The Epoch Times previews and analyzes groups E and F.
Group E, like Group C, should be one of the most competitive groups of all. It features Italy, the Czech Republic, the United States and Ghana.
Italy, a three-time champion, is again a strong title contender. In 2002, the Italians lost in the round of 16 to South Korea in a highly controversial match. Currently, the Italians favor the attacking 4-3-3 formation, dispelling the stereotypes of old. The Italian defense is one of the most formidable in the world and keeper Gigi Buffon could be considered the world's best. Italy is one of two teams in the tournament where all players play domestically. There are no weaknesses on this team.
Then there is the Czech Republic. They may be slightly past their prime as a team, but they still rank second in FIFA's debatable ranking system. The Czechs bring an attack-minded approach with striker Milan Baros, the Euro 2004 Golden Boot winner, and Arsenal's newest signing, Tomas Rosicky. Petr Cech is a terrific keeper who makes few mistakes. The last time the Czechs made it to the World Cup was in 1990 (as Czechoslovakia) when, oddly enough, they were also grouped with Italy. They lost to Italy 2-0 but still made it to the quarter finals.
The United States will be hard-pressed to duplicate their 2002 quarter final run. Brian McBride, a typical center forward, and DaMarcus Beasley, a speedy winger, are two Americans enjoying considerable success in Europe. Keeper Kasey Keller is one of the few players who played in the 1990 tournament. The United States haven't looked convincing of late, although qualification was routine. The Americans bring some good young talent with an eye on making an impression on the top European clubs.
Ghana is one of the stronger African teams. Chelsea's Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari, all world-class midfielders, provide Ghana with a strong backbone. They qualified ahead of South Africa for their first-ever appearance in the World Cup. Their 4-1 demolition of Jamaica on May 29, and 3-1 defeat of South Korea on June 4, proved that they should not be taken lightly. Ghana did, however, disappoint in the African Cup of Nations, losing to Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Despite the stiff competition, Italy should take this group. The Czechs are the second favorites, possessing attacking threats that the Ghanaians and Americans don't have. Group E play begins June 12, with the Czechs facing the Americans while the Italians take on the Ghanaians.
Group F is Brazil's group. As defending champions, they were automatically placed here and subsequently drawn against Croatia, Australia and Japan.
Brazil is strongly favored to repeat. Ronaldinho has evolved into the world's best soccer player; Ronaldo, who won the 2002 Golden Boot, is still only 29; Adriano adds muscle to the strike force, and Robinho could possibly steal the show from all the aforementioned stars. Dida is a confident keeper whose form hasn't been spectacular with AC Milan lately. Brazilian captain Cafu seems to be the right fullback most players want on their team. Defensively, Brazil has a good combination of talent and toughness and will get support from solid holding midfielders, such as Emerson and Gilberto Silva.
Croatia finished third in the 1998 World Cup but failed to pass the group stage in 2002. Although they defeated Sweden twice in the qualifier, they've had mediocre results in the warm-up matches. Croatia has a capable strike force with Ivan Klasnic and Dado Prso, but most of the news revolves around the coach selecting his son, nicknamed "Fatty," as the team's playmaker!
Australia is making its first appearance in the World Cup in 32 years. Their physical approach and guidance under master tactician Guus Hiddink, who took South Korea to the semi finals in 2002, make them a difficult opponent. Key players such as Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill are just three of the Aussies playing in the Premiership. Australia fought out a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on June 4.
Japan is led by former Brazilian great Zico. As co-hosts of the 2002 tournament, they reached the round of 16. Watch for Celtic's Shunsuke Nakamura, veteran Hidetoshi Nakata, and Shinji Ono, who belong in the best midfield in Asia. Champions of Asia, Japan are the highest ranked Asian team and were also the first nation to qualify for the World Cup, winning their first six games. Japan played to a 2-2 draw against Germany on May 30.
Group F is really about second place. Croatia, Australia and Japan all have merit. Perhaps Australia has the best chance of fighting to a draw with Brazil as their physical approach could be something different for Ronaldinho and company. Group F kicks off June 12, with Australia versus Japan. Brazil faces Croatia June 13.
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