I Dislike Your Favorite Team

Well, I've been dreading this summary. I am torn to lead with my heart, and try to come up with scenarios in which the US might advance, or go with my head, which says that the Italians need to implode a lot more to give the US a shot.

Let's start typing and see what happens. First off, this is the Group of Death of this cup. I think it could be reasonably argued that there are three teams in this group better than the number 1 seeds in some other groups. (I'm talking to you, Mexico. You jerks!) And the fourth best team in this group is a very dangerous team in their own regard. Anything could happen. It will be all very exciting and I'll be a lot happier if it I'll be able to enjoy the excitement and not spend all my time saying, "Wow, if it weren't for Kasey Keller, we'd be down 3 goals right now."

Teams in Group E
Italy
The Czech Republic
USA
Ghana

Italy. This team is formidable talent wise. For the few brave souls not picking Brazil to win the whole thing, Italy became a rather fashionable choice. Especially because winner of Group E would not face Brazil until the Final. (Unless of course, Brazil pulls a fast one and finishes second in their group). Of course, the Italians off the pitch are imploding a bit, with a major scandal currently rocking their professional leagues, and casting aspersions on some of their players. Which is of course, a shame. Illegal fixing, corruption, gambling. Are these the things we think of, when we think of the Italians?

The Czech Republic. I became very enamored with Czech culture when my roommate in college and I got drunk on Staropramen. I fell out of love with Czech culture the next day. But I really really enjoyed these guys playing in the Euro Cup in 2004. Great blend of older savvy, like Nedved and Jan Koller; young dangerous players in Baros and Rosicky. Very solid defense (I'm particularly impressed with Ujfalusi and Grygera) and a top notch net minder in Cech. They have suffered some injuries, most notably Vladimir Smicer, who is at this moment, being reported as unable to participate in the Cup at all. He's a nice player, but not the key to their success in Germany. I like this team to win the Group. Anyone who saw their legendary game against the Netherlands in Euro 2004 knows not to count this team out.

USA. One of the biggest problems with this US national team is its tendency to play down to their competition. I've seen them in squeakers with sketchy CONCACAF teams, and I've seen them hold their own against teams I thought would just destroy them. They make it very hard to get a real sense of how good they are. Keller is a sensational goalie, and has the best sidelong dirty looks in the world. The defense is looking a bit more solid, but the middle is still young, the leftside a converted midfielder, and there are chances being born out of confusion in the back against the US. Midfield is a huge question mark. How healthy will Reyna be? O'Brien? How long until DeMarcus Beasley doesn't get up from those hits he takes? At striker, McBride is quietly becoming one of the best this country has ever produced, if not the best. He is relentless, and throws his body around like someone who hasn't had the number of disguting injuries he has had. We'll see how this team performs. I don't see them beating the Czechs, but if they can grab an early lead against Italy, it could be the sort of thing that blows apart the tournament. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Ghana. The established themselves as a very tough defensive squad in their qualifiers. Something like less than 5 goals allowed in 12 games. That's impressive. There is also some real talent on this squad, like Samuel Kouffor, Stephen Appiah, and Michael Essien. These guys are used to international play tournaments in their club play. This is not a typical First Time in the Cup kind of team. They could beat anyone in this group, particuarly if the other team weren't having their best game. This is absolutely not the kind of team you want to see as the 4th in your group. Chances for upsets abound in this group, and it would set this group on its ear from the outset if Ghana managed to knock of Italy in the second game of the Group's play. Watch for it.

Conclusion. If everyone plays their best game in every game in this group, Ghana and the US are going home. The question is, how good is Italy going to be? The more I ponder it, the more I think Italy is setting up to be huge disappointments. Distractions at home, that every player has admitted to be constant source of discussion. Three very credible threats in the group, and not a cupcake at any stop.

I've done it! Heart or head? I'm not sure which, but I'm calling The Czech Republic the first team out of this group, and the USA the second. I'll probably regret that, but for now, it feels real good to type. Feels tingly.