I'm not optimistic the US will get out of the group stage this time - and day by day it seems it could be 1998 deja vu. In contarst I think Australia will have a large chance to surprise everyone, with Hiddink as their coach and all first XI choices that play at a higher level (Premiership, Bundesliga, Durch league, and Serie A) than many of the US team's 1st XI.
Group E tactics (great article)
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=368729&root=worldcup&cc=5901
Gosh I wish you were wrong but I'm afraid this might be one helleva tough trip for the US. It's just an unfortunate draw.
The Czechs and Italy. Damn. Wish they were playing the host country. I'd like to see them go up against Germany and beat them right there in Germany.
Ironically, if they don't make it out of the group, this is still the finest US team ever.