In 2004, the Czechs beat both Germany and the Netherlands during EURO 2004, and tied Italy in a friendly that year. In 2005, they went 9-3 in WC Qualifying, losing only to the Netherlands (twice) and Romania. They finished second in a fairly tough group. They are ranked second in the world for a pretty good reason.
Since 2004, the best US results have been splitting a pair of games with Mexico and a draw with Poland. The US went 7-2-1 in WC Qualifying, finishing at the top of a group that is not considered to be one of the strongest confederations in FIFA.
All teams will have their players rested and ready to go. FIFA is prohibiting all players from participating in club games for a few weeks prior to the World Cup.
Believe me, I hope you're right that the US will make it out of the group stage. But don't underestimate any of the teams in the group.
