Czech Republic completely outclassed United States in dominating fashion.
The Czechs were in charge the entire match, showing technical superiority in passing, ball handling, attacking and finishing.
They picked up right where they left off in Euro 2004 with their semi-final finish, and look like they may be the dark horse in this tournament.
The first goal came in the 5th minute on a cross from Zdenek Grygera to man mountain Jan Koller, who authoritatively headed home.
No chance for US keeper Kasey Keller.
12 minutes later, Landon Donovan of United States broke free and was brought down from behind by Czech David Rozenhal.
Rozenhal was yellow carded on the play and perhaps fortunate not to receive red.
Minute 28 saw the US hit woodwork.
Claudio Reyna's bullet from distance thumped off the left post following a fine build up.
|
Czech Republic scored their second nine minutes before the interval on a Tomas Rosicky beauty from distance.
A shock just before half time when giant Jan Koller went down clutching his leg and had to be stretchered off.
He was immediately replaced by similarly tall Vratislav Lokvenc.
The second half had the Czechs pounding away shot after shot.
In the 68th Czech man Rosicky fired a cannon off the crossbar.
Two minutes later, United States half time sub Eddie Johnson, who had several wicked shots on the day and showed the most promise for the Americans, sent a strong shot from distance but just wide left.
The Czechs got their third goal after 75 minutes with a beauty from Tomas Rosicky, his second, thanks to a brilliant Pavel Nedved feed.
If Czech Republic continue to play this way, they could win this tournament.
The US however did not provide a quality challenge to test the Czechs.
|