So after all the pomp of the build-up, the 2006 FIFA World Cup finally got underway on Friday, June 9.  The real fun did not start until Monday, when Group E, one of two possible “Group of Death” candidates, got it started with the Czech Republic facing off against the United States.

Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)

The Americans never looked comfortable, and the 5^th minute goal to Czech striker Jan Koller did not help.  Two sublime goals from new Arsenal signing Tomas Rosicky would seal a 3-0 dismantling of a United States team that may have inflated unexpectations, courtesy of their #5 ranking from FIFA, above such giants of world football such as Argentina and England.  They seemed to wilt under the pressure of the #3-ranked Czechs, who were buoyed by a Pavel Nedved performance most certainly not seen by his Juventus club all season.  Nedved and Rosicky decimated the U.S. defense with their darting runs and precise passing, and the gulf in class between the U.S. and the top sides of the world.  The United States, especially DeMarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan, must play better if their country wishes to emulate their 2002 quarter-final showing.

In the other opening match, World Cup debutants Ghana were up against the Azzuri of Italy, who had influential playmaker Francesco Totti in the starting lineup.  But it was Milan midfield man Andrea Pirlo who was the star of the Italian attack, as he directed traffic from his deep-lying role.  Pirlo even got forward much more that he does at Milan, and his brilliant strike at the end of the first half was a kick to the stomach of the Ghanaians, who were not afraid to go at the Azzuri.  Luca Toni also had a good game, with strong running, and he held the ball up extremely well.  Totti, however, showed that he was still lacking match-fitness, and was substituted after 56 minutes.  Ghana can be very proud of their efforts, led by Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah, and a 83^rd minute blunder by defender Samuel Kaffour, who underhit a back pass to his keeper, gave the Italians a padded 2-0 scoreline.  Ghana also had two penalty shouts waved away by referee Carlos Eugenio Simon, who had an atrocious game.  Ghana were easily the surprise of Group E, and could very well take a point from the Americans, who had better shape up quickly, or risk embarrassment.