Slovakia beats US 1-0 in World Cup warmup

By KAREL JANICEK, Associated Press Writer Nov 14, 3:29 pm EST

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BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP)—In its first warmup match for next year’s World Cup, the U.S. was missing key starters and lacked sharpness in a 1-0 loss to Slovakia on Saturday.

Marek Hamsik converted a penalty kick in the 26th minute after Austrian referee Stefan Messner called defender Jonathan Bornstein for pushing Vladimir Weiss—the son of Slovakia’s coach—in the penalty area. Hamsik sent a low shot to the right corner, with goalkeeper Brad Guzan diving in the opposite direction.

“Tonight’s a frustrating loss for us. We feel we at least deserved a draw tonight,” U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra said. “We created some good combinations in the first half, created some good opportunities, but they didn’t go in tonight.”

Preparing for its first World Cup appearance as an independent nation, Slovakia is ranked 33rd in the world. The 11th-ranked Americans have qualified for their sixth straight World Cup but used an under-strength roster.

“I thought we did well with keeping most of the possession and creating chances,” midfielder Clint Dempsey said. “We just weren’t able to get that goal to open the game up more.”

The U.S. was missing Landon Donovan, who scored in California on Friday night to help the Los Angeles Galaxy beat Houston 2-0 in overtime and reach the Major League Cup final. In addition, goalkeeper Tim Howard was given an off day and the Americans were without central defenders Oguchi Onyewu (knee surgery), Jay DeMerit (eye surgery) and Chad Marshall (sprained knee).

Jonathan Spector moved from the outside to central defense for the first time. Right back Steve Cherundolo hobbled off during second-half injury time holding his left knee, but the U.S. Soccer Federation said the initial evaluation indicated no serious injury.

“Jonathan Spector and Carlos Bocanegra played well together and both showed good understanding,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said.

Forward Eddie Johnson made his first national team appearance since June 2008 and Jeff Cunningham, MLS’s leading scorer this season, played for the national team for the first time since September 2005. Dallas midfielder Dax McCarty entered in the 72nd minute as a substitute for his national team debut.

“This match was on opportunity to see some different players,” Bradley said. “I think the area tonight that let us down was the sharpness and execution in the attacking part of the field.”

The U.S. outshot Slovakia 8-5, although shots on goal were even at four apiece. The Americans had five corner kicks to Slovakia’s one.

“I thought we had the better of the game, to be honest,” Spector said.

Both teams started sons of their coaches.

Vladimir Weiss the father played as a second-half substitute as Czechoslovakia routed the United States 5-1 at the 1990 World Cup.

Michael Bradley headed in from close range just two minutes in following a corner kick by Robbie Rogers but was ruled offside.

The U.S. was the more dangerous team early. Dempsey missed wide from 10 yards in the 30th minute, then was saved by goalkeeper Jan Mucha on a swerving free kick in the 37th. Feilhaber’s diving header off Bornstein’s cross was saved by Mucha three minutes before halftime.

Johnson broke in on goal in the 51st minute but missed the net. Mucha denied Sacha Kljestan, another sub, with a fingertip save on a free kick in the 82nd.

“They have an excellent team. They showed why they are 11th in the world,” Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss said.

The Americans close their 2009 schedule on Wednesday night at Denmark.

“Denmark will be a little different,” Bocanegra said. “They like to be on the ball, and they’re not as much of a counterattacking team as Slovakia.”

Updated Nov 14, 3:29 pm EST
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  1. <i>artieboy24</i>
    90. Posted by artieboy24 Sun Nov 15 2:00am EST

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    Given no Donovan, no Davies, no Torres this would be a rather toothless attack. And for the most part it was. That's OK because we gave Casey, Rogers, and Feilhaber more time. It also gave Dempsey more room.

    What is of MAJOR concern is our back four. Whether it was a penalty or not, Bornstein got beat on the play. In fact he got beat numerous times. If not for Guzan the score could of been 3-0.

    With Gooch probably out, that forces Bocanegra back to central defender alongside DeMeritt. That is disaster #1.

    That opens up a need for a LB and if its Bornstein that's disaster #2.

    So who else? Wynn (disaster #3), Pierce (too slow), Hedjuk (too old), Castillo (untested), Beasley (comedic).
  2. Richard S
    89. Posted by Richard S Sat Nov 14 1:57pm EST

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    Vegeta(post#87)...Ok. I'm making a 180 here. I actually get where you're coming from...mean it sincerely. Perhaps I shouldn't have been so....defensive. Some of the points you make are interesting and, if nothing else(lol), valid. It's actually cool that you debated back at me without swearing or making racist remarks...you know...what usually goes on here(rolls eyes). You obviously know soccer and aren't just shooting comments from the hip. With that said, I think it was a good game today. The US got a good look at some other players. I also agree with you that Bradley is the "limiting" factor for this team. With THAT said I think Bradley has done a helluva job getting this team to where they are. This team doesn't lack confidence anymore and aren't easily intimidated by anyone. I'm not saying they're great but certainly much better than the past. Bradley has done a good job at recognizing talent but certainly lacks the ability to develop that talent. I'm hoping a new coach a few years from now will get us over that next level.

    I still say the call shoulda been unsportsmanlike(diving)on Slovakia instead of Bornstein...lol. Let's see how the game against Denmark goes...should be interesting. Peace til then.
  3. <i>brasilanchick1</i>
    88. Posted by brasilanchick1 Sat Nov 14 12:35pm EST

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    What else is new usa loss away again....i know slovakia is playing very good and i think is group leader in wc qualifing but again we lose to a team ranked below us.......we should as i said a million times be ranked around 30th
  4. Vegeta
    87. Posted by Vegeta Sat Nov 14 12:00pm EST

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    85. Posted by Richard S
    Good morning to you too on your point . you've made it very clear for the rest of the people who understand futebol (not attacking your knowledge or udnerstanding)

    1. minimizing anything that the US team does or accomplishes
    this is a great point in relation that the real issues or person that MIinimizes the USA futebol team is the COACH, USSF and the philosophy (English STYLE of technical meaning player development ALL THE USA PLAYER Technical style is English not real creative one on one ball control)
    those are the factoids and elements that effect the USA progression

    2. I appreciate you dissecting my post
    well there where to many unclear position to your argument .. to many open end points with out precedent

    3 Bornstein did NOT impede the Slovakia player.
    no he did not impede (see open argument) he put HIS arm AROUND him that make it LOOK (closing your argument with a position) that why he call it a PK
    on a key not Bornstein is way to much a hack does not have the technical skill to defend and dribble out the back (not a kick and run style more a South American style )


    4. "Who is Slovakia?" Last time I checked they won their qual group with a 10-2 record with recent wins over Portugal, Poland, Czch Rep, and others. 25-10 goal diff.
    correct (another open ended argument) Portugal has a joke a coach... Poland is needed to rebuilt, Czch this team just did not come to play (has all the tool but fail to do)

    5. This is a solid game for the US. Actually PLAYING this game means more than the outcome....yeah I "understand". Do you?

    agree (again open ended argument) the USA need to play with REAL players / COACH philosophy (not a English mind set) USA could of picked CHILE, Paruguay, Italy, Holland etc... but they pick teams that they can look good (really ok) so they do not seem to be weak.. i rather TEST with the BEST (this a USA mind set player need to be call GOOD talent and special at the youth level never testing them with REAL talent)
    best friend

    and yes get use to it.. i have 40 years been use to losing and winning PLAYING FUTEBOL not kick and run
  5. Richard S
    86. Posted by Richard S Sat Nov 14 11:56am EST

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    FAKE Copamundial(post #84)....Sadly, that is THE most intelligent thing I've ever seen you post...lol.

    Good game by the US. Good luck in Denmark on Sat. Hopefully it'll be televised somehow.
  6. Richard S
    85. Posted by Richard S Sat Nov 14 11:29am EST

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    Vegeta(post#83)...Hey good morning too you. I see you're already in form. Glad to see you're already here minimizing anything that the US team does or accomplishes..lol. I appreciate you dissecting my post but I think you're reading into this waaaaay to much as usual. You can call it how ya see it, but Bornstein did NOT impede the Slovakia player. It looked worse than it was...as usual. As soon as he felt contact he fell to the ground..end of story. Like you said, "get used to it"...Wait, I SAID THAT in my post.

    "Who is Slovakia?" Last time I checked they won their qual group with a 10-2 record with recent wins over Portugal, Poland, Czch Rep, and others. 25-10 goal diff.

    This is a solid game for the US. Actually PLAYING this game means more than the outcome....yeah I "understand". Do you?
  7. COPAmundial
    84. Posted by COPAmundial Sat Nov 14 11:27am EST

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    Too many pks against USA defenders because these defenders are DUMB!!!
  8. Vegeta
    83. Posted by Vegeta Sat Nov 14 11:05am EST

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    81. Posted by Richard S
    WOW
    ok.. 3 points
    1 PK was awarded because he RAPPED his ARMS around him (YES HE DOVE LIKE A FISH but that part of the game... get use to it) it was a PK

    2 "For the record the US is dominating this game so far and looks pretty damn good. "
    this is funny and wondering if you understand why the USA PICKED this TEAM (COUNTRY) 3 position in why
    a. this team plays to the USA strength meaning 2/3 of their player PLAY in the EPL for which is simply . THE USA play a EPL style game formation (understand the history of futebol in relation or region)
    b. European teams (Countries) play counter attack either English style (kick and run from the back) Italy style or German style
    c. who is Slovakia (part of a great team from years ago not now weak team)

    3 FN biased refs(grrrrrr). well not really... seeing the game and not at all just being a typical ref...
  9. Richard S
    82. Posted by Richard S Sat Nov 14 10:57am EST

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    Pretty good first half by the US...65-45 ball control. Several good opportunities to score. PK against was lame but whatever. This Slovakia team went 10-2 in quals with some good wins over good European teams...I know it's a friendly but the US is easily the better team here so far. And Slovakia has most of their regs...so this could be encouraging. Good luck in the 2nd half US...this is where we always come back. Teams are gonna have trouble with our heart, athleticism, and conditioning. Go get 'em boys!
  10. Richard S
    81. Posted by Richard S Sat Nov 14 10:36am EST

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    US hosed already with a PK against...1-0 Slovakia. Horrible call of course...wasn't a foul and the Slovakia player flopped like a dead fish. US oughtta get used to it 'cause it's gonna be what they see in the near future. For the record the US is dominating this game so far and looks pretty damn good. FN biased refs(grrrrrr).
  11. COPAmundial
    80. Posted by COPAmundial Sat Nov 14 10:07am EST

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    Claudia, go work!!!
  12. COPAmundial
    79. Posted by COPAmundial Sat Nov 14 10:01am EST

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    Claudia is a fat chola who collects fraudulent welfare!!!!
  13. Pat
    78. Posted by Pat Sat Nov 14 7:23am EST

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    Cooper and Adu don't play for their teams. Adu never meet his reached his percieved, nor hoped for size.
  14. Larry
    77. Posted by Larry Sat Nov 14 5:51am EST

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    claudia,
    No,YOU suck!! F*** off! Ciao!
  15. <i>artieboy24</i>
    76. Posted by artieboy24 Fri Nov 13 11:31pm EST

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    That's twice my comments have been cut off when I'm responding to someone else's comment/question.

    Don't know what I am doing wrong?

    Maybe its the beer :)
  16. <i>artieboy24</i>
    75. Posted by artieboy24 Fri Nov 13 11:28pm EST

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    anyone remember Jeff Agoos????
  17. <i>artieboy24</i>
    74. Posted by artieboy24 Fri Nov 13 11:12pm EST

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    Tell me if I'm being biased.

    I don't think Jones should be part of the US. He is from Germany, he plays in Germany and he has played for the German national team. The fact that things didn't work out for him over there doesn't mean we should take him.

    With Castillo at least he is from the US and he learned to play the game here. Yes he chose Mexico first (just like Jones chose Germany first). But whereas with Jones the choice was easy, with Castillo the choice was more difficult. Plus he would be coming back home.

    I don't know maybe I'm wrong. But when I think of Jones I think of David Regis, France 98, the loss to Iran and the tears start to come out. I just don't want to re-live that nightmare.

    If I'm biased please let me know. And let me add that Castillo shouldn't get an easy chance to play for us. Playing LB in Mexico is one thing, playing LB against the top forwards and midfielders in the world is something else.
  18. Jan
    73. Posted by Jan Fri Nov 13 11:05pm EST

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    Slovakia has a long-standing soccer tradition. Even while the country is more known for its fine hockey players (Marian Gaborik, Marian Hossa, Zdeno Chara, etc.), people love soccer best; it is by far the most popular game in Slovakia.
    In the past, Slovak players were a stable part of the team of Czechoslovakia, where they would usually occupy posts in defense or mid-field. Seven Slovak players were on the roster of the Czechoslovak team in the World Cup Italia 1990.
    This year's qualification to the world cup in South Africa is the greatest success of the Slovak national soccer team since the split between Slovaks and Czechs on January 1, 1993. The main cause of this success is the genius of the present coach Vladimir Weiss. As to the notable players in the present Slovak team, the goalie is Jan Mucha (plays for Legia Warsaw, is considered the best goalie of the Polish soccer league, it is said that Arsenal is interested in signing contract with him)expressed their Martin Skrtel is the pillar in defense (Liverpool), Marek Hamsik creates game in the midfield (SSC Napoli, young - only 22-year old, is one of the best scorers in the Italian league; recently score two goals in the game versus Juventus, Chelsea has offered for him a many milion contract), Vladimir Weiss, Jr. and Miroslav Stoch (Chelsea/Twente) are the offensive wings (just 19- and 20-year old, extremely talented lads) and the striker is Stanislav Sestak of VLF Bochum with 6 goals for Slovakia in the qualification tournament.
  19. <i>artieboy24</i>
    72. Posted by artieboy24 Fri Nov 13 10:52pm EST

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    #61 Mr. Peters, I wasnt' asking the question. I was trying to respond to someone else's question. Unfortunately my answer got truncated.

    As I stated finishing on top of the group would give us the slight chance of being a group head. I believe only 6 spots are guaranteed: England, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Germany and Holland.

    Based on their current performance Argentina doesn't deserve to be a group head. But if they are given one then there is one spot remaining. I don't think a team that has to go into a final playoff to reach the WC (France, Uruguay) deserves a spot.

    Because of the politics the US wont be given one without a lot of complaining from the european nations. But if they have ever deserved to be a group head it would be now. Finishing first in qualifying, reaching the final of the confed cup, winning the first half of that final match 2-0, all those factors will weigh in favor of the US.
  20. <i>artieboy24</i>
    71. Posted by artieboy24 Fri Nov 13 10:25pm EST

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    It would of been nice is Adu had been added to the roster. Edu will eventually be a regular once a new manager is hired. The same goes for Torres and maybe Castillo.
  21. <i>claudia.ro12@...</i>
    70. Posted by claudia.ro12@... Fri Nov 13 9:39pm EST

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    usa sucks even with landon
  22. <i>johnunger71</i>
    69. Posted by johnunger71 Fri Nov 13 9:24pm EST

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    I think Edu is training right now or ready to train, he's no longer rehabbing. Also there was a Beasley sighting last weekend. He played 45 minutes.
  23. kv
    68. Posted by kv Fri Nov 13 9:23pm EST

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    post 36....

    I believe that your roster does not include Casey and Ching. You are so right on that. Cooper should have gotten call from Bradley. I hope that he makes the WC roster. Cooper is faster, more excited player than Casey and Ching combine.

    I just hope Jones and Castillo get the call next year friendlies.

    Castillo is shorted, but Torres is also 5"7. Torres has played very well. Castillo can play defense and play offense. It is about ball controll and not letting other team having the ball wild.
  24. Richard S
    67. Posted by Richard S Fri Nov 13 7:29pm EST

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    Some of you guys need to just relax a bit...lol. These are just games 1 and 2 of about 6, maybe more, that the US team will play prior to South Africa. Plenty of other guys who aren't in this one will get their respective shots before the final roster is set. This is NOT the linup they're taking to SA. I sure Cooper, Torres, Adu, Johnson, etc will all see some action prior to June. It's OK...we'll be fine. The US is gonna make a good showing...just watch. Peace.
  25. <i>ocsportsnut</i>
    66. Posted by ocsportsnut Fri Nov 13 6:05pm EST

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    I'm with #62, WHERE IS KENNY COOPER???? Maybe Torres.....Castillo???? Why Is Frankie still around, there is always one player who is a bit long in the tooth that manages to make the World Cup squad and then is a disaster...anyone remember Jeff Agoos????
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