Not Exactly What We Had in Mind

The U.S. opener against the Czech Republic was a deflating experience. First, a large and energetic U.S. crowd offset the large numbers of Czechs in for the day. In pre-game, the fans in the stadium were treated to a dramatic comeback win by Australia over Japan on the stadium's replay screens. Down 1-0 with six minutes to play, the Aussies scored three and won, 3-1.

Surely, that result was an omen. But alas, not to be.



The U.S. came out scared and tentative and the veteran Czech team went for the kill earlier. An ill-advised clearance from goal by Kasey Keller was turned into a quick counter attack up the right flank. As they do with all crosses, the Czechs zeroed in on their huge target player, Jan Koller, who powered the header past Keller from inside the six-yard box.

From there the U.S. was indecisive and took way to much time on the ball, making slow and predictable decisions, not what we had been used to from their play in WC qualifying. A second goal on a blistering, bending shot by the Czech player of the match, #10 Tomas Risicky, was pretty much the death knell.

Time to move on.
Italy on Saturday for the U.S., in a must-win situation.
Today, I am on the train for five hours to Berlin for Brazil and Croatia. Such spirited soccer will be a welcome change.

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.