The US are set to meet World Cup 2006 hosts Germany on Wednesday night at Borussia Dortmund's Wesfalenstadion in what is to be their last encounter with a fellow finalist before Bruce Arena names his 23-man traveling squad.

The two teams last faced each other at the 2002 World Cup in Korea - a match many observers feel was dominated by the Americans.

However, the Germans finished ahead in the only place that counts – the score line – winning 1-0 behind a late first half goal from Michael Ballack.

They also met earlier that same year in Rostock, Germany; Clint Mathis' first of two goals put the Americans on top 1-0, only to see his side surrender four unanswered and go on to lose 4-2.

While some of the players on the US side may be looking for a little revenge, a severely depleted American squad may not have the fire power to go toe-to-toe with the Germans, who will have their own set of motivations for the match coming off of a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Italy three weeks ago.

Germany boss Jürgen Klinsmann is under increased pressure following the Azzurri debaucle and a row involving frequent travels home to California. Needless to say, his federation will be looking for a result against the Americans.

Bruce Arena is bringing a side composed mainly of MLS players, but has also included German-based players Steve Cherundolo, Gregg Berhalter and Kasey Keller.

In addition, the coach has summoned Heath Pearce from Denmark, Cory Gibbs from the Netherlands and Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann from England.

Notably missing from the United States side will be wunderkind Landon Donovan, who suffered a leg injury and was withdrawn from the side, and Poland goal scorer Clint Dempsey, who was left out of Bruce Arena's selection following a club suspension for fighting with a teammate in practice.

On the Germany side, Torsten Frings and Mike Hanke have withdrawn following injuries in Bundesliga competition, while midfielder Sebastian Deisler has been ruled out for up to six months after a knee injury suffered in training this week with club team Bayern Munich.

Deisler likely would have been an automatic starter for the Germans alongside superstar Ballack. His omission will leave Klinsmann now with the task of replacing perhaps his most creative player.

Germany will also be without the services of 21-year old Robert Huth for Wednesday night's clash, the lone goal scorer against Italy. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho refused to release the defender, citing an FA Cup quarterfinal clash versus Newcastle.

The biggest task for the US will be controlling Ballack in the midfield and Miroslav Klose at forward. The two have a combined 29 goals in Bundesliga matches this year and are both veterans from the 2002 runner-up campaign.

Arena has called in a couple defenders who are still on the bubble for selection in Jimmy Conrad and Pearce, as well as veteran Eddie Pope – at least one of them is almost certain to get the start.

Pearce might be looking at his final chance to make a roster that is already replete with defenders, but with the injured Frankie Hedjuk out of the picture, we could see a surprise start at left back opposite Hannover 96 star Cherundolo.

In the German defense, Cherundolo teammate Per Mertesacker should get the call with Dortmund center back Christophe Metzelder.

With Arne Friedrich still recovering from injury, offensive minded Werder Bremen wingback Patrick Owomoyela and Bayern Munich defender Phillip Lahm may be brought into the mix by Klinsmann.

Under local scrutiny for having excluded Dortmund favorite Christian Wörns from his selection, the coach will probably give the defensive midfield start to BVB midfielder Sebastien Kehl.

Ballack and Werder Bremen midfielder Tim Borowski seem certain to kick off the match, with Bernd Schneider of Bayer Leverkusen likely to round out the midfield.

In the US midfield, Bobby Convey's game changing 20 minutes versus Poland and his stellar play for Reading have earned him a start from Arena.

With Donovan out of the picture and Claudio Reyna not called in, the central role Convey craves will be his. With Pablo Mastroeni reclaiming his all-important destroyer role, the Philadelphia native may have some space to operate.

The once highly touted Ben Olsen, still looking for one of the 23 coveted tickets, has long been an Arena favorite and could make the start across from right-footed Chris Klein.

Expect Eddie Johnson to occupy one of the forward positions, and while Brian Ching could start to create a target partner for Johnson, Taylor Twellman has been in the first eleven on a consistent basis.

On the German side, Klose and his 18 league goals should ensure a starting role while Ghana-born striker Gerald Asamoah should reprise his role against Italy by default with Cologne striker Lukas Podolski struggling with the flu.