Klinsmann to coach U.S. men's soccer

CHICAGO, July 29 (UPI) -- Jurgen Klinsmann, who coached Germany to a third-place finish in the 2006 World Cup, has been hired to coach the U.S. men's soccer team.

Klinsmann replaces Bob Bradley, who was fired Thursday by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

"We are excited to have Jurgen as the head coach of our men's national team," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. "He is a highly accomplished player and coach with the experience and knowledge to advance the program.

"Jurgen 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 built a 20-8-6 record as coach of the German team. He stepped down after the 2006 World Cup. Most recently he was a consultant for the Toronto MLS franchise.

"I am proud and honored to be named the head coach of the U.S. men's national team," Klinsmann said.

"I am looking forward to bringing the team together for our upcoming match against Mexico and starting on the road toward qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup."

Klinsmann's first match comes Aug. 20 in a friendly against Mexico before a pair of friendlies with Costa Rica and Belgium in early September.

The U.S. team was 43-25-12 under Bradley, who had been given a contract through the 2014 World Cup after the Americans made the second round of the 2010 World Cup. But the U.S. team in recent weeks was beaten by Panama and twice by Mexico -- the second time 4-2 in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.