We fear no one, says U.S. coach Arena

HAMBURG, June 8 (Reuters) Coach Bruce Arena says the US fear no one in the World Cup and has predicted that one of the tournament's fancied teams will go out early.

''We realise we are playing against big names from big clubs but we've learned from the past they are just players, like we are,'' Arena told reporters today. ''We can play with anyone in the world on a given day.

''Regardless of the opponents, whether they have a pretty good pedigree with players from teams like AC Milan or whatever, that doesn't concern us at all. I think we'll see some of the big boys will be going home early.'' Arena's side kickoff their challenge against Czech Republic in Gelsenkirchen on Monday. Their other Group E opponents are Italy and Ghana.

US playmaker Landon Donovan, who had two unhappy spells in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen before returning to Major League Soccer, said no one in the squad was worried about their poor record in Europe.

''It doesn't really matter to me who we are playing or where,'' said Donovan, referring to the fact the Americans had won only two matches in Europe since Arena took over in 1998.

''Maybe it's a coincidence or bad luck. But it's the last thing on our minds.'' Arena was equally unperturbed about their record.

''I don't think we struggle in Europe,'' he said. ''We beat Poland (1-0) in March (in Kaiserslautern).'' REUTERS DH PM2130