June 5, 2006

by Stan Anderson

The REAL Group of Death.

The play in this group starts June 12 with the United States vs the Czech Republic (11 am CDT) followed immediately after by Italy vs Ghana (2 pm CDT).

It is both easy and difficult to pick the United States out of this group. Here's why. The U.S. is not going to advance because they play the Czech Republic and Italy. The U.S. is going to advance because they play the Czech Republic and Italy.

Bottom line there is still enough doubt worldwide about our Americans that they will use that to their advantage. An important item to consider is that the US has a 100 percent American side and every player has been playing at a high level for an extended period of time.

The Czech Republic will do just fine, but they now have injuries to consider as they enter the Cup. The Czechs have players to rely on with experience but also a group of youth that will aid them during the rigorous World Cup schedule. A team with a very entertaining style of play should give every team they play a match! Coach El-Ahmad will be pulling for the Czech Republic and that has to count for something!

Italy is consistently a world power and a team that will be looking for the trophy July 9 (they have taken the trophy home three times). Whether they make it that far is another story, but they qualified by winning UEFA Group 5. The U.S. has played the Italians in the World Cup before, losing 1-0 in Italy in 1990. Zenga used his backside to keep a clean sheet and shutout the Americans. Italy is another attacking side that will present problems for all in the group.

Ghana is simply fun. But now they are fun and good! Two World titles in the 1990's for their 17s will mean they will not fear anyone. They are not seen much on the world stage and qualified after winning African Group 2. One must keep an eye on Michael Essien as he will be one of the most entertaining and dangerous players in the entire field.

Players to watch in Group E
USA -- Kasey Keller (GK) and Claudio Reyna (M)
Czech Republic -- Pavel Nedved (M) and Milan Baros (F)
Italy -- Francesco Totti and Alberto Gilardino
Ghana -- Stephen Appiah and Michael Essien

Match to watch in Group E
The United States vs the Czech Republic on June 12th at 11 am CdT. (ESPN2)

The MU staff and campers will be watching this one together between sessions at the MU camps. It will be a fantastic match with two very different teams playing two different styles. Coach El-Ahmad will be pulling for his homeland and Coach A will be pulling for the States. Fortunately the MU campers will be on my side!

Group E Schedule
Mon., June 12 -- ITA vs GHA -- Hanover
Mon., June 12 -- USA vs CZE -- Gelsenkirchen
Sat., June 17 -- ITA vs USA -- Kaiserslautern
Sat., June 17 -- CZE vs GHA -- Cologne
Thu., June 22 -- CZE vs ITA -- Hamburg
Thu., June 22 -- GHA vs USA -- Nuremburg

Who will advance?
The real Group of Death. Look for the States and Czech Republic to advance.

Personal World Cup Memories
For this group, as far as memories go, the U.S. played Italy in Italy in 1990. They played in a 60,000 seat stadium full with whistling fans (a sign of derision) against a very good Italian side. The U.S. was made of mostly of collegians and gave the Italians all they could handle. Late in the match the U.S. had a chance at the back post that was saved by Walter Zenga's bum. A save that was both skillful and a bit lucky. I remember talking with Jimmy Banks days after the cup at Rick Kilps' (Wis.-Parkside head coach) summer camp. Jimmy was a starter for the US in that match and hails from Milwaukee. The U.S. did not advance in that World Cup but the foundation was set by Bob Gansler.