Written by Elliott Almond | From Mercury News

Berti Vogts, one of the greatest defenders in German history, has dual roles this week in the Bay Area.

Vogts, 67, is in charge of Azerbaijan’s national team that plays the United States on Tuesday night at Candlestick Park in the Americans’ first exhibition game as a World Cup unit.

Then he will join U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann as an adviser who scouts the Americans’ upcoming World Cup opponents.

The man who also coached Scotland and Nigeria already has some thoughts about Ghana, the Americans’ first World Cup challenge June 16 in Brazil.

“The striker and the midfielders are very, very good,” Vogts said Sunday before Azerbaijan trained at Candlestick. “They’re quick, they are physical.”

Vogts added that the United States’ best chance might be attacking from the wings, because Ghana’s defense is compact. He also said Ghana plays similarly to Nigeria.

The Americans are scheduled to face Nigeria in an exhibition June 7 in Jacksonville, Florida, before departing for Brazil.

“Ghana is one of the best teams in Africa,” Vogts added. “And all the players, they play around the world, good players. The most important thing is to win the first match.

“But first, the USA, they have to play against Azerbaijan.”

Read more at Mercury News