Hamburg, Germany (My Sportsbook) - Group E returns to the field Thursday as Italy and the Czech Republic will try to seal at least one of the spots in the Round of 16.

Since Italy's 1-1 draw with the U.S., and the Czech Republic's 2-0 loss to Ghana, the group has blown wide open for any of the four teams to secure a spot in the next round.

For Italy, life past the group stages will be ensured with either a win or a draw on Thursday. The team could also move past the group stages with a loss if the U.S. can beat Ghana. In that scenario, Italy would also have to rely on goal differential.

For the Czech Republic, a win would be the safest way to advance, however, the team could use a draw to its advantage depending on the results of the U.S.- Ghana match. Should the Czech Republic only manage the draw, it would need the U.S. to win its match but would also rely on goal differential.

Regardless of the possibilities, both teams will be in search of a second group victory on Thursday.

The Czech Republic could benefit from the possible return of striker Milan Baros, who could make a return to the field on Thursday. The striker has recently returned to training after missing the team's first two matches due to a foot injury.

Jan Koller is expected to miss Thursday with a hamstring injury. The team is also without defender Tomas Ujfalusi and striker Vratislav Lokvenc, who are both suspended.

For Italy, Daniele De Rossi will be unavailable for the match after receiving a red card in the team's last match. De Rossi was ejected from the match following an elbow to the face of U.S. striker Brian McBride.

Regardless, the first place team in Group E will face the first and second place teams out of Group F.