FIFA rankings are corrupted. They intentionally favor weaker regions (NOrth America, Africia) to generate interest in those areas.

The ELO rankings are purer without the fudge factors. And the Europeans + the two South American giants are the top teams

Here is the ELO Rankings for the World Cup teams

Top 8
1. Brasil
2. Netherlands
3. France
4. England
5. Czech
6. Spain
7. Italy
8. Argentina

Next Eight
9. Portugal
10. Germany
11. Sweden
12. Croatia
13. Mexico
14. Iran
15. USA (depsite what FIFA says, USA and Mexico are in the teens,they are not top 10 world clubs)
16. Austrailia

Third Eight
17. Poland
18. Serbia
19. Japan
20. Swiss
21. Praguay
22. Cote
23. Ukraine
24. South Korea

Bottom Group
25. Costa Rica
26. Tunisia
27. Ecudor
28. Ghana
29. House of Saud
30. Angola
31. T&T
32. Togo

I think the most important game this weekend is Iran versus Mexico. The Iranian team has multiple good players from the top flight German leagues.

I hope the USA does well. If the players and Arena can get draws versus the Czechs and the Italians that will be a major accomplishment. Then they would have to blow the Ghana team out in the third game.

I think the USA team has worked very hard. I am unconvinced about the back four. And the USA does not seem to have the 2nd forward to play with McBride. I really like the USA midfield and keeper.

They are well conditioned and mentally tough and play as a team. But they lack the superstar creative player.

I am really looking forward to this weekend.

Most of the world would favor the Czech Republic in this game. This opinion is supported by the latest betting odds to win the World Cup where the USA is 100 to 1 and the Czech Republic is 33 to 1. The Czech’s have a lot of talent, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and very good forwards.

However, the USA has a pretty quick team, size in some key positions, and some players with a lot of experience. The recent loss of versatile defender Corey Gibbs won’t help, but the Czech Republic has had some injuries of late and aren’t real deep.

I think the US needs at least a draw in this game to get out of group E. I’ll be at the game, so I’ve got to pick the Americans in a 1-0 upset.

I think a draw would be a major accomplishment for the US. I agree with Chulavistadad in his assessment of the game. However, the longer the game remains scoreless, or if we score first, the presuure on the Czech team will become immense. They they are not the strongest team from a mental standpoint. However if the Czech's score first, and early, watch out. The US defense needs to have numbers behind the ball to contain Koller, Baros, Nedved and Rosicky. So if we have to push up, we can be countered pretty easily.

Can't wait, will be leaving on the 19th to Munich, watch the Ivory Coast vs Serbia game the following day...I heard they will have a number of Squares in Munich with Huge TV screens with thousands expected to watch...