FIRST TEAM
02/04/2013

Four TSG players called up for internationals – tough task for US duo

Fabian Johnson, Danny Williams, Eren Derdiyok and Koen Casteels are the four Hoffenheim players who have been called up for their respective countries for international matches across Tuesday and Wednesday. US duo Johnson and Williams go into the final round of the North American World Cup qualifiers. Six countries are battling for three direct qualifying spots for the 2014 finals in Brazil, with one more team going through to a play-off match against the top team from Oceania.

The United States, with Johnson and Williams, play their first match of the decisive final qualifying phase on Wednesday at 15.00 local time against Honduras in San Pedro Sula. Manager Jürgen Klinsmann's side are set to come up against an experienced team and a lively set of fans.

“It will be very difficult against Honduras – we can't afford to underestimate them. It's important for us to make a good start to this set of World Cup qualifiers because we saw how difficult teams made it for us in the last round. To get a win against the USA is huge, so we have to keep our concentration and show who's the boss on the field,” said Danny Williams to achtzehn99.de.

The Honduras government has declared the day of the match a national holiday – for the short term at least – to ensure that there is a sell-out crowd in the stadium. It certainly isn't going to be an easy task for the US team against a Honduras side that beat Canada 8-1 in their last qualification match. The two TSG players left to join up with the USA squad on Sunday and are expected back sometime on Thursday afternoon.

Derdiyok has minor ankle problem

Eren Derdiyok swapped the TSG training centre for Greece on Monday. The Swiss international has joined up with his national side to play a friendly match against the EURO 2004 winners in the port town of Piraeus. The 1899-striker recently underwent an MRI scan which confirmed a small problem with his right ankle. After talks between the TSG management and Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, it was decided that he would join up with the national team regardless.

Also involved in the mid-week international fixtures is Koen Casteels. The goalkeeper will play for Belgium in an U21 match against Spain in Mechelen. Eugen Polanski and Stephan Schröck pulled out of the Poland and Philippines squads respectively, while Michael Gregoritsch and Kevin Volland, who were due to play for the Austrian and German U21 sides, had to withdraw after injury problems.

We will let you know how the TSG players got on with their national sides later this week.

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