USA, Ghana and Iran try to keep World Cup hopes alive

Beaten during the opening round of games in Group E, the USA and Ghana now find themselves with their backs to the wall and in need of wins to keep their fading hopes alive. However, with Italy and Czech Republic providing the opposition, the task awaiting them could scarcely be tougher. Elsewhere, Portugal can seal qualification from Group D with victory over Iran.

Portugal - Iran, 15:00 (CET), Frankfurt, Group D. Portugal got their campaign underway with a laboured win over Angola that hardly set the world alight. The fans are now hoping for a more convincing performance, but will surely settle for a victory that could secure their place in the Round of 16. Nobody ought to expect any favours from Iran, however, who need to cause a real upset to avoid an early exit. Losers in their opening match, Branko Ivankovic's men will nonetheless draw confidence from having tested Mexico for a solid hour.

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Czech Republic - Ghana, 18:00, Cologne, Group E. Despite succumbing to Italy, Ghana showed everyone they are a force to contend with. Their task looks complicated against the Czech side that took apart the USA, but injuries to Milan Baros and Jan Koller will give the Africans cause to hope. As for Karel Bruekner's side, a win combined with a victory or a draw for the Italians in the other Group E clash would send them through.

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Italy - USA, 21:00, Kaiserslautern, Group E. Having seen off Ghana in their last encounter, Italy do not need to go for broke in tomorrow’s game, in contrast to Bruce Arena's USA, who have little alternative after being played off the park by the Czech Republic. A win or a draw for the Czechs in the other game would seal a Round of 16 berth for Marcello Lippi's men if they win.

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