Soccer: Giant Koller says Czechs up to the task

USA v CZECH REP Gelsenkirchen June 13, 4am

HAMBURG - Czech Republic will not take their task lightly when they make their debut against the United States in Group E.

In 1990, Czechoslovakia crushed the Americans 5-1 at the World Cup but the Czech Republic, playing in their first finals as an independent nation, know the US have come a long way since - reaching the quarter-finals after shocking Portugal 3-2 in their World Cup opener four years ago.

"The result of the first match is the key for success in the whole tournament," said giant Czech striker Jan Koller. "We all realise that and obviously feel a responsibility. We have a quality team and want to win."

The Czechs, who reached the Euro 2004 semifinals, looked as if they might have injury worries leading up to the game but everyone is fit except striker Milan Baros, top scorer at Euro 2004. They will be dangerous up front, where Koller, at 2m tall, is a big threat, while midfielder Tomas Rosicky, who has just convinced Arsenal of his worth, will cause all sorts of problems.

However, US coach Bruce Arena is happy to express his confidence in a team few took seriously before their win over Portugal in 2002 and says they can do well against the Czechs. Arena has the same core of players as four years ago but now with more experience at the highest level.

Arena said: "I think it is an advantage to have a number of players who played in 2002 and experienced success. Several others were there in 1998.

Arena knows the US need at least a point against the Czechs - with Italy and Ghana looming. He is also eager to prove that the Americans can beat a big team on European soil. "They're strong from back to front. That's the reason they're ranked two in the world."

- REUTERS