USA vs Czech Republic

Dec 28, 2009
589
9
18
Ames, IA
Who do you guys have winning tonight? Games at 8 EST on ESPN i believe.



United States (USA) v Czech Republic Preview and Odds
The United States will be needing several players to prove their fitness after several injuries in the last few months. The biggest doubt is Oguchi Onyewu, who has not played a match since last fall, and is projected to be one of the starting centerbacks. Another doubt in the defense is Carlos Bocanegra, who underwent a sports hernia in early May, and is likely to start at left back or partnered with Onyewu in the middle.
Outside of the injuries, the friendly is a chance for a few players to show they should be included on the final 23 man roster. Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley, Herculez Gomez, and Eddie Johnson are all fighting for 1-2 forward spots. All of them could get playing time on Tuesday to prove their case. Buddle and Gomez have been in the best form and one of them is likely to start up top with Altidore.
The Czech Republic didn’t qualify for the 2010 World Cup as they placed third in their UEFA qualifying group. They have a lot of players from European leagues including Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech. They recently played Turkey a few days ago and lost 1-2. They are not considered one of the top sides in Europe but did defeat the United States in the 2006 World Cup group stage by a score of 3-0.
It’s a match that has much more importance for the USA than the Czechs. Manager Bob Bradley will need to see that Onyewu is healthy and that one of the second tier forwards can step up to earn a spot. With the home crowd and players like Dempsey and Donovan in great form, the American should get a comfortable victory.
Betting Odds
United States win – 10/11 (William Hill), 4/5 (SkyBet)
Draw – 9/4 (William Hill), 9/4 (SkyBet)
Czech Republic – 12/5 (William Hill), 3/1 (SkyBet)
United States (USA) v Czech Republic Prediction
The United States will win the match 3-1.

United States (USA) v Czech Republic Preview, Prediction, and TV Listings | The 90th Minute Soccer Blog
 

jdoggivjc

Well-Known Member
Sep 27, 2006
61,630
23,889
113
Macomb, MI
The Czechs weren't one of the better teams in Europe this go around, but 4 years ago they were. In fact, even though USA/Italy/Czech Republic/Ghana was the group of death, it was a much bigger surprise that the Czech Republic didn't make it out as opposed to USA. Most thought Czech Republic and the winner of USA-Italy would make it out of the group - not Italy winning the group and Ghana pretty much owning Czech Republic and USA...
 

CyLoboClone

Well-Known Member
Oct 15, 2009
2,567
124
63
Albuquerque
me too!

I love international competition- You better believe I was shouting and dancing when we tied the gm round of hockey against the cans... I am hoping for another spain match in this wc!
 

cycloneike001

Member
Dec 14, 2008
402
6
18
Ames
I really think we should advance, but I don't even care if we lose to Slovenia and Algeria as long as we beat England. That's all i want
 

CylentButDeadly

Well-Known Member
May 1, 2009
3,286
266
83
Windsor Heights, IA
It's weird to say it because the US qualified for the Cup and the Czechs didn't, but most of the US players actually have more to play for here. As long as the guys fighting for roster spots don't press and force the action, I think the US should walk away with a nice 2-0 or 2-1 win.
 

CylentButDeadly

Well-Known Member
May 1, 2009
3,286
266
83
Windsor Heights, IA
I really think we should advance, but I don't even care if we lose to Slovenia and Algeria as long as we beat England. That's all i want

We've got to make it out of our group. It would be great to beat England, but I would definitely settle for a draw and then two wins over Algeria & Slovenia.
 
Last edited:

CylentButDeadly

Well-Known Member
May 1, 2009
3,286
266
83
Windsor Heights, IA
How great would it be to beat England though?

I actually like the way this cup is setting up for the US. We'll probably wind up 2nd in our group, setting up a knockout match against Germany (most likely). Germany is of course going to be without Michael Ballack, so we potentially would have a very good shot at making the quarters.
 

cycloneike001

Member
Dec 14, 2008
402
6
18
Ames
I actually like the way this cup is setting up for the US. We'll probably wind up 2nd in our group, setting up a knockout match against Germany (most likely). Germany is of course going to be without Michael Ballack, so we potentially would have a very good shot at making the quarters.

Oh man how I can't stand Michael Ballack, glad he is gone for this WC
 

CyFever

Active Member
Dec 2, 2009
931
44
28
Phoenix, AZ
I think this game is being used to make the final decision on the 23 out of 30 players.

Yes it is. Witness the starting lineup, especially Donovan not even dressing. Bradley is checking the fitness of a couple of guys and looking for a last forward or two.

Funny about the England comments. They interviewed Pele on ESPN. His only comment on Group C when asked was that he hoped USA beat England.
 

tim_redd

Well-Known Member
Mar 29, 2006
13,888
8,885
113
42
Ankeny
I think Hercules has booked himself a ticket to South Africa with these 20 minutes in the 2nd half.