USA vs. Czech Republic Preview

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Princeton training camp, the United States National Team's staff and players have moved three and a half hours, by bus, north to East Hartford, Connecticut, where tomorrow they will take on the Czech Republic in the first of the two game send off series before traveling to South Africa for one last tune-up friendly against Australia, finally heading into the match-up against England  on June 12.  With all 30 U.S. players still in camp and all training without restrictions, the group that Bob Bradley can pick from is as vast as it is relatively unknown.  We can expect little to see from sure bets like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, and Tim Howard.  Expect mostly the fringe players to get most of the time here, as Bob Bradley has said he'd like to trim the roster to his final 23 before the final send off series match up against Turkey in Philadelphia on Saturday.  So expect to see guys like Robbie Findley, Sacha Kljestan, Robbie Rogers, Chad Marshall, Eddie Johnson, Hurculez Gomez and Edson Buddle to get significant minutes.

But we've already discussed how I think the US will come out, so we move on the to opponents.  The Czech Republic, one of Europe's most highly rated teams, but failed to qualify for this summers tournament after finishing third place in their group behind the US' group-mate in South Africa Slovenia, and Slovakia, who the US lost to 0-1 in November of last year.  Still a powerful opponent who the US knows well, after the Czechs thumped the Yanks in the teams' opening game of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

As we speak, I'm sure the coaching staff is watching film of the Czechs and the Turks as the two teams played a friendly two days ago at Red Bull Arena, which was won by Turkey 2-1.  Here is the line-up that the Czechs started:
(3-5-2)

-----------------------Cech

Kusnir---------------Mazuch--------------Hubschman

----------------Rajnoch----Plasil

Holek-----------------Cerny---------------Pudil

----------------Fenin---------Necid

Very rarely do we see teams on the international level play a 3-5-2 formation, but if it works for them then more power to 'em.  Breaking down the Czechs is simple, yet difficult in its own right.  No real international superstars on the field, except in goal where Petr Cech prowls and has the ability to stop shots some keepers wouldn't even try to save.  Their backline is relatively inexperienced, but good enough to hold its own.  Its deep midfielders are the ones to watch for.  Rajnoch will hound opposing offensive players and is well known for his defensive bite and prowess.  Plasil has become a key player for his club side (Bordeaux) in central midfield and has become a playmaker for the Czechs as well.  Pudil on the left plank is a scare, with pace and good crossing ability.  Fenin and Necid up top aren't exactly world class, but decent enough to take their chances if presented to them.  Now ofcourse this is the formation that they cam out in last time out, so perhaps coach Michal Bilek has rested some players to present a sterner test to the United States. 

As for the US' starting 11, here are the guys I'd start:

--------------------Howard

Spector-----DeMerit-----Onyewu-----Bocanegra

--------------Bradley----Feilhaber

Holden----------------------------------Donovan

-------------Buddle------Findley

More to come later....