Dave Tindall
ITALY
Italy are deservedly one of the fancied runners again but that hasn't stopped past Azzurri line-ups making a real meal out of getting out of the group stage. Even when they won the tournament in 1982, they limped through their group with three draws and four times in the last six World Cups they've failed to finish on top. Despite a surprise early loss to Slovenia, Italy qualified easily and, as ever, the biggest headache for their manager, Marcello Lippi, is settling on his best XI. That tendency to chop and change perhaps explains why they're often slow starters in big tournaments and despite their obvious class they're dubious odds-on favourites to qualify for the last 16 as group winners. However, a likely second round meeting with Brazil will be their 'punishment' if they finish second so that may just sharpen their focus.
GHANA
After finally qualifying for their first World Cup finals, Ghana will feel unlucky to have been drawn in such a tough group. They qualified well, losing just once in 10 games and beating favourites South Africa home and away, but confidence was dented in the recent African Nations when defeat to Zimbabwe ended their hopes at the group stage. There is talent in their ranks but not enough of it. They may have their moments but bottom spot beckons for the Africans on their World Cup bow.
USA
After looking outclassed in past World Cups, Team USA really found their feet in South Korea and Japan four years ago and were unlucky to go out to Germany in the quarter-finals. Coach Bruce Arena has even more strength in depth this time and it may prove foolish to dismiss their top six place in the FIFA World Rankings as totally misleading. They pipped Mexico for top spot in qualifying and will definitely benefit from having a number of their best players plying their trade in Europe. Given the way Arena has them organised the USA are more than capable of catching teams cold in the group phase as they did when racing into a 3-0 against Portugal four years ago.
CZECH REPUBLIC
It's 16 years since the Czech Republic last made the World Cup finals - a strange state of affairs given that they've done so well in the European Championships during that absence. Age is catching up with several of their key men but the fact that it will be their first AND last World Cup should ensure they give it everything. If the FIFA world rankings are anything to go by, the Czechs are the number two side in the world although that doesn't tally with their showing in qualifying when they had to settle for second behind Holland, requring them to win a two-legged play-off against Norway. On their day they can be a match for anyone but this is a dangerous group if the Czechs don't hit their stride early.
VERDICT:
1) Italy
2) USA
3) Czech Republic
4) Ghana
Italy's record down the years suggests they're vulnerable market leaders to top the group but the need to avoid Brazil may prove the difference this time. With Ghana safely pencilled in for bottom spot, the other qualification spot should rest between the Czech Republic and the USA. The bookies come down firmly in favour of the Czechs and that allows us to have a punt on the USA, who are definitely being underestimated. Bruce Arena will have them meticulously prepared and reports suggest signs of complacency in the Czech camp. With the two playing each other first, conditions are perfect for the USA to catch their opponents cold - just as they did with Portugal four years ago. Take the Americans to squeeze through in second.
Best bet: Italy-USA forecast at 7/1 (VC Bet,
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