CHICAGO, July 29: US Soccer appointed Juergen Klinsmann as its new national coach on Friday, a day after firing Bob Bradley.

The former Germany coach will be a familiar face to American fans, given that he nearly got the job after the 2006 World Cup and then again last year before Bradley was given what turned out to be a short-lived contract extension to 2014.

The former Germany striker's first game in charge will be a friendly against archrival Mexico in Philadelphia on Aug. 10. Qualifying for the next 2014 World Cup in Brazil begins next year.

“We are excited to have Juergen as the head coach of our men's national team,” US Soccer president Sunil Gulati said in a statement. “He is a highly accomplished player and coach with the experience and knowledge to advance the programme. Juergen has had success in many different areas of the game, and we look forward to the leadership he will provide on and off the field.”

Klinsmann will be formally introduced Monday at a news conference in New York.

“I am proud and honored to be named the head coach of the US men's national team,” Klinsmann said. “I would like to thank the US Soccer Federation for the opportunity, and I'm excited about the challenge ahead. I am looking forward to bringing the team together for our upcoming match against Mexico and starting on the road towards qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.”

Klinsmann, who turns 47 on Saturday, has a considerable World Cup pedigree.

As a player, he scored 11 goals in three World Cups, 1990, 1994 and 1998. That ties him for sixth on the all-time scoring list, just behind Pele.—AP