Czech fans arrive in Gelsenkirchen hoping for a repeat of their side's 5-1 win over the USA at the 1990 World Cup in Italy
With their team now up to fifth in the world rankings, American fans now feel more comfortable about their chances
Any optimism is dented in the fifth minute when Jan Koller's header from close range gives the Czechs a perfect start
Pavel Nedved, playing in his first World Cup, looks lively and uses every opportunity to get forward
Claudio Reyna hits a post for USA but their hopes are further dashed when Tomas Rosicky's scorching shot makes it 2-0
After a great opening to their campaign, the Czechs lose Koller shortly before half-time with hamstring problems
Coach Bruce Arena brings on John O'Brien to add some steel to his midfield and he quickly introduces himself to Nedved
DaMarcus Beasley tries to conjure something for the Americans but Marek Jankulovski is swift to intervene
Frustrations begin to surface as Reyna receives a booking for chopping down Jaroslav Plasil right under the referee's nose
The Czechs' win is secured in the 76th-minute when Rosicky nets again after being put through by the irrepressible Nedved
USA supporters now know qualifying from Group E will be hard, with their next opponents Italy posing another big challenge
|