Japan tackle Socceroos, Italy begin WC

Berlin: Italy at last have the chance to clear the fog of the domestic match-fixing investigation when they play Ghana in World Cup Group E on Monday.

The champions of 1934, 1938 and 1982 have had to contend with injuries to defender Gianluca Zambrotta and midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, as well as the distraction of their biggest soccer scandal for more than 20 years.

Italy will need to concentrate on the task in hand when they face debutants Ghana in Hanover, as a poor start could prove costly in a tricky group. The Italians were unlucky to go out to co-hosts South Korea in the second round of the last World Cup.

Inspired by in-form striker Luca Toni, they look to have a stronger team this time but Ghana have been sounding confident.

The Africans boast a European-based midfield quartet, led by Michael Essien, and will certainly not be pushovers.

"I think the pressure is on Italy," said striker Matthew Amoah. "This is our first World Cup, we have nothing to lose."

BAROS WORRY

Italy's main rivals in the group are likely to be Czech Republic, who play the U.S. in Gelsenkirchen.

The big worry for the Czechs is striker Milan Baros, the leading scorer at Euro 2004 who faces a late fitness test on his injured foot.

The Americans reached the last 16 in South Korea and Japan where they were unlucky to lose to eventual finalists Germany.

"The result of the first match is the key for success in the whole tournament," said 33-year-old Czech striker Jan Koller.

JAPAN KICK OFF

The other match on day four of the tournament pits Australia against Japan in Group F in Kaiserslautern.

Japan reached the last 16 as co-hosts four years ago. Australia's only other World Cup appearance came when the event was last held on German soil in 1974.

Brazil and Croatia, the other teams in Group F, meet in Berlin on Tuesday.

On Sunday, Netherlands held on for a 1-0 win over Serbia & Montenegro, Arjen Robben getting the only goal on the counter-attack.

It was a second high quality Group C game following Argentina's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast a day earlier.

In Sunday's Group D games, Mexico struck two late goals to clinch a 3-1 win over Iran while Portugal defeated Angola 1-0.