Soccer: Blunted Czechs turn to veteran striker

HATTINGEN - Czech Republic face Ghana deprived of their two best strikers, although they do have the luxury of the experienced Vratislav Lokvenc ready to plug the gap.

Milan Baros is struggling with a mystery foot injury that might rule him out of the whole tournament while Jan Koller is out until at least the second round after tearing a hamstring in the opening 3-0 win over the United States.

That means a start, probably as a lone striker, for 32-year-old Lokvenc, who has been in and around the team for more than 10 years, scoring 14 goals in 73 games and whose physical presence mirrors that of Koller, whom he replaced after 45 minutes against the Americans.

Like Koller, he is easing back to full fitness after a knee injury that restricted him to a handful of appearances for his Austrian club Salzburg this season but he looked sharp enough against the US and also offers a similar aerial threat.

Czech coach Karel Bruckner says he is unconcerned about the unexpected change of plans but will also be looking for plenty of attacking support from Tomas Rosicky, who scored twice on Tuesday, Pavel Nedved and Jaroslav Plasil.

* Italy, defeated by unfancied opponents in recent major tournaments, know they must not underestimate the United States.

The Italians won their opening Group E game against Ghana 2-0 while Bruce Arena's Americans suffered a 3-0 loss to Czech Republic in their first outing at these finals.

"For the United States it will be the game of their lives given that they lost their opening match against the Czechs and they know that if they mess up again they will be out," said Italy forward and AC Milan striker Alberto Gilardino.

"From our point of view, we have to be focused and very solid in order to get another three points."

* Iran have been plagued by injuries and restlessness as they prepare for the Group D match against Portugal.

No such concerns, bar a question mark over the fitness of winger Cristiano Ronaldo, dog Portugal. With three points in the bag they are looking to book a place in the World Cup knockout phase.

"[This match] is like a final for both teams," said Portugal captain Luis Figo.

Having lost 1-3 to Mexico, Iran cannot afford another defeat in Frankfurt, but with striker and captain Ali Daei almost certainly out with a back injury, they lack a father figure to guide them on the pitch.

"I think it is very hard for him to play against Portugal. We have to see, but I don't think he can play," coach Branko Ivankovic said of the striker, the world's top international scorer with 109 goals.

- REUTERS