GHANA v USA - DON'T WRITE OFF 5/2 AMERICANS
Dave Tindall

While Group C was done and dusted after just two games, this one has emerged as the real 'Group of Death' after two unexpected results last time.

Ghana's 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic and the United States' 1-1 draw with Italy means all four teams can still qualify.

Italy go into their final game in pole position and know a draw with the Czechs will be enough.

But they've been in this position before and nearly blown it so Italian backers must tread with caution.

I'd rather be backing them if they had to win so the 11/10 makes little appeal - even though the Czechs' problems were ruthlessly exposed by Ghana.

Those problems centre around an injury-hit frontline which Karel Bruckner hopes will be eased by the return of Milan Baros.

However, Baros will find it tough to pick up the pace straight away after missing the first two games and will definitely miss the presence of injured strike partner Jan Koller.

The Czechs also have some ageing legs in midfield - would Karel Poborsky get in any other so-called top international starting XI - so the 3pm kick-off will definitely count against them if the sun shines.

What the Czech Republic do have though is a world-class goalkeeper and but for Peter Cech they could have been hammered by four or five against Ghana.

The combination of Cech, the afternoon heat and the Czechs' problems in attack suggests a low-scoring contest and that idea is further fuelled by the likelihood of Italian caution which will surely kick in with a draw enough to put them through.

Although Italy know they need a victory to guarantee winning the group, finishing second and having to face an underperforming Brazil in the last 16 isn't a disaster. Pushing forward and risking being knocked out is.

A draw could also be enough for the Czechs to go through so they won't necessarily be piling forward for a winner late on if the score in the other game suits them.

Back 0-1 goals at 15/8.

Ghana have been installed as hot 11/10 favourites to beat the USA and it's easy to get carried away by their impressive display of power and athleticism against the Czechs.

But I just wonder if wily USA coach Bruce Arena doesn't have something up his sleeve.

For all their attacking prowess, Ghana make a lot of mistakes at the back and the USA will definitely get chances to punish them.

If they take them, the 12/5 could look a bit silly.

This is Ghana's first World Cup finals and there's no evidence yet that they can follow one rousing performance with another.

As a neutral, I'd love to see them turn it on and stride into the last 16. But, once the betting hat goes on, the Americans make far more appeal.

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By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.