We wheeled our office's TV out today to catch some of the USA-Czech match; we managed to tune in a somewhat fuzzy but watchable Univision signal, and saw most of the first half. At the half, the USA seems simply outgunned by a much bigger Czech side. The Czechs bring so many people foward, and almost all apear to be taller and/or stronger than the Americans marking them. I would guess that the US wants to try to use its speed more in the second half, and create some opportunities with fast counters.
The two Czech goals came on a perfect header from the 6, and a perfect strike from about 20 yards out. Meanwhile, the best chance for the US came on a pretty shot by Claudio Reyna that hit the post and rebounded back into play - no US player was nearby, though.
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The US was horrible in this match. They showed that they have little in the way of individual ball handling skills. Or at least very little confidence in their one-on-one ball skills. Anytime a US defender or midfielder pushed the ball forward and was marked by a Czech player, the US player would pass back. Not once did I see a US player try to deke or push past a Czech player. They didn't do much even in the way of two or three man play. No give-and-go no triangles, nothing. 5th in the world? What a joke.
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