Howard Watches on as Favourites Run the Show Again

World Cup - Day Four
By Chris O'Brien
June 13 2006

Tim Howard warmed the United States bench on the fourth day of the World Cup finals. Once again, there were no surprises in Germany as Australia, the Czech Republic and Italy secured three points in their opening games.

On paper, the match between Australia and Japan was perhaps not one that drew the attention of too many neutrals. However, the two 'dark horses' battled out a superb victory with the 3-1 scoreline certainly not telling the full story behind a classic World Cup encounter.

The Japanese took the lead in controversial fashion. Socceroos keeper Mark Schwarzer appeared to be bundled over by ? as Shunsuke Nakamura's long-range effort floated into the back of the net. Australia went onto dominate possession but lacked that final touch in front of goal - until the last six minutes! Tim Cahill scored twice and John Aloisi sealed the win in the dieing seconds to turn the game upside down.

The 'Group of Death' label was branded to Group 'C', but Group 'D' looks equally formidable and all four of the teams were in action today.

The Czech Republic dealt a shocking blow to their critics with a 3-0 drubbing of the United States in Gelsenkirchen. Critics have claimed the Czechs are an ageing team who have missed their best opportunity for silverware, but they certainly lived up to their 'second place' FIFA rankings billing with an easy win over 'Team USA' (cringe worthy, eh?). Jan Koller, who later was taken off injured, headed home the opener before Tomas Rosicky put the game beyond doubt with a brace.

In the evening game, Italy showed their attacking strengths with a 2-0 win over Ghana. Luca Toni, who has just been linked with a possible move to Old Trafford, looked a very impressive player but it was Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta who got the goals to win the game for the Azzuri.

Much of the press coverage ahead of the tournament has surrounded the 'dodgy dealings' within Italian football, including a match-fixing scandal which threatened to overshadow their quest for glory. However, with the likes of Francesco Totti, Toni and Pirlo on board, this is an Italian team with the potential to match their achievements of 1994 and go all the way to the finals.