USA routed in preparation for World Cup

DORTMUND, Germany, March 22 (UPI) -- Facing criticism from its fans as the World Cup approaches, Germany coasted past the United States in an exhibition match Wednesday night, 4-1.

The lone goal for the undermanned Americans came from Steve Cherundolo.

Germany suffered a 4-1 loss to Italy earlier this month, touching off complaints that Coach Jurgen Klinsmann did not have his team ready for the soccer extravaganza that the Germans will host this summer.

That put pressure on his team and that pressure only grew when the Germans were held scoreless in the first half.

Substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger scored early in the second half to get the Germans rolling.

Among those missing from the U.S. side were Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride, Eddie Pope and Eddie Lewis.

The match was played at one of the stadiums that will host matches during the World Cup, which opens June 9.