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Czech Republic vs. Italy in Hamburg
Group E is the only one of the eight groups that has seen none of its four teams clinch spots in the second round. Italy, Czech Republic, and Ghana all have possiblities of advancing with a tie (Italy definitely would, the other two would need help) and the USA must win (and get help).
For USA fans, the simplest scenario is: beat Ghana and have the Czechs lose to Italy. The USA could advance with a win if the Czechs and Italians play to a draw, but they would have to beat Ghana by at least four goals to advance. Number of goals the USA has scored of its own volition in the World Cup so far: zero.
The Czechs are a battered and bruised bunch. Striker Jan Koller is likely out with a hamstring injury. Striker Milan Baros will probably miss the match too with a foot injury, but there is hope in the Czech camp that he can play. Vratislav Lokvenc is out with two yellow cards. Defender Thomas Ujfalusi is also out after getting a red card against Ghana.
Italy will be missing Daniele De Rossi who got a red card against the USA.
The USA will be missing Eddie Pope and Pablo Mastroeni due to yellow cards.
Ghana will be without its two goal scorers from its win over the Czechs: Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan.
So here are the possible permuations:
1) Italy wins, USA wins - Italy is #1, USA is #2
2) Italy wins, Ghana wins - Italy is #1, Ghana is #2
3) Italy wins, USA-Ghana draw - Italy is #1, Ghana is #2
4) Czechs win, USA wins - Czech Republic is #1, Italy is #2 unless the USA makes up goal difference on Italy (presently +2 for Italy and -3 for USA)
5) Czechs win, Ghana wins - Czech Republic and Ghana advance and goal difference decides placement (presently, the Czechs are +1 and Ghana is at 0)
6) Czechs win, USA-Ghana draw - Czech Republic is #1, Italy and Ghana decide second spot on goal difference (currently Italy is at +2, Ghana is at 0)
7) Italy-Czech Republic draw, USA wins - Italy is #1, Czechs get #2 slot UNLESS USA makes up four goal deficit
8) Italy-Czech Republic draw, Ghana wins - Ghana is #1, Italy is #2
9) Both matches end in draws - Italy is #1, Czech Republic is #2
I try to keep it fresh.
I believe there's a Spanish language station broadcasting it. No English language stations. They wouldn't want to cut into morning drive time sports talk and have people calling in to complain about who the Lakers will draft.
Regardless, the Czechs are sweating more now.
Or at least it does when you're in a hurry.
For the USA it ain't Ghana happen
Landon Donovan is on my "on notice" list.
John Mensah: Rock of Gibraltar!
Italy, 7 pts, 6 GF 1 GA
Ghana, 6 pts, 4 GF 2 GA
Czech Rep, 3 pts, 3 GF 4 GA
USA, 1 pt, 2 GF 5 GA
Italy will likely get the Aussies or Team Tablecloth in the next round.
Ghana will likely face Brazil.
England until they go out in the quarters
Holland until they go out in the semis
Argentina until they lose in the final
Of course, I really don't like the English team.
And I think Team Tablecloth is out after today. But they will be wearing the checkerboard kit today!
Too many sloppy mistakes on defense, too little playmaking on offense.
But more seriously, who the hell comes out in a 4-5-1 in a must win game? And after it worked so well against the CR and ITA?
I am factoring in how late I would have slept in til because when I wake up at 7am in the morning, I can't go back to sleep again.
Unless he decides to go play for Ghana.
Arena: Stay? Go? Executed in public venue?
You will enjoy my preview for that one tomorrow.
Lots of math!
"I don't know what the future holds. I've also got some other opportunities to explore."
What kind of opportunities could he possibly be talking about?
I like Arena a lot. He did a great job building on what Bora did. But managed this team horribly.
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