U.S. Is Routed by Czech Republic in World Cup
The United States suffered the most lopsided defeat so far in the World Cup, and Manager Bruce Arena had harsh words for many American players. More Photos >
GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany, June 12 — Four years of planning and expectation, and two years of qualifying, unraveled disastrously in five minutes for the United States at the World Cup in a humiliating 3-0 defeat to the Czech Republic.
Jeff Z. Klein, Robert Mackey and other staff members of The Times and International Herald Tribune are tracking the world's most popular sporting event, including live match coverage.
Midfielder Claudio Reyna had the best scoring chance for the United States, but his drive hit the post in the 28th minute.
As soccer's global championship entered its fourth day on Monday, the reeling Americans suffered the ignominy of the tournament's most lopsided loss so far.
"It was embarrassing," said forward Landon Donovan, who, along with other American starters, was bluntly criticized by United States Manager Bruce Arena.
The United States hoped to possess an edge in speed, fitness and health. But it was the supposedly aging and hobbled Czechs who proved to be the more spry, imaginative and determined team, even with four starters over age 30. US will never possess an edge over any EU Country in speed, fitness and health!
The towering forward Jan Koller pounded a header into the net to start the scoring on a counterattack in the fifth minute. Just before halftime, he injured a thigh and left the game. Yet the Czechs remained in command using five midfielders, led by Tomas Rosicky and Pavel Nedved, who dominated the match by charging forward with brilliant creativity and resolve.
Usually a playmaker, Rosicky delivered two goals, drilling a knuckler from 30 yards in the 36th minute, then fielding a splendid pass from Nedved and flicking another shot into the net on a breakaway in the 76th minute.
While the Americans appeared timid, Nedved, the 2003 European player of the year, bounced around the field like his springy blond hair. He gave no hint that he will soon turn 34. He collected rebounds and deflections and loose balls and carved through a midfield and defense that provided the Czechs with too much space and too little resistance.
"It's just a shame," said Kasey Keller, the United States goalkeeper. "We definitely gave the game away." (You were not fit to beat your challenger; There was no giving anything away- THAT is why I am glad America got beat, quick fast and badly. Arrogance!)
Arena spoke harshly of many of his players, including Keller, saying he was extremely disappointed. He praised Claudio Reyna, the midfielder and captain. Reyna seemed to remain composed, and clanged a low, bouncing shot off the goal post in the 28th minute. Arena also said left wing Bobby Convey "at least had the courage to attack, one of the few players who did."
Donovan, whose recent consistency and confidence made him perhaps the team's most vital player, "showed no aggressiveness," Arena said. He added that "we got nothing" from midfielder DaMarcus Beasley.
Donovan, a key member of the 2002 United States team that advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals, described the United States' play as "a little bit lifeless, a little bit unlucky." Asked about Arena's criticism, Donovan said, "Yeah, that's true."
He added: "I didn't get the ball enough. When I did get it, I made some decent plays, but not enough. And maybe just a little more aggressive. I don't think I had a shot on goal. And playing 45 minutes at forward, that's not good enough."
Beasley criticized Arena's positioning of him in the second half, essentially at right back, after defender Steve Cherundolo was removed. "I was back there defending the whole time," Beasley said of Arena's tactical switch. "I don't know what he wants me to do." Beasley added that he did not expect to start in the Americans' next match, against Italy.
The Czech Republic, serenaded by a throng of deliriously cheering and chanting fans, was making its first appearance in the World Cup as a separate nation. Its last participation came in 1990 when, as Czechoslovakia, it hammered a college-based American team, 5-1, en route to reaching the quarterfinals. (Czechoslovakia split into separate nations in 1993).
In its own way, Monday's defeat for the United States was just as disheartening as that 1990 loss.
Expectations were much higher. That previous American team was comprised mostly of amateurs. This is a squad of professionals, ranked fifth in the world. Half of the United States team had played in a previous World Cup. Yet the players were wholly overmatched against the second-ranked Czechs.
"It was really one of the best matches from this team," said Karel Bruckner, the Czech coach.
If recent history is a guide, the United States will find it exceedingly difficult to advance beyond group play. A match with Italy, a perennial favorite and a team the Americans have never defeated, looms on Saturday, followed by a game against Ghana. The Italians defeated Ghana, 2-0, later Monday.
In the past two World Cups, only Turkey, in 2002, advanced to the knockout phase of the tournament after losing its first match.
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