World Cup: RSL's Beckerman earns start..

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The United States men's national team starting lineup that takes to the pitch in Natal will have a Claret-and-Cobalt flair to it.

In his inaugural trip to a World Cup, Real Salt Lake captain Kyle Beckerman has earned a starting nod in the first 2014 FIFA World Cup match for the Americans. The U.S. faces longtime rival Ghana in Natal in the second Group G match Monday. Beckerman, 32, will serve as a holding midfield presence for the U.S., similar to his starring role with RSL in Jurgen Klinsmann's deployed starting XI. Beckerman's defensive abilities will allow the likes of Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones to have the freedom to press forward in the attack.

The U.S. starting lineup features several familiar names, including captain Clint Dempsey, forward Jozy Altidore and goalkeeper Tim Howard. Dempsey scores against Ghana in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The Ghanaians have effectively ended the World Cup aspirations for the Americans the last two tournaments. The U.S. lost to Ghana 2-1 in 2006 in the final group stage match and lost again to Ghana 2-1 in extra time in 2010 in South Africa in the Round of 16.

Following Ghana, the U.S. will face Portugal on June 22 and Germany on June 26 to round out Group G play

ckamrani@sltrib.com

Twitter: @chriskamrani

World Cup: RSL's Beckerman earns start vs. Ghana