Pretoria - Head coach for the United States national soccer team, Bob Bradley, maintains the American team will be playing to win in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
"We know that we will be playing against the world's best national teams, but we are here to win. We will be playing great football. We've worked very hard and we are ready for our first match," Mr Bradley said.
He was speaking to reporters at Pilditch Stadium, west of Pretoria, shortly after a training session on Thursday.
His confidence was shared by the team who told BuaNews that despite being drawn into Group B, which is considered to be a group of 'death' within the football circle, it was an exciting opportunity.
"We know that our first match will be challenging, but because we consider ourselves as the best national team, we are going to battle it out to ensure that we pave the way to the semi-finals.
"We are not nervous; we are here to compete and showcase our best performance in the pitch," said US defender Jonathan Bornstein.
The team's Donovan Landon, known as the King of Goals, said the Italians should not underestimate their performance as they are prepared and looking forward to win the cup.
"We have good plans to frustrate our opponents on the pitch. We are not here to donate points. As nobody is expecting us to win a single match, we will not only surprise our opponents, but also the soccer fans," the 27-year-old said.
Everton goal keeper, Tim Howard said the spirit in the US camp was high and all the players were looking forward to improving their country's image in football.
Defender, Pearce Heath, said the team had been impressed by South Africa's facilities. "The training facilities in South Africa are great; our hotel is also good so we've nothing to complain about. All that we have to do is to get results that will make our fans happy," he said.
Aston Villa goal keeper, Brad Guzan, who said South Africa was a great country, urged people to rally behind the US national team during the eight nation's tournament irrespective of their nationality.
"I am impressed by the South African hospitality since our arrival. I now believe that this is a great country," he said.
A group of students from various primary schools in Pretoria were cheering and singing Shosholoza as the US team trained in confidence and it remains to be seen whether the unpredictable team will wallop the Italian squad.
The two sides will clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria at 8:30pm on Monday.
After their first tough encounter with the 2006 world Cup title holders at Loftus Stadium, the US national team will face Brazil - considered to be among the strongest football nations in the world and the only team to have played in every World Cup.
