The Czech Republic's Martin Fenin broke a tie with a powerful upper-90 left-footer, then Tomas Necid scored a late insurance goal as the visiting Czech Republic defeated the United States 4-2 in a match that was both a World Cup tune-up and last-ditch effort for several US team hopefuls.

Fenin's strike in the 78th minute blunted a nice effort by US newcomer Herculez Gomez. Gomez powered an equalizing goal in the 65th minute and nearly scored minutes earlier off ace Czech keeper Petr Cech, of English Premier League victors Chelsea.

While the US struck first with an Maurice Edu header in the 17th minute, the Czechs came back with a headers by David Lafata and by Jaroslav Plasil, a member of the championship French club Bordeaux. Attendance was announced at 36,218 in East Hartford's Rentschler Field.

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PREGAME: In the last warmup before the US roster for the World Cup will be announced tomorrow, the US men's soccer team will take on the Czech Republic tonight.

We'll have lineups and more information before the 8 p.m. match.

Among those working out last night for the American side were former New England Revolution star (and current member of the English Premier League club Fulham) Clint Dempsey, the L.A. Galaxy's Landon Donovan, and keeper Tim Howard.

Coach Bob Bradley is to announce his final 23-member roster tomorrow for the cup, which begins next month in South Africa.

Below, excerpts from Globe soccer writer Frank Dell'apa's interview with Dempsey yesterday evening after training: