Bruce Arena rolls the dice. If O'Brien and Johnson for Mastroeni and Cherundolo doesn't work then this one could turn ugly. Three at back could back fire but the game is lost at the moment anyway.

The Czech's are going to be quite happy to hold the ball and to wait for a chance. Poor marking from USA on a free kick and it could have so easily been 3.

The US has a tempo to their game unfortunately it is a slow tempo. They are never going to break down the Czech defense playing at this pace.

An hour gone and there is nothing to indicate the USA can comeback in this one. The Czech's are very comfortable. Every third USA pass is a chip - it is a complete waste of possession.

In the space of one minute we see the difference. Convey has a chance that he chips into the box only to have it intercepted. Nedved in a similar position, finds Lokvenc, and creates a half-chance.

The US has settled into the game but has yet to make an impression on the Czech defense. Czech marking is excellent and they are not giving the US time on the ball.

The USA needs to get the ball wide where Convey and Beasley can use their speed. Reyna is beginning to get time on the ball and to dictate the play. Nedved is playing a more central midfield role than we see him play with Juventus.

When the Czech's get the ball they are playing at a higher tempo. The US is not able to use any speed adavantage because of a slower build-up.

Reyna's shot hits the post at the end of a better move. The ball was moved quickly and the shot was an inch or two out. Cech well beaten.

Thirty minutes in and if you were marking a score card I would say that the US has come back to match the Czechs.