Czech Republic/Italy 
My Pick: Czech Republic
A group which would have been the Group of Death had it not been for Group C, Group E is one of the most finely balanced groups at this stage and the hopes of all the 4 teams will depend on the last round of games.
Italy currently lead the group with 4, while the Czechs and Ghana follow with 3. The USA are on 1. All the four teams have a chance to make it to the next stage and you can be assured of fireworks as the teams battle it out.
Czech Republic and USA, who were initially expected to qualify encountered unexpected results in their last games against Ghana and USA respectively.
The Czechs who galloped past the Americans 3-0, were shocked by Ghana 2-0. The Czechs never recovered from the early goal that went in, and if it were not for the heroics of Petr Cech,they might have easily conceded more than 2. They are clearly underdogs for their game against the Azzuri. The Czechs have a serious shortage of strikers. Jan Koller and Milan Baros are not fit,and Vratislav Lokvenc is suspended. That leaves Karel Bruckner with a real headache and he may start with Heinz and Stajner, who are effectively 4th and 5th choice strikers. Given the Azzuri defence, its unlikely that the two have a great impact .This heaps all the pressure on Juventus medio Pavel Nedved and Arsenal bound Tomas Rosicky. They will now have to not only create but also score. The Czechs will sorely miss Fiorentina defender Tomas Ujfalusi's experience in defence. Rosicky, Rozenhal and Grygera are on yellows.
Italy are on pole position in Group E but would be foolish to take that position for granted .A draw will all but see the Azzuri through but they will play for a win. Attack is the best form of defence and Marcell Lippi will be aware of this. They do not have Daniele De Rossi for this match,with the Roma man banned in their last game with the USA. The Italian defence would be looking not to concede freak goals like the own goal conceded by Zaccardo against the United States. The Czechs can beat the best on their day,and the Italians will not want to encourage a wounded Czech team without their frontline strikers. Francesco Totti, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mauro Camoranesi and V.Iaquinta are all on a yellow card.
My verdict:
Tough match to predict. The Czechs need to win to guarantee progress, but they do not have quality strikers against a rock solid Italian defence.
Italy might very well play for the drawLet's see another first round upset.
