(Please feel free to comment or provide your own opinions/analysis.)
Group E
-Czech Republic (FIFA - 2nd)
-U.S.A. (FIFA - T5th)
-Italy (FIFA - 13th)
-Ghana (FIFA - 48th)
Game to Watch: Czech Republic vs. Italy. June 22nd in Hamburg. Being that this is such an evenly-balanced group, there will be much to play for in this match.
David vs. Goliath: Italy vs. Ghana. June 12th in Hanover. 16 WCs (Italy) vs. WC debut (Ghana).
-Italy's group, along with Argentina and England, is one of the toughest. They simply cannot afford to slip up in their first match of the group against Ghana. After a disappointing Euro 2004 run, this team will be ready to go. Lippi has introduced new players between summer 2004 and autumn 2005 (Zaccardo, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Rossi, Blasi, Esposito, Toni, Gilardino and Iaquinta). Together, they have accounted for over half of goals scored during qualification. These new Azzurri will definitely be on the field come tourney-time, with Zaccardo on D, De Rossi holding the midfield and the combination of Toni and Gilardino leading the attack. Along with the experienced Totti, Cannavaro, Nesta, Zambrotta and Buffon, this squad will be ready.
-In what is their 5th consecutive WC, the U.S. has experience on their side. (This team has never been as strong, finishing ahead of Mexico in qualification.) Led by youngsters Beasley and Donovan and the experienced Reyna and McBride, this squad will be good enough to move on.
-Although the Czechs needed to qualify in Europe through playoff format, the team has plenty of experience (Nedved, Koller and Poborsky) to ride them through the tournament. After an impressive Euro 2004 tournament, this squad got even better. Do not be deceived by qualification, as the Czech's finished 2nd with 27 points in their group (behind the Netherlands). Also, a new generation of Czech soccer has been evolving (Baros, Rosicky and Cech).
-Ghana has won 4 African Cup of Nations titles and 2 FIFA Under-17 Championships in its history, but somehow never reached the WC. Moreover, they have produced some of Africa's best talent over the years. Although this squad is relatively young, the talent is there. The Black Stars are led by captain Appiah and Chelsea man Essien (the most expensive players in African soccer history) who together with Muntari give Ghana an impressive midfield. Up front, Gyan and Amoah are very strong.
Prediction:
1. Italy
2. Czech Republic
3. U.S.A.
4. Ghana
Cappo
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Group E
-Czech Republic (FIFA - 2nd)
-U.S.A. (FIFA - T5th)
-Italy (FIFA - 13th)
-Ghana (FIFA - 48th)
Game to Watch: Czech Republic vs. Italy. June 22nd in Hamburg. Being that this is such an evenly-balanced group, there will be much to play for in this match.
David vs. Goliath: Italy vs. Ghana. June 12th in Hanover. 16 WCs (Italy) vs. WC debut (Ghana).
-Italy's group, along with Argentina and England, is one of the toughest. They simply cannot afford to slip up in their first match of the group against Ghana. After a disappointing Euro 2004 run, this team will be ready to go. Lippi has introduced new players between summer 2004 and autumn 2005 (Zaccardo, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Rossi, Blasi, Esposito, Toni, Gilardino and Iaquinta). Together, they have accounted for over half of goals scored during qualification. These new Azzurri will definitely be on the field come tourney-time, with Zaccardo on D, De Rossi holding the midfield and the combination of Toni and Gilardino leading the attack. Along with the experienced Totti, Cannavaro, Nesta, Zambrotta and Buffon, this squad will be ready.
-In what is their 5th consecutive WC, the U.S. has experience on their side. (This team has never been as strong, finishing ahead of Mexico in qualification.) Led by youngsters Beasley and Donovan and the experienced Reyna and McBride, this squad will be good enough to move on.
-Although the Czechs needed to qualify in Europe through playoff format, the team has plenty of experience (Nedved, Koller and Poborsky) to ride them through the tournament. After an impressive Euro 2004 tournament, this squad got even better. Do not be deceived by qualification, as the Czech's finished 2nd with 27 points in their group (behind the Netherlands). Also, a new generation of Czech soccer has been evolving (Baros, Rosicky and Cech).
-Ghana has won 4 African Cup of Nations titles and 2 FIFA Under-17 Championships in its history, but somehow never reached the WC. Moreover, they have produced some of Africa's best talent over the years. Although this squad is relatively young, the talent is there. The Black Stars are led by captain Appiah and Chelsea man Essien (the most expensive players in African soccer history) who together with Muntari give Ghana an impressive midfield. Up front, Gyan and Amoah are very strong.
Prediction:
1. Italy
2. Czech Republic
3. U.S.A.
4. Ghana
Cappo
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