About Czech Republic

11': After a shaky start, the US produced their first period of pressure, beginning with a header from Eddie Pope which went wide.

28': Some fine possession finally produced a dangerous opportunity for the US when Bobby Convey squared a ball for Claudio Reyna. He shot from just outside the penalty area and his low drive hit the left post.

36':With the Americans threatening an equaliser, the Czechs found another moment of brilliance, as a headed clearance fell to Rosicky, whose wonder strike from 25 metres flew past Kasey Keller in the US goal. Two shots, two goals for the Czechs. 0-2

42':Just minutes later and a serious blow for the Czechs as Koller went down in obvious pain with an apparent hamstring injury and had to be replaced.

Rosicky seals it
46':The US started the second half with a double switch, Pablo Mastroeni and Steve Cherundolo coming off in favour of John O'Brien and Eddie Johnson.

51':Despite the changes, the Czechs were the ones who fired the opening salvo of the half, with Tomas Ujfalusi's glancing header missing at the far post.

62':Eleven minutes later, the Czech Republic gave another notice that more goals might be in the offing when Karel Poborsky's powerful volley from a left-wing cross flew wide of the near post.

68': Rosicky almost had his second with another shot from 25 metres, this one hitting the crossbar.

70':Minutes later at the other end, Johnson tried to answer with an attempt from a similar distance, but his bending shot went wide of the left post.

76': Shortly after Johnson had narrowly failed to connect in front of Petr Cech's goal, Rosicky sealed the Americans' fate when he broke free down the centre and beat Keller again. 0-3

81': Johnson continued to look dangerous for the US, firing in one shot that went just over the bar, but overall the Americans failed to force the Czech goalkeeper into a single difficult save.

Posted by Mikes on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 8:18 AM | Permalink