That may be harsh, but there is little doubt that they have gone backwards since Euro 2004 and I feel they are a team to oppose today.
They struggled in qualification, losing 3 times, no other country lost as many matches and made the finals. Key players have aged together, Nedved, now 33, came out of international retirement and Poborsky, 34, is playing in the Czech second division. Infact, 9 of the squad are over 30. Star names Koller, Nedved, Baros and Rosicky have all struggled with and/or are carrying injuries.
No real superstars in the USA team, Landon Donovan is taking his time fulfilling that role, but they are a settled side, with good team spirit and one or two, especially Beasley, have blistering pace. In the last World Cup they reached the quarter finals and impressed with their fitness, that could be a big asset in Germany, given the conditions. They should be able to exploit the Czech Republic on the counter attack.
USA finished above Mexico in qualification, their only losses coming after passage to Germany was confirmed.
No time to write much about the Italy-Ghana tie, apart from, I think the goal line is too low.
2 points USA 4.60 betfair
lay 2 points Czech Republic 2.04 betfair
2 points over 2 goals Italy-Ghana 1.86
Good Luck.
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