USA's World Cup hopes - Stillborn?

Some American soccer analysts named FIFA World Cup Group E the Group of Death. Obviously a very American thing to say. This group only has two very strong contenders for the top honours. And once again. The Americans are the first to complain. USA and Ghana are not yet on the standards of Czech Republic and Italy. Even if the USA is ranked higher in the FIFA world rankings: They lack stability in defence and the experience of the lower ranked Italians. Thus they have no need to complain. A draw is a draw. No matter what group the USA team landed in, the competition would have been tough. I do feel sorry for the USA -- they showed promise in 2002, but this year they lack some of the past strong talent. In 2002 the got through to the top 16 to everybody's surprise. Unlike in 2002, opponents will be ready for them, and they will not sneak up on good teams.

Ghana are newcomers to the competition and like other African teams are rather unknown competitors. They could cause a stir in their first game against Italy, since Italians are slow starters in competitions. Last summer Italy could have been written off, but they've up-ed their game lately. If Italy play attacking football they can advance deep into the competition, given high levels of early motivation. This would all depend on whom they will be using for their early games: Will they warm up the top guns, or will they rally up the second team against the USA and Ghana? If they play the way they have in the past two major meets, they could become victims of the group stage.

Czech Republic. This is probably their last outing. The super stars that have led this team are playing in their last World Cup. Italy might be the stronger team right now. This all bring more sad news for the USA. The chances of glory are slimmer than in 2006 - yet - do not under estimate their new players looking for the ever present sposorship dollars. Heros gets rewarded with huge endorsement deals.