The Czech Republic opened its 2006 World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over the United States in Gelsenkirchen on 12 June 2006, dominating Group E play from the opening whistle.
Tall striker Jan Koller got the scoring started in the fifth minute, heading home a right-wing cross from Zdenek Grygera that slipped past two American defenders. It was Koller's 43rd international goal in 69 appearances. He was later carried off on a stretcher just before halftime, adding to the team's injury concerns after forward Milan Baros had already been ruled out with a foot problem.
Midfielder Tomas Rosicky accounted for the remaining two goals. He drilled a right-footed shot from roughly 25 meters past goalkeeper Kasey Keller in the 36th minute, then sealed the result in the 76th minute with a left-footed flick after rattling the crossbar moments earlier.
The Czech squad faces Ghana next on Saturday, while the United States will take on Italy the same day.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.