Slovakia 1-0 USA: Hamsik Spot Kick Dispatches States

The first of two European exhibitions didn’t go as planned for the US Men’s National Team.  

A bland outing for both sides was decided by a Marek Hamsik penalty kick, just 26 minutes in. Despite controlling possession for most of the game, the United States was unable to battle back from the early goal.

The visiting US team started the game with a group of familiar faces from the recent qualifiers. Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss played many of the same players from their first place qualifying run as well, including team captain and goal scoring threat Hamsik.  

The US squad's familiarity with each other showed from the onset through possession, and two corner kick opportunities within the first 2 minutes.

Despite the positive start, the US was unable to successfully crack the Slovakian defense, but Clint Dempsey came close with a long range effort in the 22nd minute.

Just minutes after that US effort, Slovakia was awarded a penalty kick, albeit against the run of play.

Vladimir Weiss, who caused problems for the US defenders all day, bolted through from the right flank and was hauled down inside the box by Jonathon Bornstein.

The referee showed no hesitation in awarding the Slovakian coach’s son a penalty.

Replay confirmed the referees’ decisions, as Bornstein clearly wrapped up the winger. The Napoli midfielder Hamsik stepped up to take the spot kick, and coolly sent Brad Guzan the wrong way.

However, the United States continued to maintain their poise and possession, and Dempsey again looked the goal-scoring threat with a long range blaster just before half.

The free kick was well saved by Slovakian goal keeper Jan Mucha. Mucha extended to his left to parry the ball outside the post, and replays show the ball might have very well been goal bound.

The second period started with a few more half chances for the United States, an attempted short free kick, and a misfire from newly introduced Fulham reserve Eddie Johnson. Much like the first half however, ball control and positive movement were not rewarded.

Slovakia was able to counter most every American move, and they almost slotted home a second goal 10 minutes after the break.

Erik Jendrisek found himself all alone in the box on the end of a solid build up. The American goalkeeper Brad Guzan was able to make a special play though, charging off his line and forcing Jendrisek to fire straight into him.

The United States failed to provide much of a scoring threat throughout the second, despite the introduction of Jeff Cunningham and Dax Mccarty. A deflected Dempsey free kick proved the best chance, spinning just wide of Mucha’s right post.

The slow pace of the game allowed Slovakia another chance to put the game away 15 minutes from its completion.

An errant free kick from Hamsik, followed by a poor defensive clearance left striker Stanislav Sestak just on-sides, and one-on-one with Guzan. Luckily, Guzan was yet again the victor of a one-on-one battle, beautifully nicking away the close range shot with his left foot.

Time wound down on the United States, and despite some solid midfield passing, a tying goal was never very close. The Slovakian defense was as solid as they have been throughout their European campaign, and were rewarded with another shutout.

Perhaps adding insult to injury, American right back Steve Cherundolo went down with what appears to be a knee injury deep into stoppage time.