Injury cuts short Koller celebrations

Jan Koller's early strike set the Czech Republic on course for a 3-0 victory in their first FIFA World Cup Group E game against the United States, with Tomáš Rosický also scoring two fine goals, although the result could be overshadowed by a thigh injury to the AS Monaco FC striker.

Mixed fortunes
Koller's injury was an untimely setback for Karel Brückner's team who were already without forward Milan Baroš due to a foot injury. That disappointment was soon forgotten as Koller rose to power Zdeněk Grygera's excellent right-wing cross past Kasey Keller on five minutes, although the afternoon was to end prematurely for the 33-year-old, who has missed most of the season with a serious knee injury, when he was carried off in agony before half-time.

Woodwork shaved
By then Rosický had already doubled the Czechs' advantage with a stunning long-range effort on 36 minutes although the United States also had their chances, no more so than Manchester City FC's Claudio Reyna whose low, bobbling shot came back off the upright. Arsenal FC's new recruit Rosický also hit the woodwork midway through the second half but he was not to be denied a second time and calmly slotted in with 14 minutes remaining to round off an impressive Czech win.