World Cup Preview: Group E

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who will be traveling to Germany for this year’s Cup.*

No longer under the radar, a strong United States team heads to Germany, looking to prove that their quarterfinal finish at the 2002 World Cup was no fluke. Their draw is brutal, as they will have to get past at least one of the two best teams in the world: Italy and the Czech Republic. Rounding out Group E are African wizards, Ghana.

The United States soccer team, not long ago considered a joke on the world stage, is now fifth in the world rankings and is playing in its fifth consecutive world cup. The team is led by a group of experienced players, both young and old. Veteran goalkeeper, 36 year old, Kasey Keller is one of the top keepers in the world. Playing behind a relatively weak and inexperienced defense, Keller’s play in the goal will be crucial. In the attack, the U.S. is led by the trio of Brian McBride, Demarcus Beasley, and Landon Donovan. All three played together on the 2002 World Cup team, where they were fantastic. Donovan and Beasley will use their speed and creativity to try and create the attack from the midfield, while 33 year-old McBride, whose aerial presence is always a threat, will once again be relied on to score. Our ace in the hole may be 22 year-old striker, Eddie Johnson. Johnson has been very impressive in his 13 appearances for the national team, scoring 9 times. It remains to be seen what he is capable of against world-class opponents. Check out the American side tomorrow night at 6pm on ESPN2, as they play a tune-up match against Venezuela.

*After the jump, some beautiful Italians and some wonderful video footage.*

With three world cup titles to their name, Italy is one of the great soccer nations. Their country is beautiful, their style of play is beautiful, their uniforms are beautiful, and they are beautiful. Surely, they are the envy of the world. They enter the 2006 World Cup with perhaps their strongest team since 1982, the last time they lifted the trophy. Traditionally, the Italians are a defensive-minded team. While their defense will once again be solid, the strength of the current team lies in the attack. Forwards Luca Toni (whose reel you can watch here) and Alberto Gilardino are incredible. (Watch Gilardino bicylce one, as he totally dafoes Inter.) Toni, who led the Italian league in scoring, is brilliant in the air, while Gilardino is capable of scoring and setting up goals from all over the pitch. The Italian’s most important player will be their mercurial captain, 28 year-old attacking midfielder, Francesco Totti, close personal friend of SoccerMad and Austinist editor Matthew Odam. At his best, Totti is one of the most (beautiful and) spectacular players in the world, as evidenced by these plays. However, his last two international tournaments have been a disaster. He was sent off in Italy’s last world cup game, a second round loss to South Korea in 2002, while in 2004 he was suspended for four matches after a spitting incident in the European Cup. If Totti can keep his cool, the Italians may be unstoppable.

Ranked #2 in the world, the Czech Republic has been fantastic over the last few years. Despite losing in the semifinals to eventual winners Greece, the Czechs were the best team at the 2004 European Cup, dominating opponents with their attacking style. Since then, they succeeded in qualifying for their first world cup since 1990. They are led by 2003 European footballer of the year, Pavel Nedved (highlights), and massive striker, 6’8” Jan Koller. Nedved is a playmaker who has hinted that he may retire at the end of the world cup. Koller is huge and superbly-skilled. You will cower in his presence, and then cheer as he displays the deft touch of a master.

On June 11th The Black Stars of Ghana will make their world cup debut. It is a date that is long overdue. Ghana are four-time champions of Africa and have produced many top-level players. Their current team is led by midfielder, Michael Essien, who has been one of the top players in Europe over the last two seasons. While their draw is difficult, the Ghanaian players seem optimistic and positive. Soccer fans across the globe are eager to see what Ghana has to offer.

Who do you like in Group E?

*Programming Note: Soccer Mad moves to Mondays on KOOP.*

If you love soccer, or would like to learn more about it, check out Ben Gardner and Chris Gaffney on Soccer Mad, every Monday at 2:30 pm on 91.7 fm KOOP or online.

Official World Cup Site

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.