Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann tagged the United States soccer team as his darkhorse pick.
U.S. manager Bruce Arena said his team was fully prepared and there would be no excuses.
Reality Czech.
The U.S. looked as helpless Monday as the 1998 World Cup team that managed only one goal in their last place finish.
After being dealt a crushing 3-0 loss by the Czech Republic, the U.S. is now pinned between a rock and Italy.
So much for the surprise-darkhorse-candidate hype.
When it comes to losing in Europe, the U.S. knows how to fall hardest (0-8), having been outscored by opponents 24-4.
With the loss, the Americans sit in the loser's bracket of Group E, also known as the "Death Group" and are set to face heavily-favored Italy.
And, unfortunately for the 5,000 die-hard U.S. fans that made their commute to Gelsenkirchen, Germany, a win on Saturday seems as likely as a Kansas City Royals victory.
Reach the reporter at james.schmehl@asu.edu.