Who Ate All The Bratwurst

5 Conclusions: Italy v France

1 Congratulations to Italy. Not the strongest squad in the tournament on paper, but when you think of the consistently outstanding performers of Germany 2006, you think Buffon, Cannavaro, Gattuso, Pirlo and Grosso.

2 I'm not sure if the best header of the game was Marco Materazzi's goal or the one Zinedine Zidane landed on him. See, Wayne, it can happen to the best of them!

3 Thierry Henry was unlucky to be on the losing side. He again showed that he can perform on the big occasions.

4 Marco Materazzi (pictured) should sack his tattoo artist.

5 There could be a rush later today for Europe's top clubs to snap up their very own Italian Serie C World Cup winner.

Rob Parker

World Cup Final preview: Italy v France

ITALY V FRANCE
Berlin, 7pm BST (BBC1 and ITV1)

All those qualifying matches around the globe, those 2pm kick-off group games we live blogged for you and those nervy knockout matches all boil down to one match between two European neighbours with plenty of World Cup history. Italy and France have both improved as the tournament has progressed, but I think Italy will edge it because of their defensive quality. The Italian team is built on a solid defence which has conceded just once so far this tournament. France have weak links in left-back Eric Abidal and the ever eccentric Fabien Barthez.

Team news Alessandro Nesta is still not fit to play, so the impressive Marco Materazzi will continue in his place. Daniele De Rossi is back from his four match ban, but is unlikely to regain his starting place at this late stage in the tournament. Louis Saha is suspended for France, but they would have been unlikely to use him anyway after his poor showing as a substitute in the semi-final against Portugal.

Prediction Italy 2-1 France

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Germany v Italy

1 What a game: one of the best 0-0 draws ever followed by dramatic extra time.

2 It is sad to see the hosts get knocked out. Bratwurst wanted Germany to go all the way, but I predicted a win for Italy in extra time and they deserved it in the end.

3 It was great to watch an end-to-end game with sensible refereeing and players not diving all over the place. Benito Archundia should referee the final now.

4 The match did not deserve to be settled on penalties, so I was glad to see an extra time winner (some of our German readers will probably disagree!).

5 Italy v France would be a mouth-watering final based on the last performance from either side.

Rob Parker

Semi-final preview: Germany v Italy

GERMANY V ITALY
Dortmund, 8pm BST (ITV1)

Klinsmann's army marches on to Dortmund where the German national team has an excellent record. Expect a tight, nervy affair as Germany's counter-attacking pace is pitted against Italy's resolute defending. The Germans have already shown that they can force sides who try to sit back (even with a lead) and it will be interesting to see how Italy approach the game. The match is a repeat of the 1982 final which Italy won 3-1, but the world has changed a lot since then. After all, Italian football was in throes of a match fixing scandal in 1982...

Team News Germany's holding midfielder Torsten Frings is harshly suspended for his involvement in the post-match fracas with Argentina forcing Klinsmann to tinker with his starting line-up for the first time since the second group match. Tim Borowski is likely to replace him. Italy will almost certainly still be without Alessandro Nesta.

Prediction Germany 0-1 Italy (aet)

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Brazil v Ghana

1 Ghana's innocent and naive football is a joy to behold. Sadly I think they will need the nous and cynicism of more established footballing nations to make the next step up.

2 Brazil definitely look beatable despite a comfortable win in the end. I suspect, though, that the optimists among the Brazilian faithful will be following the theories on tournament progression devised by the great philosopher Rio Ferdinand.

3 After a shaky start against Italy, Richard Kingson has turned out to be one of the most reliable African goalkeepers EVER!!!

4 Record-breaking Ronaldo is now finding the net, but we could see a return to the desolate figure of the first two games once he comes up against a defence which is not determined to commit suicide.

5 Strike partner Adriano (pictured) didn't look much more mobile than Rotundo today. Carlos Alberto Parreira obviously favours the old big man, bigger man attacking combination!

Rob Parker

Bratwurst awards ceremony for the World Cup losers

Just like the headteacher at a failing school's awards evening, here at Bratwurst we want to make sure that nobody goes home empty handed. This is our awards ceremony full of token prizes for those teams whose World Cup dream is now over after first round elimination.

Join us in this celebration of mediocrity and allow me to hand you over to our host with most: Mr Mick McCarthy.

The Award for having most players in the second round without qualifying
And the winner is: Poland
The Poles may be out, but Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose are still flying the flag (the German flag though).

The Award for best Premiership blast from the past
And the winner is: Paulo Wanchope (Costa Rica)
The gangly forward is reportedly angling for a return too.

The Award for talking a good game
And the winner is: Paraguay
They were all mouth before the tournament and didn't deliver.

The Award for outstanding effort
And the winner is: Trinidad and Tobago
Nobody expect anything other than three heavy defeats for T&T and they proved everyone wrong.

The Award for being the best team not to qualify for the second round
And the winner is: Ivory Coast
Gave an excellent account of themselves, but the Group of Death was a bit too deadly for them.

The Award for messiest World Cup divorce
And the winner is: Serbia & Montenegro
S&M will go their separate ways now. Not sure who gets the kids.

The Award for worst World Cup haircut
And the winner is: Loco (Angola)
No need for any comment here.

The Award for the participating country most likely to get bombed by America
And the winner is: Iran
Unless George Dubya has been wooed by their carpet pennants.

The Award for furthest distance travelled downhill after an opening match
And the winner is: Czech Republic
So full of promise after whipping the USA, but it all ended in tears.

The Award for the coach with the more plausible name for a World Cup venue
And the winner is: Bruce Arena (USA)
"Welcome to the Bruce Arena in Frankfurt for today's game between..."

The Award for most referees eliminated from the World Cup
And the winner is: Croatia
With a little help from Mr Poll himself, of course!

The Award for giving Brazil a scare before getting thrashed
And the winner is: Japan
You can never keep Ronaldo down. Weebles wobble but they don't fall down.

The Award for most French hearts put in mouths
And the winner is: South Korea
They nearly sneaked through after that late equaliser against Les Bleus.

The Pierre van Hooijdonk Award for most strikes threatened
And the winner is: Togo
If only they had spent as much time on the training ground as they had at the negotiation table.

The Award for packing midfield and not scoring enough goals
And the winner is: Tunisia
Couldn't change their system even when they needed a win against Ukraine.

The Award for most surnames in a squad beginning with 'Al'
And the winner is: Saudi Arabia
No fewer than 12 of the Saudi squad were Al something.

Rob Parker

Horror Hair: Jan Polak, Czech Republic

Czech Republic scapegoat Jan Polak was sent off just before half-time in today's game with Italy for possession of an offensive haircut. The referee decided it was too much for the crowd to put up with for another 45 minutes. Polak's hair consists of a bleached blond mohawk, a separate blond strip of hair down the back and his natural dark brown hair cropped underneath. Lovely!

Rob Parker

LIVE BLOG: Czech Republic 0-2 Italy

Click below to access our live blog of Group E decider CZECH REPUBLIC v ITALY, which kicks off at 3pm. Feel free to join the debate and comment on the match as it progresses – & don't forget to click Refresh on your internet browser to update the commentary…

FYI, 3 subscribers can check out the highlights of the game for free on their mobile.

LIVE BLOG: CZECH REPUBLIC v ITALY, Group E, Hamburg

PRE-MATCH The main news from each camp is that Baros is fit to start for the Czech Republic, while the equine Camoranesi is in for Luca Toni.

1min The match is under way. Looks like the Czech Republic are going to force the pace, while Italy are content to be a little more patient. If they are playing for the draw it could backfire!

2min Nesta brings down Nedved as he raced down the left touchline just inside the Italy half. Lucky to escape without a yellow card.

4min Bright start for the Czech Republic. Baros is putting himself about and has conceded a couple of free kicks already. Haven't quite found the final ball yet. Italy have the same trouble on their first attack as a poor cross trickles out for a goal kick.

6min Italy full-back Grosso makes a great run and puts in a decent ball, but they look lightweight in the box without Toni. Only Gilardino was in the area.

8min Grosso is findind room down the left flank and wins a corner with another cross. The Czech Rep break but can't play Baros in. They win the ball again in midfield and Nedved plays an outstanding ball to Baros with the outside of his boot. Baros's first touch lets him down and the chance is wasted.

10min Totti and Kovac form an acrobatic circus act in the Czech Rep area. The referee sees it Kovac's way and gives a free kick for backing in.

13min It is a pretty even game so far. It's end-to-end football, but without any clear-cut chances being created.

14min A Czech corner is not cleared properly by Italy. The Czech Rep opt for patient build-up before Nedved fires a shot at Juventus team-mate Buffon from outside the area. He gets up in time to block the follow-up from Jankulovski.

17min Nesta walks off rubbing his groin (calm down, ladies!) and is replaced by ex-Everton defender Marco Materazzi.

19min The game is still to find its rhythm after the substitution. Still 0-0 between Ghana and USA too by the way.

20min Petr Cech hocks up a mouthful of phlegm to spit on his gloves. Is this scientifically proven to improve goalkeeping?!

22min Zambrotta charges onto a lobbed through-ball in the Czech Rep box but over-hits his cross. The largely anonymous Rosicky leads the break and works the ball inside from the right before being closed down.

24min Gattuso comes close with a header from outside the area from Totti's chipped cross. The big news is that Ghana have taken the lead in the other game, which would put the Czach Rep out if the scores stay the same.

25min GOAL!!! Czech Rep 0-1 Italy Substitute Marco Materazzi makes a huge leap from an Italy corner and heads past Cech. Goal-line defenders are conspicuous in their absence.

28min The Czech Rep are in serious difficulty now. For us neutrals though, it is fantastic! Looks like it will be a very open game from now on.

30min Gattuso is booked for clipping Nedved. The bearded midfielder had lost his footing and made sure Nedved didn't have a free run down the left-wing.

33min Surprise, surprise, Italy are trying to sit back on their lead. Gilardino looks a lonely figure when they break though, and it could be a dangerous game.

35min Horror hair candidate Polak ends up in the book after a dive from Camoranesi. The Italian midfielder looks like a faller at the Grand National as he rolls about on the floor. Sadly he's running fine now though, and not off to the glue factory.

36min Mark Bright has worked out that the Czech Rep are having trouble finding the final ball today (see Bratwurst Live Blog 4min!)

39min Camoranesi is down and actually injured after heading Polak's head from an Italy corner. Oh the irony!

42min Gilardino picks up a long ball in the area but has no support against two defenders. Italy could take a lesson from Spain and leave out their golden boy. They seem to be accommodating Totti at the expense of their attack.

45min Polak is sent off for a second bookable offence on the stroke of half-time for barging into Totti. Bye bye Czech Republic.

HALF-TIME In the other game Dempsey equalised for the USA just before half-time, but Stephen Appiah has just given Ghana a 2-1 lead from the penalty spot.

It looks like Italy and Ghana to go through at the minute. Feel free to leave your comments and questions over half-time or at any point in the second half.

Just seen what Ghana's penalty was awarded for. Minimal contact is an overstatement!

45min Second half has kick-off. Czech Rep have brought on Stajner for Poborsky.

47min Francesco 'Samson' Totti puts a free-kick harmlessly wide ie nearly hit the corner flag. Perhaps he could borrow some hair from Camoranesi and regain his powers.

50min Grosso heads behind for a corner with Stajner creeping up on him. Italy break and briefly have three-on-two. Rozenhal attempts to clear up in the Czech box, but nearly sells Cech short.

52min Totti has got his eye in now. Cech dives low to his right to push Totti's low drive behind. The Czech Rep break with Nedved's driving run into the area, but he is thwarted by Buffon.

55min Cannavaro volleys over from a well-worked Italy free-kick. Totti was disappointing in the first half, but as John Motson has just pointed out, he has got so much space now that he can run the game.

59min It's end-to-end now. I think I could be in danger of getting RSI by the time we are into the last 10 minutes! The annoying Filippo Inzaghi is on in place of Gilardino (alongside Gilardino in place Camoranesi would have been better).

62min Italy have stepped up the pace all of a sudden and have forced a corner. Czech Republic have replaced Milan Baros (out of steam) with David Jarolim. Camoranesi should have scored with a near-post header from the corner but he was a bit of a tart, closed his eyes and flapped his pony-tail at it.

67min Inzaghi should have scored. A Czech defender's clearance hit his own man and put Inzaghi clean though, but he fired wide.

68min  Czech coach Karol Bruckner is either nervously playing with both hands in front of his face or playing the mouth organ to pass the last 22 minutes.

70min Buffon denies Nedved again (he must have a bet on an Italy clean sheet!) Stajner's backheel teed up Nedved from 20 yards. His shot was punched out by the keeper diving to his left.

73min Camoranesi is replaced by the poetically named Simone Barone.

75min Motty and Brighty have a bit of a tiff about whether they will be seeing the partially fit Jan Koller or not.

77min Motty wins the argument. Czech Rep bring on Marek Heinz for Kovac. Koller obviously isn't fit enough. Inzaghi nearly jumps the offside trap but is pulled up.

79min Totti has played a couple of bad passes in succession to the sound of boos from the crowd. His performance has hardly hit lofty levels, but he has been particular poor in the last five minutes. He looks tired now.

81min Czech Rep have a free-kick on the far left, which is drifted in by Nedved but easily claimed by Buffon. The keeper has been calm and collected all day. Perhaps he has been leaked the results of the corruption inquiry!

82min Pirlo mazes in and out of defenders a la Ricky Villa before putting the ball on the unmarked head of Inzaghi seven yards out. Somehow he puts it wide.

85min The Czech Rep look resigned to their fate. They are attacking but with no real conviction.

86min GOAL!!! Czech Rep 0-2 Italy Inzaghi springs the offside trap this time. Barone goes with him so that Cech can't commit either way. Inzaghi rounds Cech and slots home.

88min Goalscorer Materazzi is stretchered off with arm or shoulder trouble. Gattuso throttled Lippi while celebrating the second goal for some reason. The boss didn't look too impressed!

91min The commentators are discussing how Totti has been a passenger. He has been left on the pitch for 90 mins to improve his match fitness, but he hasn't done any running.

FULL TIME The game ends in low-key fashion. Nedved crouches and bows his head as he knows his side are going home. Full-time between Ghana and USA too with Ghana winning 2-1. Italy and Ghana progress.

Rob Parker

Day 14 preview & predictions

At last, two groups with it still all to play for. Groups A-D were pretty much done & dusted after the second round of group matches, so we got some pretty lame games (Holland v Argentina being a prime example). Today it's all up for grabs:

3pm Czech Republic v Italy, Group E, Hamburg (BBC1)
3pm Ghana v USA, Group E, Nuremberg (BBC Interactive)
8pm Japan v Brazil, Group F, Dortmund (BBC1)
8pm Croatia v Australia, Group F, Stuttgart (BBC3)

Day 14 preview & predictions cont…

3pm Czech Republic v Italy, Group E, Hamburg (BBC1)

Italy just need a draw to progress. Czech Republic can only be sure of making the last 16 with a win. Will Italy sit back and play for the draw though? It's in their blood, but it's a very risky tactic against such a strong attacking team as the Czechs. A real dilemma for the Azzurri. Milan Baros has resumed training and could figure from the start. Daniele De Rossi is suspended after his horror elbow against the States. Should be a thriller.
Player cam: Can't see many goals in this one, partly because of the Buffon v Cech goalkeeping match-up - two of the world's best going head to head. Won't be many goals around.
Prediction: Czech Republic 0 – 0 Italy

* * * * *

3pm Ghana v USA, Group E, Nuremberg (BBC Interactive)

A Ghana win would see them qualify for sure. The States are relying on a lot of luck though: they need to beat Ghana and hope that Italy bounces the Czechs. After that, it gets complicated. One thing is sure: the States start the day as rank outsiders to escape from Group E. Losing the suspended Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope hasn't helped. The Yanks' one ray of sunshine is that Ghanaian stars Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan are suspended too.
Player cam: Cometh the hour… can U.S golden boy Landon Donovan finally prove himself at the highest level? I've got a sneaky feeling he can.
Prediction: Ghana 1 – 2 USA

* * * * *

8pm Japan v Brazil, Group F, Dortmund (BBC1)

Stuttering Brazil just need a draw to top Group F. Japan are on the plane home, almost certainly: Zico's men need to beat Brazil and then rely on the other result in the group. Brazil may decide to rest a couple of stars, safe in the knowledge that they've already qualified for the second round.
Player cam: Like to see Robinho in from the start for Brazil but I've a feeling Rotundo will start again. Shame.
Prediction: Japan 0 – 3 Brazil

* * * * *

8pm Croatia v Australia, Group F, Stuttgart (BBC3)

This is gonna be fierce. Two tough-tackling sides with a whole load of national history in the mix:  Croatia have three players with an Australian background. Joe Didulica and Josip Simunic were born in Australia whilst Anthony Seric is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport. Australia have a remarkable seven players of Croatian background in their squad: Mark Viduka, Zeljko Kalac, Ante Covic, Tony Popovic, Josip Skoko, Jason Culina and Marco Bresciano. Wow. A draw should be enough for Australia, unless Japan shock Brazil, whilst Croatia have to win, simple as that. One thing is 99% sure: there won't be 11 versus 11 when the final whistle goes.
Player cam: Mark Viduka will be so up for this.
Prediction: Croatia 0 – 0 Australia

Kit Parade: Retro Ghana shirt

Don't settle for Ghana's boring current kit if you are cheering them on at the World Cup. Instead you could own this little piece of Rastafarian heaven. This retro shirt may not be easy on the eye, but you will certainly stand out in a crowd.

For was it not that wise old sage Boy George who said: "Loving would be easy if your colours were like my dream, red, gold and green"? (Now you will be humming Karma Chameleon all the way through tonight's football!) You can buy the shirt from UK Soccer Shop.

Rob Parker

Pub Debate: How annoying are referees who proudly display their cards?

BBC summariser Mick McCarthy was having a bit of a rant about referee's "flicking" cards at players and looking pleased with themselves during yesterday's Portugal v Iran game. It took until the very next game for a classic example to arrive. Referee Horacio Elizondo is not actually looking at Tomas Ujfalusi as he shows him the red card in the Czech Republic v Ghana match. He just stares into the distance and enjoys being the centre of attention (1min 30secs into the video). He is still not quite as good as this guy.

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Italy v USA

1 They don't make 'em like Brian McBride anymore. Football's last action hero.
2 We've had plenty of modern, attacking games typified by incisive passing, great goals and no physical contact. This was by comparison a bloody war, a throwback to the kick-anything-that-moves World Cup matches of the 1950s and 1960s. I loved it. Boy, this World Cup is good.
3 Clint Dempsey is a better footballer than he is rapper.
4 Bruce Arena should have introduced the pace of Eddie Johnson for the last 10 minutes. McBride's legs were gone by that stage.
5 FIFA should bypass the draw and just stick these four nations in Group E at the next World Cup too. They got 'chemistry'.

Germany 2006: Day 9 preview & predictions

Two fantastic games and one scoreless draw yesterday. Can today's three matches live up to that?

2pm Portugal v Iran, Group D, Frankfurt (BBC, Live Blog on Bratwurst)
5pm Czech Republic v Ghana, Group E, Cologne (ITV)
8pm Italy v USA , Group E, Kaiserslautern (ITV)

Click below to read the full preview & predictions

Germany 2006: Day 9 preview & predictions cont…

2pm Portugal v Iran, Group D, Frankfurt (BBC, Live Blog on Bratwurst)

Mexico's failure to beat Angola last night leaves the door wide open for Portugal to win Group D, which along with England's group, is probably the weakest quartet. Influential playmaker Deco returns to the side and Cristiano Ronaldo should also be fit to start. Can only see a Portugal win this afternoon – Iran were pretty poor in the end against Mexico, despite a solid start.
Player cam: Deco is Portugal's Riquelme, only not as good. He should make a big difference to the Europeans though.
Prediction: Portugal 3 – 0 Iran

* * * * *

5pm Czech Republic v Ghana, Group E, Cologne (ITV)

God, I love Group E! Complacency is the biggest danger for the impressive Czechs, and Ghana could well cause a shock here. Should be a fascinating match, particularly in midfield: Nedved v Appiah, Rosicky v Essien. Some tasty match-ups there.
Player cam: Watch Michael Essien. He's Ghana's heartbeat – everything good comes through him.
Prediction: Czech Republic 2 – 2 Ghana

* * * * *

8pm Italy v USA , Group E, Kaiserslautern (ITV)

Poor USA. This is just what they need after a morale-draining defeat in their first game: the Italians. I'm sure Bruce Arena's boys will play a much better game than they managed against the Czechs, but Italy should have enough quality in all areas to sneak another 1-0 win.
Player cam: Landon Donovan will probably drop back to midfield for the States, where he will be more influential.
Prediction: Italy 1 – 0 USA

Kit Parade: Italy's bling goalkeeper kit

Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffo(o)n looked blingtastic in his sandy-gold v-neck (what a double whammy – sandy-gold and a v-neck!!!), when Italy played Ghana on Monday. Even Jorge Campos wouldn't have worn this.

If you too want to look like a massive clown/freak, you can buy this shirt online from uksoccershop.

11 reasons why Americans don't watch the World Cup

Excellent U.S. website bbspot.com has come up with a list explaining why Americans don't watch the World Cup. And here is that very list, in reverse order:

11 Having a hard time converting from metric goals to imperial
10 What? All Americans south of Rio Grande watch it!
9 Because soccer is for moms. Or so I've heard.

Click below for the rest of the list…

11 reasons why Americans don't watch the World Cup cont…

8 Never got soccer fever immunisations as a kid, worried they might catch it.

7 Oath of allegiance to NFL prohibits viewing of soccer matches.

6 Ignoring losing team much easier than admitting you're a loser.

5 Lost all interest after Lance Armstrong retired.

4 Not enough commercial breaks.

3 Failing to understand the concept of 'the world'

2 Conflicts with summer Fear Factor marathon.

1 Because if you like soccer, the terrorists win.

5 ways to improve Team USA

OK, maybe I was a little bit harsh on the States in the wake of its ugly 3-0 loss to Nedved, Rosicky and their Czech mates. In the spirit of our two nations' 'special relationship', Bratwurst is proud to offer 5 tips to help America not suck at football/soccer:

1 Ditch Bruce Arena and his Tommy Hilfiger hair, and bring in Chuck Norris to coach the squad. Chuck would sort the men from the boys and kick some serious foreign ass.
2 Stop invading liberating other countries. It's not good PR.
3 Drop Landon Donovan. He looks like a soap actor, not a footballer.
4 Pass the ball forward once in a while.
5 Bring back Brad Friedel. A man's man.

5 Conclusions: Italy vs Ghana

1 Michael Essien is awesome. If someone didn't deserve to lose a World Cup match, it's Essien after his awesome performance against a solid Italian midfield.

2 Ghana have a lot to learn before their next game against the impressive Czech side. Too many touches in front of goal, and hesitancy on the ball will be exposed by classy outfits.

3 Italy are still the best divers in the world. From stretcher to winning goal, Iaquinta put on an Oscar -winning performance…

4 …after what did look like a career-threatening tackle from the clumsy (and very lucky) Kuffour.

5 Every squad should have a Kinston (Ghana's 'keeper). Flapping at every single corner and doing spectacular praying before games. Marvellous stuff.

Mof Gimmers

Virtual World Cup: Italy 1 – 1 Ghana

The Italians dominated the match and took the lead through Gilardino on 51 minutes. But Ghana (aka Cameroon because the Ghanaian national team isn't in PES5) hit back in added time to snatch a 1-1 draw. The jammy sods (I say jammy, 'cause it was me that was playing as Italy).

5 Conclusions: USA vs Czech Republic

1 Sepp Blatter (pictured) should issue a full retraction this evening and give the USA a more realistic ranking. Most of the world knew it was a joke before. Now the rest does too.

2 It looks like Arsene Wenger has got his man at the right price once again. Tomas Rosicky impressed throughout, not just with his two goals but also his defensive work.

3 I am writing this without having seen Ghana play yet, but on that lacklustre performance USA look like wooden spoon favourites to me.

4 The stretcher bearers nearly did the injured Jan Koller no favours by almost tipping the man mountain off as they lifted him up.

5 The ageing Czech Republic side look full of running still. Koller's absence could be their downfall unless Milan Baros recovers his fitness and Euro 2004 form.

Rob Parker

Virtual World Cup: USA 0 – 0 Czech Republic

The second goalless draw of the day, virtually speaking. Described by Pro Evolution Soccer commentator Peter Brackley as 'a pulsating game' but me and my mate Matt, who are playing out the Virtual World Cup for your enjoyment (and our's), would beg to differ. A dull stalemate.

One to watch: Sulley Muntari, Ghana

Michael Essien is Ghana's only famous footballer, at least to English observers. But his midfield team-mate Sulley Muntari, who plays his club football for Udinese in Italy, is arguably just as good as Chelsea's Ghanaian star. Muntari is just 21 years old and a graduate of the Ghana team that finished as runners-up in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship. He's a tenacious tackler but also very assured on the ball. He reminds me a little of a young Edgar Davids. Along with Essien and Stephen Appiah, Muntari is one-third of a terrific Ghanaian midfield. Can't wait to watch him in action later today against Italy…

Bet of the Day: USA to surprise Czech Republic

We have already stuck our necks out and predicted that the USA will qualify from Group E, and a winning start will be important for that. Most bookies, including William Hill, have a USA win at 11-4. Not a bad price for the fifth best team in the world! If you are reluctant to put money on a USA win, you could back Landon Donovan to get on the scoresheet. His odds of 3-1 are quite generous for a player who has 25 goals for his country.

Rob Parker

Italy's official World Cup song stinks: well, it is by a band named Pooh

Don't know how I missed this gem: Italy's official World Cup song is Cuore Azzurro (Blue Heart), a soft-rock masterpiece by a group called Pooh. Pooh! Awesome. Check out Pooh's website. In terms of childish jokes at the band's expense, I really don't know where to begin…

'Don't Tread' by the USA's Clint 'Deuce' Dempsey: takes rapping footballers to the next level

First there was John 'MC Isotonic' Barnes. Then came Peter 'Hot-stepper' Crouch. And somewhere in between, USA midfielder Clint 'Deuce' Dempsey showed them both why the British shouldn't really do hip-hop…  subtle Nike product placement, boys [via World Cup Blog]

One to Watch: Luca Toni, Italy

Luca Toni banged in 31 goals in Serie A last season, the highest number in the Italian top-flight since 1957. It's a remarkable tally, partly because Serie A is so defensive, but also because Toni did it for Fiorentina, the Italian equivalent of a mid-table Premiership team – Aston Villa, say.

One to Watch: Luca Toni, Italy cont…

Toni is 29 years old now, so he's something of a late developer. In that respect, many experts are tipping him to be 2006's Toto Schillaci. Toni is very tall (6ft5in), very strong on the ball and, as you might expect from his goalscoring record, knows how to hit the target. Toni is now around 16-1 to win the World Cup's golden boot - if you got him when he was 40-1, a few months ago, well done. Here's a clip of him embarrassing the hell out of Dutch defender Ron Vlaar…

EXCLUSIVE! Bruce Arena has stolen Tommy Hilfiger's hair

The veteran USA coach has blatantly committed a hair crime of the first degree. Hilfiger has sported what I like to call 'the super-flick' for at least 150 years – the designer must be furious to see Arena ripping him off. Who knows what else Arena plans to steal in his relentless bid to help Team America escape from the clutches of the evil Group E? It's a goddamned outrage!

Horror Hair: Clint Mathis

Fair to say that not many people outside of the States remember players from any USA World Cup squad. If you do, it is usually for one of three reasons. They played in England (Cobi Jones, John Harkes) or they had daft names (Tab Ramos, Alexi Lalas). Lastly, the reason you recall 'em is baaaaad hair. Cobi Jones is another contender, but streaking into the lead is Clint Mathis. Clint's hair, original that it is, could be a tribute to bargain-bin confectionary – Iced Gems. Mof Gimmers

One to Watch: Bobby Convey, USA

Reading's Convey, still only 22 years old (he'll be 23 this Sunday), will be a Premiership player next season and no-one can say the talented left-winger doesn't deserve his chance to play in the top flight. He looked sharp when he came on as a sub for the States against Morocco last night and may muscle his way into Bruce Arena's first XI when the World Cup starts for real. Convey's strengths? His workrate always impresses, he's fast and he knows how to pass & cross the ball. Playing in England has obviously turned him into a very solid footballer.

Italy World Cup squad is 'homogeneous'

No, this has nothing to do with the metrosexual USA squad. In his diary for MSN, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon claimed: "Our manager Lippi has taken care to put together a homogeneous side." For anyone who was wondering here is the definition: homogeneous.

I suspect this is another lost in translation moment. No footballer knows a word that long in their own language, let alone somebody else's.

Rob Parker

Italy wins 'hunks in pants' World Cup

Having posted on the World Cup's sexiest wives, it's high time we posted a picture of oiled-up players in pants. Dolce & Gabbana has cannily signed up five Italian World Cup stallions (from left to right: Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and Manuele Blasi) to front its new men's underwear ad campaign. What next? Peter Crouch in Marks & Spencer Y-fronts?

GROUP E: The Verdict

E is most definitely not for Easy. Two decent teams will go home early from Germany, no doubt bemoaning the misfortune that saw them drawn in such a rock-hard group. Which pair will prevail out of the Czech Republic, Ghana, Italy and the US of A? Click below to find out…

GROUP E: HOW THEY'LL FINISH

1st USA No, I've not had a Janet Jackson-esque brain malfunction. I do believe that USA will surprise a lot of people this year. Bruce Arena will have them very well-organised – plus, as I've said before, I think Italy and especially the Czech Rep. are overrated. The Yanks will surprise people. Of course, these words could return to haunt me but I'm sticking by my prediction.

2nd Italy A solid, unremarkable bunch of players. Won't score too many goals and won't concede many either. Really can't see them winning the World Cup this time around. Whoops, my neck's on the block again.

3rd Czech Republic Ranked second in the world by Mr FIFA, but that ranking is more preposterous than the USA's top-five position. Nedved is past it and he's the team's talisman. Will really struggle to qualify.

4th Ghana There will be worse teams finishing in fourth place in their group at this World Cup. Unlucky to be in such a competitive quartet. Interested to see how Michael Essien fares.

So the USA and Italy make it to the second round from Group E, to join Germany and Poland from Group A, England and Sweden from Group B, Argentina and Holland from Group C and Portugal and Mexico from Group D. Stay tuned for the first of our Group F team guides, starting on Monday.

This is how the bookies (Blue Square) rate the group:

Italy 10-11
Czech Republic 2-1
USA 6-1
Ghana 8-1

Very tight – the bookies are clearly worried that any of the four could top the group. Put a quid on the USA at 6-1.

Team Guide: USA

The USA team deserves your sympathy. Ignored at home by a soccer-resistant population and hated abroad for George Bush's foreign policy, this is a team caught between a rock and a hard place. And to make things worse they've been drawn into Group E, so put down those anti-war placards and say "howdy" to team USA.

USA, Group E

12 June vs Czech Republic (5pm*, Gelsenkirchen)
17 June vs Italy (8pm, Kaiserslauten)
22 June vs Ghana (3pm, Nuremberg)
*all times BST

World Ranking 5 (no, seriously)

How They Qualified
Panama, Guatemala and the rest of CONCACAF don't scare many, and these easyish games are part of the reason for the artificially high FIFA rankings enjoyed by the US (5) and Mexico (4). But you can only beat what's in front of you and the US topped the group courtesy of a famous 2-0 win over Mexico.

World Cup History
Semi-finalists at the inaugural 1930 World Cup, this is a nation that peaked early. An unexpected 1-0 win over England in 1950, was followed by 40 years in the World Cup wilderness. Italia '90 brought three straight defeats but an inspired performance as hosts saw them through to the second round in 1994, before a return to losing ways at France '98 (featuring coach Steve Sampson's infamous 3-6-1 formation.) Sampson was duly replaced by Bruce Arena, who led a young team to the quarter finals in Japorea 2002.

Star Man

Landon Donovan will wear 21 but he's very much a number 10. Slight but skillful, the Los Angeles Galaxy star will play as either a second striker or attacking midfielder, and the US will rely on their 'all time assist leader' to unpick opposition defences (or dee-fenses). Donovan will also have a point to prove to the Germans, after two frustrating spells at Bayer Leverkusen.

Here's what Bruce Arena had to say about his playmaker: “Four years ago he was just an excited player going to a World Cup. This time around he’s one of those players that realises the challenge of the World Cup and the responsibility he has now as a more senior player on our team, and we’ll see if we can get performances from him game in game out for 90 minutes.”

Strengths
Arena has earned total devotion from his players, and they follow his carefully thought out game-plans to the letter. With a top keeper in Kasey Keller, and a solid group of defenders (particularly Standard Liege's gigantic Oguchi Onyewu) they won't be easy to break down. A high tempo, high pressure counter-attacking strategy should utilise the talents of PSV winger DaMarcus Beasley and playmaker Landon Donovan.

Weaknesses
Will rely heavily on Brian McBride up front, but the Fulham forward will turn 34 during the tournament. Brian Ching and Josh Wolff are unconvincing replacements, while Eddie Johnson's 9 goals in 15 appearances have all come against CONCACAF cannon fodder. One important mental aspect: the USA have never had a good European based World Cup.

Did you know?
The first ever World Cup hat-trick was scored by American Bert Patenaude in 1930.

Odds 66-1 Blue Sq

Verdict
If Italy or the Czech Republic fail to take them seriously, the USA could make it out of Group E. Equally, the Americans should be careful not to focus too much on the big boys and underestimate the Ghanaians. With a well organised defence but a lack of firepower, it's entirely possible for this team to draw all three games and just miss out.

Daryl Grove

Kit Parade: Ghana

Do you know who the official sponsor of Africa is? No, not Bono. It seems to be Puma. They are the kit supplier of every African team in the tournament (and plenty more that didn't qualify). Ghana, like the Ivory Coast, have been given a white shirt with their national symbol in the design (in this case it's the Black Star, a bit dull once you've seen the elephant). Available online from UK Soccershop.

Rob Parker

Team Guide: ITALY

As reliable as the outcome of a Serie A match, Bratwurst's team guides continue their tour of Group E, giving you all the information you need on the countries competing in Germany. Time to say 'Bongiorno' to Italy.

ITALY, Group E

12 June vs GHANA (8pm*, Gelsenkirchen)
17 June vs USA (8pm, Kaiserslauten)
22 June vs CZECH REPUBLIC (3pm, Hamburg)
*all times BST

World Ranking 14

How they qualified
Without too much difficulty. The Azzurri topped their qualifying group easily enough despite defeat in Slovenia and draws in Scotland and Norway. The eight goals they shipped - more than any other team to top a European qualifying group - will have been of concern to a nation that prides itself on its ability to defend.

World Cup history
Germany 2006 will be Italy's 16th World Cup. They have only missed the tournament in 1930 and 1958 and have lifted the trophy on three occasions - 1934, 1938 and 1982.

Star man
Francesco Totti is in the squad despite not playing a game since breaking his leg in February. He has tended to disappoint in major tournaments so the Bratwurst star man mantle goes to Luca Toni. We've already tipped Toni to make an impression in the Golden Boot competition. Toni is a true late-bloomer. Various coaches have spotted his potential in a career that has taken in Vicenza, Brescia, Piacenza, Palermo and Fiorentina. A transformation over the last few seasons has seen him become Italy's new pin-up star. Toni will turn 29 just before the World Cup and is at the top of his game. At Palermo and now Fiorentina, Toni has improved his strength and his heading which, despite being 6ft 4in, were two major flaws earlier in his career. He is in the form of his life and, as he recently told Football Italia, "At the moment, all I have to do is touch the ball for it to go in." Expect him to be much better known outside Italy after the tournament.

Strengths
Always send a squad capable of winning the tournament.
Normal defensive service will surely be resumed.

Weaknesses
Italy, particularly goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, are currently in the throes of a betting and match-fixing scandal.
A few big-name players who might be expecting starting place which are not guaranteed.

Odds 9-1 (Blue Sq)

Verdict
Italy should qualify for the second round with few problems. Complacency against the USA and Ghana could be their main threat as they showed in qualifying that they sometimes switch off against weaker opposition. The thought of that nice shiny trophy should be enough to concentrate the mind though. If the group is safely negotiated, Italy should have another easy looking draw against Australia, Japan or Croatia in the second round. Good value at 9-1, considering their route to the quarter-finals looks pretty assured.

Rob Parker
   

All 32 squads announced. Here are the full details…

So all 32 World Cup squads have now been announced. Sven wasn't joking: Theo Walcott (pictured) is still in there! World Cup Blog has done the groundwork and compiled an exhaustive list of all the squads, which you can see by visiting Bob and co's excellent site…

Team Guide: GHANA

If Arsenal fans are adopting Ivory Coast as their World Cup second team because of the presence of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue, then Chelsea fans will have to abondon Didier Drogba and look elsewhere. I think we've got just the thing: it's Ghana - homeland of Michael Essien.

GHANA, Group E

12 June vs ITALY (8pm*, Gelsenkirchen)
17 June vs CZECH REPUBLIC (5pm, Cologne)
22 June vs USA (3pm, Nuremberg)
*all times BST

World Ranking 50

How they qualified
By virtue of South Africa's dreadful showing. The Black Stars beat South Africa home and away to finish five points clear at the top of the group ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They did slip up away at Burkina Faso though and drew three other games against fairly lowly opposition. Despite the blips Ghana only conceded four goals throughout qualifying.

World Cup history
First time qualifiers despite winning the African Cup of Nations four times.

Star man
Chelsea's Michael Essien makes Ghana tick. His £24.4 million transfer fee was definitely an over-inflated Chelsea price on this season's form. He has made the headlines for a series of nasty tackles rather than for taking the Premier League by storm with his box-to-box play as was expected. Essien should be fully settled at Stamford Bridge by next season and I expect him to be much improved. The World Cup could see the start of the improvement. Although the thought of Essien diving into tackles with national pride at stake on top of everything else is a painful one.

Strengths
The midfield pairing of Essien and Stephen Appiah.
A disappointing African Cup of Nations has given them a taste of failure if complacency had set in after qualification.

Weaknesses
A lack of strike power.
The poor performance at the African Cup of Nations might have been a sign of things to come.

Did you know?
The first football match in Ghana took place in 1903 under moonlight.

Odds 250-1 (Blue Sq)

Verdict

The World Cup seems to have come a bit too late for Ghana. They have gone off the boil since qualifying. Coach Ratomir Dujkovic has made several changes to the squad ahead of the tournament in a bid to stop the rot. Whether this has worked or not should become very apparent when they take on Italy on 12 June. Ghana should be able to unsettle the Italians and the Czech Republic. Don't be too surprised to see them slip through to the second round or (perhaps more likely) pave the way for the USA to do so.

Rob Parker

Team Guide: Czech Republic

It's half-time in our Bratwurst team guides as we have now run the rule over 16 of the 32 countries competing. Click here if you need to catch up or else make yourself comfy, the second half is about to kick off.

Group A team guides. Check. Group B team guides. Check. Group C team guides. Check D team guides. Check. Group E team guides: Czech Republic.

CZECH REPUBLIC, Group E

12 June vs USA (5pm*, Gelsenkirchen)
17 June vs GHANA (5pm, Cologne)
22 June vs ITALY (3pm, Hamburg)
*all times BST

World Ranking 2

How they qualified
The Czech Republic had to qualify through the play-offs after finishing behind the Netherlands in their group. Two 1-0 wins against Norway was enough to book their place in Germany though. They had originally finished five points adrift in the qualifying group because of two defeats against the Netherlands and a further loss in Romania. They won all their other games and were free-scoring - clocking up 35 goals in 12 games.

World Cup history
This is their first World Cup as the Czech Republic. Czechoslovakia qualified eight times and were runners-up in 1934 and 1962.

Star man
Pavel Nedved has returned to international football to take up his rightful place as the darling of Czech football, as he has been for much of the last decade. His absence from the Juventus team was clearly a major factor in their spineless performance at Highbury earlier this season. He is the sort of player who can turn a game in a split-second with goals like this. The 33-year-old is still producing for Juve so his age should not be an issue at the World Cup.

Strengths
Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world in Petr Cech.
A core of top players like Nedved, Cech, Tomas Rosicky and Jan Koller, who scored nine goals in qualifying.
Tomas Rosicky's missus to keep morale up.

Weaknesses
A defence that, despite having the best goalkeeper in the world behind it, was leaky in qualifying.
They came unstuck whenever they were really tested in qualifying.

Did you know?
The sugar cube was invented in the Czech town Dacice in 1843.

Odds 33-1

Verdict
The FIFA world rankings strike again.  The bookies have the second-best team in the world at 33-1.  Something doesn't add up.  Second-best team in the world they are not - they are only just the second-best team in the group. Group E is a very tight group and an upset could be on the cards. The Czech Republic's toughest game is their last match against Italy, which could be very interesting if they have dropped points against the USA or Ghana.  They should qualify for the second round, but I have a sneaky suspicion they won't.

Rob Parker

World Cup Video: Why the USA are the fourth-best footballing nation

Remember when the USA turned the corner to become a football superforce? No, me neither. Here is the highlights from their run to the quarter-finals at the 2002 World Cup, which led to their meteoric rise. Also, check out Horror Hair candidate Clint Mathis (pictured). Click here to watch it.
Rob Parker

Team USA coach to be cunningly disguised as 'just another coach'

The USA's official team bus will be the only one at Germany '06 not to feature its national flag – the other 31 team buses all have large national flags painted on them. US officials met with German counterparts and came to the conclusion that the Americans shouldn't advertise themselves, for 'security reasons'. Few can dispute that America isn't the most popular nation in certain parts of the world (Bratwurst still loves ya), but I don't think this move is going to foil any would-be terrorists. Hope I'm wrong, of course.

I suggest instead that Team USA uses the oldest trick in the book: pretend you're Canadian.

USA announces squad

The fourth-best footballing nation in the world (bites fist) has confidently announced its 23-man squad. Full details here. Continuing on a USA tip, I was interested to read about the 70ft-high Nike billboard near New York's Madison Square Garden (there's one in San Francisco too) which promotes the USA World Cup team and shouts in big yellow letters: 'THE WORLD NO LONGER WANTS TO PLAY US.' Not strictly true - the world doesn't want to lose to you because you'll probably bang on about being 'Number one baby!'

Do most Americans really care about soccer, even when the World Cup is on? If you're an American Bratwurst reader, post a comment and let us know.

Kit Parade: Italy Away Kit

Italy's new away kit will probably be the first v-neck to appear in a World Cup finals.  We don't mean a v-shaped collar, but a proper v-neck complete with fake undershirt.  To the untrained eye it looks like they have turned up in their home shirts and been forced to wear Puma v-necks over the top to avoid a clash. Only the Italians could get away with this fashion madness. You can buy it from kitbag.
Rob Parker

Whatever happened to Tony Yeboah?

With Ghana taking part in their first World Cup finals this year I got thinking about a Ghanaian who made an impact in the Premiership while Michael Essien was still in short trousers.  Tony Yeboah - the man who made scoring off the crossbar an art form - took England by storm in 1995 with spectacular goals like this one (I'm sorry, were you expecting this one?) for Leeds United.

Tony will celebrate his 40th birthday in June (his date of birth, eerily, is 6/6/66!).  When he left Leeds in 1997 he moved back to Germany from whence he came, although he was back in Leeds for Lucas Radebe's testimonial last year.  Apparently he now owns a hotel in Ghana.

Yeboah never got to play in a World Cup but he will be represented in Germany by his nephew, USA wonderkid Freddy Adu. 

Rob Parker

Loadsa Reffin' Money!

There aren't many good referees about are there? I quite liked Paul Durkin, but he's retired. I really don't like Mike Riley. Thankfully, he's not going to the World Cup finals.

The lucky sods that are taking part are going to be smiling. It's more than mere prestige I can tell you.

You see, the World Cup refs have been given a 100% pay rise, which will see them earn £22,500 each!

The total refereeing bill for the month-long tournament will top £2,250,000, the Daily Mirror said yesterday.

There will be twenty three refs officiating the 64 World Cup matches, and their assistants will be paid the same amount. Bloody Nora!

Refs got £11,250 for the finals in Japan and South Korea four years ago, and of course, there wasn't a dodgy decision in sight... apart from the really ropey ones that saw Spain bow out to the hosts. And loads of others.

Still, FIFA love them and have thought it a good idea to give them an even greater (self inflated) opinion of themselves.

Keep an eye out for Russian linesmen.

Kit Parade: Italy

Who doesn't love the blue of Italy? It's one of the classic international football shirts, up there with the yellow of Brazil and orange of Holland. This year's model, made by Puma, looks pretty much as you'd expect - there's some fancy detailing around the armpits, but, well… it looks like an Italy home shirt and therefore it's guaranteed to be one of the better-looking kits seen in Germany. The fact that none of the Italian squad looks like Peter Crouch obviously helps. Buy it from kitbag.

In another life…

… Pavel Nedved, the Czech Republic's greatest left-footer, would be a cuddly children's telly presenter, probably presenting the Czech equivalent of Rainbow. And maybe David James could play Bungle? Ooh, Zippy.

Kit Parade: USA

This season I will be mostly wearing… Nike's new USA home kit, a half-decent retro number with go-faster stripes and a massive crest that shouts 'Look at us, we're a frickin' superpower with frickin' laserbeams already'. A major improvement on previous American kits, especially that one with the blue flecks they wore when hosting the World Cup in 1994 – flecks are never a good idea.