I know this is a bit early to start this thread but from an American perspective I have something to say.

What if both coaches give each other a nod to play for a tie? Both don't really try to take a leading goal. Then both are guaranteed to go through to the 2nd round whether we beat Ghana or not.

But at the same time the 2nd place finisher in the group has to play Brazil. So maybe it is beneficial for one side to win.

Corruption!

Anyway, GO ITALY!!

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..and GO GHANA!!!!!!!!!!!1

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Originally posted by BeatFreak I know this is a bit early to start this thread but from an American perspective I have something to say. What if both coaches give each other a nod to play for a tie? Both don't really try to take a leading goal. Then both are guaranteed to go through to the 2nd round whether we beat Ghana or not. But at the same time the 2nd place finisher in the group has to play Brazil. So maybe it is beneficial for one side to win. Corruption! Anyway, GO ITALY!!

Not entirely true... I mean, it's almost impossible but if the US team beats Ghana by 4 or more goals, they will knock the Czechs out, as if I'm not mistaken, the tiebreakers changed for this WC and it will prevail first the goal difference.

In any event, if Ghana wins their match vs USA, they will have 6 points and will make it through regardless of the score between italians and czechs... so I really doubt they are "playing" to tie. Let alone that if Ghana wins, Italy will be forced to win their match in order to win the group, otherwise they will most likely face Brazil in the 1/8's round.

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I think Italy will win this one!!!

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go czechs!

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Originally posted by BeatFreak I know this is a bit early to start this thread but from an American perspective I have something to say. What if both coaches give each other a nod to play for a tie? Both don't really try to take a leading goal. Then both are guaranteed to go through to the 2nd round whether we beat Ghana or not. But at the same time the 2nd place finisher in the group has to play Brazil. So maybe it is beneficial for one side to win. Corruption! Anyway, GO ITALY!!

actually quite the contrary.

They will not pay for a draw. Ghana is very capable of beating us which would eliminate Czech Republic and allow Ghana and Italy to pass. Heres the extra cherry on top:::::Italy gets the second seed which sets them up for a nice game vs Brazil.

Do you honestly think Italy will play for a tie just to get through and play Brazil as opposed to winning the group and playing Australia or Croatia? Do you Think Czech Republic will Not want to win the group as well to get some much needed rest for Koller in case he comes back?

Let's not get into conspiracy theories. The US shouldn't even be worried about that result, their bigger task is even beating Ghana...which are more favored to win. The US has yet to score their own goal....

Italy and Czech Republic will be very dependent from the other match to advance both to the next stage and to be honest, I'm expecting a win fo Ghana and this will make it impossible for both teams to make the second round. So they will definitely be playing both for the win.

I'm still hoping for Czech Republic, but it seems they really need Koller and I'm not sure he will be ready to lead the team to a victory.

what's up with koller? is he in?

this is gonna be 1 angry, insane game.

Thursday is totally D-day..!

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Originally posted by LittleGoku actually quite the contrary. They will not pay for a draw. Ghana is very capable of beating us which would eliminate Czech Republic and allow Ghana and Italy to pass. Heres the extra cherry on top:::::Italy gets the second seed which sets them up for a nice game vs Brazil. Do you honestly think Italy will play for a tie just to get through and play Brazil as opposed to winning the group and playing Australia or Croatia? Do you Think Czech Republic will Not want to win the group as well to get some much needed rest for Koller in case he comes back?

exactly. makes no sense whatsoever for both teams to agree to a tie. they both NEED to win.

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sempre contra a corrente do jogo

i was thinking the same things, both teams would play for a tie. but after thinking about it, regardless of the ghana/usa match the czechs arent going to want a tie only to play brazil. this is going to be a very interesting finish to the group, i hope. as a usa fan im rooting for italy to win as that's the easiest way for us to advance. i dont think we have the speed to keep up with ghana (see the morocco game) and i think both of these teams know that and will be playing their arses off to qualify atop the group.

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Originally posted by lucid pro tip: if you value your life, NEVER do anything that will place you "outside" of the jonze circle of trust.

FORZA ITALIA!

quote:

Originally posted by LittleGoku actually quite the contrary. They will not pay for a draw. Ghana is very capable of beating us which would eliminate Czech Republic and allow Ghana and Italy to pass. Heres the extra cherry on top:::::Italy gets the second seed which sets them up for a nice game vs Brazil. Do you honestly think Italy will play for a tie just to get through and play Brazil as opposed to winning the group and playing Australia or Croatia? Do you Think Czech Republic will Not want to win the group as well to get some much needed rest for Koller in case he comes back? Let's not get into conspiracy theories. The US shouldn't even be worried about that result, their bigger task is even beating Ghana...which are more favored to win. The US has yet to score their own goal....

Yes, but the U.S.-Ghana game is right before the Italy-Czech game. What if the U.S. wins? Then it's down to Italy, Czech, and the US. Knowing the fact that we had won, they would benefit from playing for a tie.

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