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Dempsey snatches victory for U.S.
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany (Reuters) -- Clint Dempsey's 48th-minute header gave the United States a 1-0 victory over Poland in a World Cup warm-up played in a snowstorm in Kaiserslautern on Wednesday. Dempsey, a midfielder with the New England Revolution, nodded the only goal of the game from a cross by Eddie Lewis. Two late goals from Turkey striker Umit Karan salvaged a 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic in their friendly in Izmir after the visitors had been poised for victory. Dempsey's goal came as a shock to Poland, who had controlled most of the match between the two World Cup finalists until he scored. The Americans, playing near a big U.S. military base, were given strong support by the crowd and put Poland's defence under pressure in the first 10 minutes. But the Poles soon began to find their range with Borussia Dortmund striker Ebi Smolarek and Tomasz Frankowski of Wolverhampton Wanderers forcing goalkeeper Kasey Keller to make fine saves. The first half ended with Steve Cherundolo going close for the U.S., hitting a 25-metre free kick narrowly wide. Dempsey's goal opened up the game in an entertaining second period although both teams continued to struggle with their finishing. The U.S. will be in Group E at the World Cup in June, alongside Italy, Ghana and Czech Republic. Poland are up against hosts Germany, Costa Rica and Ecuador in Group A. Midfielder Karel Poborsky put the Czech Republic ahead in Izmire from the penalty spot in the 21st minute after Turkey keeper Rustu Recber brought down Milan Baros. The Czechs doubled their lead in the 61st minute when forward Jiri Stajner picked up a cross inside the area and drove the ball into the far corner beyond the outstretched Rustu. Substitute Umit pulled one goal back in the 89th minute, tapping in from close range after Petr Cech failed to hold on to a shot. In the dying moments he fired in another shot to beat Cech for the second time in four minutes. 
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