GELSENKIRCHEN, Jun 11 (SW) - Group E gets sucked into the World Cup action with the United States opening against the Czech Republic.

The World Cup circus returns to Gelsenkirchen. The city hosts its second match after Poland versus Ecuador on Friday.

Bruce Arena will have an entirely fit selection to choose from. The USA coach has always been very secretive about who plays where, so surprises may occur for this match.

The Czech Republic have one injury worry, as Milan Baros hurt his foot last week but is expected to start.

Facts:

After a disappointing performance at the 1998 World Cup, where the USA finished last, the team impressed with a quarter final appearance in 2002, only to be beaten by Germany.

The Czech Republic were one of the favorites to win Euro 2004, but crashed to Greece in the semi finals. The strong squad, with men as Nedved and Koller, will be set to take revenge.

Head to head:

There has been one previous meeting. The two teams faced each other in the group stage of the 1990 World Cup, where the Czechoslovakians won 5-1.

Probable line-ups:

USA: Keller, Lewis, Onyewu, Pope, Cherundolo, Convey, Reyna, Mastroeni, Beasley, Donovan, McBride

Czech Republic: Cech, Grygera, Jankulovski, Rozehnal, Ujfalusi, Galasek, Nedved, Poborsky, Rosicky, Baros, Koller

Location: Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen

Time: 18:00 (6:00pm) CET

Referee: Carlos Amarilla (PAR)