staff has created a little lounge for us to socialize in. The lounge is entertainment central for the team, ranging from Xbox to chess and poker tables. The fans might be surprised about this, but we have a sweet "Rock Band" group too. Which players have the musical gift? I'm glad you asked that question. I'll give you the answers in my next diary entry.

I can't even begin to tell you what an honor it is to be here, playing for the national team. On the bus ride into Saprissa to play Costa Rica, you take in the atmosphere -- the Costa Rican fans surrounding the bus, the Navy SEALS lurking on top protecting us -- and you realize the importance of the games. When the U.S. team walks onto the field, we see and hear it all. Pregame chants and screams, having stuff thrown at us -- it all makes you understand that when you pull on that jersey, you are an American. Standing there on the field for the national anthem, I knew I wasn't playing just for me. This is for my country, and I am proud to represent it.

I'd like to also thank all the fans who came out to Soldier Field for the match against Honduras. It was an intense affair since we're aware that in the U.S., there are going to be a lot of fans from other nations in the stadium. However, seeing the giant flag in Sam's Army go up after the goals makes us feel so good. So to all the fans who paint their faces, bring their flags, invite their friends and families and go crazy for the national team, I'd like to express the team's gratitude. I know that there were some guys from New York, who I remembered from my stint with the MetroStars, who flew out and were signing their hearts out. Lots of respect to all you guys.

Lastly, I want to welcome Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones to the Red, White and Blue! We've heard he wants to play for the U.S. and that's great. I wish him nothing but the best. I hope to see our names on the score sheet together plenty of times, with him getting the assists and me getting the goals of course!

Remember to tune in for the match against Italy (Monday, 2:25 pm ET, ESPN, ESPN360). Hasta luego, amigos!

Jozy Altidore is a forward for the U.S. national team and Villarreal. He will be writing for ESPNsoccernet this summer about his time with the U.S. squad at the Confederations Cup and World Cup qualifiers. You can also keep up with him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JozyAltidore17.