International
2010-05-25 - United States vs Czech Republic
A Sports Betting Pick by Goober
Football : International : World Cup Build-up
Venue : East Hartford, Connecticut
Tuesday 25th May 2010 - Kickoff 8PM EST / 1AM GMT
On Tuesday (8PM EST), the USA plays the first of its two friendly home encounters before leaving for South Africa. They welcome the Czech Republic to East Hartford, Connecticut and then will play Turkey on Saturday.
The Czechs (FIFA Rank 29) failed to qualify for the World Cup after finishing third in Group 3 behind Slovakia and Slovenia. A loss to Poland (Poland’s only win other than San Marino twice) in particular cost them a trip to South Africa as well as Slovenia’s away win to Slovakia when Slovakia had ensured qualification.
They will be playing without Tomas Rosicky and will be playing a mostly young side. As far as notable players, the Czechs should have Cech in goal, Tomas Necid (CSKA Moscow) up front, and Jaroslav Plasil (Bordeaux) in midfield.
The Czechs played Turkey at were soundly beaten 2-1 in New York on Saturday. They have not performed well in any friendly matches since the end of World Cup qualifying, drawing with UAE (losing on penalties), losing to Azerbaijan, Scotland and now Turkey.
The United States meanwhile are looking to cut the roster from 30 to 23 based on these next two matches. While many of the positions are set, there are some spots still up for grabs.
The most notable team news for the USA is the return of Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan) for the first time since his horrible knee injury suffered in qualifying. Steven Cherundulo (Hannover 96) should also start, with the remaining two spots most likely going to Goodson and Bornstein for this match due to injuries to Bocanegra and Demerit. Tim Howard (Everton) should start this one in goal.
The midfield should feature Landon Donovan and Stuart Holden (Bolton) on the wings with Edu and Bradley in the middle. The quality of Holden and Donovan are critical to the team’s chances of success in South Africa and should provide some scoring opportunities in this game.
Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Jozy Altidore should feature up front. Missing, of course, for this game and the World Cup will be Charlie Davies. His speed and finishing ability will be greatly missed.
As far as head-to-head games, these two last met in the 2006 World Cup. In that encounter, the Czechs won 3-0 behind two goals from Rosicky.
The USA only managed one point in the group stages that year and the victory over the USA would be the only 3 points the Czechs would get.
The only other time they have met was in the 2000 Olympics when the two drew 2-2.
Team Form
Czech Republic :
14-10-2009 WC Cup Q D Czech Republic 0 - 0 Northern Ireland
15-11-2009 Friendly L UAE 0 - 0 Czech Republic
17-11-2009 Friendly L Azerbaijan 2 - 0 Czech Republic
03-03-2010 Friendly L Scotland 1 - 0 Czech Republic
22-05-2010 Friendly L Turkey 2 - 1 Czech Republic
United States :
14-11-2009 Friendly L Slovakia 1 - 0 United States
18-11-2009 Friendly L Denmark 3 - 1 United States
23-01-2010 Friendly L United States 1 - 3 Honduras
24-02-2010 Friendly W United States 2 - 1 El Salvador
03-03-2010 Friendly L Netherlands 2 - 1 United States
PREDICTION
There is a clear motivation difference for the two sides. The USA will be trying to build momentum for the World Cup and the players will be trying to earn their way into the final 23 and/or into the starting 11.
In the match against Turkey, the Czechs motivation seemed to be for this trip to be over.
Given how poorly the Czechs played on Saturday and the home-field for the USA, it is difficult to see any outcome other than a USA win.
The Pick :
Umited States 2–0 Czech Republic (or 2-1)
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take USA win at 2.00 (Bet365). (main bet)Also consider Altidore to score @ 2.80 (Paddypower).
