By Mike Woitalla in Gelsenkirchen
When the U.S. team bus arrived at the Arena AufSchalke, Bruce Arena stepped off looking concerned and serious as he led his team to the locker room. His counterpart, Czech coach Karel Brueckner, a 66-year-old who slightly resembles Eddie Albert of ''Green Acres,'' wore a friendly smile and waved to fans.
The two coaches presented the same appearances after the first Group E game of this World Cup.
''It was one of the greatest performances in the history of our national team,'' said Brueckner of his team's 3-0 win. ''But it wasnÆt a miracle. These players are of the highest quality. The U.S. team is not easy to break down, but soccer is about solving situations and our players did that.''
The onslaught began in the fifth minute with a Jan Koller goal after the Czechs exploited U.S. keeper Kasey KellerÆs rushed, inaccurate punt.
''We win the ball off a free kick and for some reason Kasey kicks up it upfield where we have nobody,'' said Arena. ''In the back, weÆre out of shape because of the set play … I was very disappointed in some of our players over 90 minutes.''
Landon Donovan, Arena said, ''showed no aggressiveness tonight.''
A week ago, DaMarcus Beasley complained about not knowing whether he would start.
''We got nothing out of DaMarcus Beasley on the night,'' Arena said of the wide midfielderÆs 90-minute performance wide in the midfield.