When manager Bruce Arena picked Brian Ching for the U.S. World Cup squad he praised Ching's "nose for the goal" toughness and tenacity.

Indeed, at the time, Ching was the scoring leader of Major League Soccer and had shown both an intuitive and creative sense for being in the right place at the right time to get the ball in the net.

More than that, what Ching brought to the 23-man roster was a hard-nosed style of play and a can-do attitude, elements sadly missing from the bewildered U.S. squad in the 3-0 drubbing by the Czech Republic on Monday.

But, then, so was Ching, who did not get off the bench in what has so far been the most lopsided match of the session.

Now that Arena has pledged to shake up his lineup for Saturday's meeting with favored Italy — just how he isn't saying yet — you'd hope that he'll remember what earned Ching a spot on the roster in the first place and find a role for him on the field. If not as a starter at striker, then as a reserve.

Not just because Ching is a Hawai'i product and a sentimental favorite here, either. But because from the looks of the loss to the Czechs, the U.S. desperately needs somebody, anybody, to set the tone for this team before it is unceremoniously ushered out of this competition. The Americans need somebody to light their competitive fire and, really, who fits the part better than Ching?

Remember, this is a guy so intent on doing what it takes to win that he's collided face-first into a goalkeeper's knee. More than once. Aggressiveness that split his nose open and required four plates and 12 screws to fix and still has not deterred his fearless, all-out style. Aggressive headers have been his calling card.

Indeed, Ching owes his place on this roster not to flawless technique, speed or genes but to his competitive diesel drive. He wasn't supposed to make this team. Just like he wasn't supposed to be a figure in the MLS. Heck, he even got cut from the league at one point.

But here he is at the World Cup in Germany, waiting to set foot on the biggest stage in sport, if only he's given the chance.

Ching brings more to this equation than tenacity, however. There is also timing and cohesion. When he was with the San Jose Earthquakes he formed quite a tandem with Landon Donovan. Donovan, the U.S.'s supposed go-to player, was lackluster against the Czechs and singled out by Arena for criticism.

Reunited with Ching, chances are he'd rediscover his aggressiveness and find his attack again. Pronto.

You thought Ching might have gotten a shot during garbage time after the Czechs put up that 3-0 lead, just so Arena could make a statement about attitude. But he didn't.

Unless things turn around in a hurry against Italy, Arena might not have the luxury of being able to keep Ching on the sidelines any longer.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.