SPIEGEL ONLINE: Mr. Arena, after he took his position as Germany's national coach, Jürgen Klinsmann introduced American training methods to the German Football Association (DFB) -- a move for which he was heavily criticized. His career could actually be on the line with Wednesday's game.

Bruce Arena: That's a shame. I don't understand what could be wrong with using modern methods. If his job is actually in danger -- than that's pretty dumb and sad. I know Jürgen personally and professionally and I have tremendous respect for what he has done as a soccer player and coach.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Your main concern at the moment is to find a roster for the World Cup. What progress have you made?

Arena: We have immense problems, because it is difficult to coordinate our calendars. My players are dispersed around the world. The first time the entire roster will come together will be during our camp in May. I have a good sense of the decisions I need to make. But at least half of our main players will not be there for our game in Dortmund.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: So will the US team in Wednesday's game be an easy opponent for Germany?

Arena: Not at all, we will be very competitive. Even if players like Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley and Claudio Reyna are not there, we will be very motivated. Playing against Germany is a great challenge. And for many players it is a good opportunity to put themselves on the map for the World Cup roster.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: How are you preparing for the German team, tactically?

Arena: We’re not thinking too much about the others, we’re focused on ourselves. With a game like this, a friendly match where you come in two days before, it is a waste of time to think too much about the opponent.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: So what is your goal for the match?

Arena: To play well and to observe my players, nothing more. The media and the fans, you all put too much emphasis on these games.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: You are referring to the 4:1 victory by Italy over Germany for example, which caused a huge stir in Germany

Arena: The only thing I learned from that game was that the Italians are strong. And that was no surprise.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: How far will your team advance at the World Cup?

Arena: We want to advance out of the first round.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: That seems like a modest goal for a team that is ranked fifth in the world.

Arena: I don’t think beyond the first round. It is my job now to focus on those games. And, as we all know, they won’t be easy with Italy, Ghana and the Czech Republic as opponents.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: How far has US soccer come internationally?

Arena: When I was sitting in the stands during the 1990 World Cup, I was shaking my head about how the US team played. The only true measure of where a team stands is the World Cup. So it will be very interesting. I think we have progressed tremendously since 1990. But we still have to earn our spot among the world’s best teams.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Who is likely to be on the US roster when you come to Germany in June?

Arena: If you would place a bet on Kasey Keller you probably wouldn’t go wrong. Beyond that I have learned in the past months that we have an impressive depth. The decisions will not be easy for me.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Even if you make it into the final 16, the enthusiasm in the United States will likely be limited.

Arena: We have a growing community of dedicated soccer fans. However, the broad public will only take note if we win or make it to the finals. That’s just the way it is in the US.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: It has been said that Americans don't have much passion for their national teams.

Arena: That is probably true. They are very focused on their professional leagues. Maybe the World Baseball Classic was a wake up call for people to realize that sports are being played at a high level elsewhere too.