[soccer_maniac]

Easy Way: USA and Italy wins (ITA 7 pts, USA 4 pts)

Hard Way: USA wins, Czechs win, and the combined margin of USA and Czech victories is six or more goals (example: USA 2-0, CZE 4-0). (CZE 6 pts; USA 4 pts, one-goal advantage GD)

Harder Way: USA wins by two goals and scores three more goals than Italy, Czechs win by three goals (example: USA 3-1, CZE 3-0). (CZE 6 pts, USA 4 pts, equal GD, one-goal advantage GF)

Much Harder Way: USA wins by three goals, Czechs win by two goals. (CZE 6 pts; USA 4 pts, 0 GD, one-goal advantage GF)

Obscenely Difficult Way: USA wins by four and scores three (or more) more goals than the Czechs, Czechs draw (example: USA 4-0, CZE 1-1). (ITA 5 pts; USA 4 pts, +1 GD, one-goal advantage GF)

In-Their-Dreams Way: USA wins by five or more. (ITA or CZE wins; USA gets second with 4 pts, +2 GD)

You've-Gotta-Be-Kidding-Me Way: USA wins by two goals, Czechs win by three goals, USA wins drawing of lots. (CZE 6 pts; USA and ITA: 4 pts, -1 GD, equal GF, head-to-head match tied 1-1, equal GF+GA)

Bottom line: root for Italy to either win or lose big.

[burzum]

Thanks for that summary. I was also trying to do the math for the possibilities. It's going to be a tough day!

[GregH]

Thats a nice analysis.. it is amazing that this world cup is so open when it comes to qualifying for the next round.

[Jameison]

Pretty much sums it up.