SOCCER WORLD CUP : Czechs Continue Their Lackluster Play

Czechoslovakia, the first opponent for the United States in this summer’s soccer World Cup in Italy, again was less than impressive Wednesday, losing an exhibition game, 4-2, to England at London.

It was the first game for the Czechs since they were upset, 1-0, last month by Egypt at home. Their offense was better against England with the return of Lubos Kubik, who defected last year.

After the change in the country to a democratic government, he asked to return to the national team. He scored the Czechs’ second goal. Steve Bull scored twice for England.

There were five other exhibitions in Europe involving World Cup teams. In the most interesting game, West Germany and Uruguay combined for six second-half goals in a 3-3 tie at Stuttgart. In an upset, East Germany, which beat the United States, 3-2, last month at East Berlin, traveled to Glasgow and beat Scotland, 1-0, on a penalty kick by Thomas Doll in the 73rd minute. East Germany did not qualify for the World Cup.

The only other team to win on the road was Romania, which beat Israel, 4-1, at Jerusalem. Ireland won at Dublin, 1-0, against the Soviet Union, and Sweden won at Solna, 4-2, against Wales.

Despite his team’s victory, Irish Coach Jack Charlton was critical of referee Alf Kleinaitis of the United States. “I was annoyed at the referee today, but he is an American,” Charlton said.

The French Press Agency called the officiating “bizarre.”

Also, the Netherlands, considered a World Cup title contender, named Leo Beenhakken to replace Thijs Libregts as national team coach. Libregts was fired after a vote by the players. Beenhakken coaches the Amsterdam team, Ajax, that will play the United States on May 12 at Washington.

In other soccer news, Juventus of Turin won the Italian Cup for the eighth time with a 1-0 upset victory on the road against AC Milan.