MILAN, Feb 21 : Slovakia were soundly beaten by the United States in the men's Olympic ice hockey semi-final on Friday, but head into a battle with Finland to retain bronze with the comfort of an impressive tournament and an improved final period against the Americans. Slovakia laid down an early marker in Milan, beating champions Finland in their opener, topping their group and easily saw off Germany in the last eight but proved no match for a U.S. side intent on winning their first gold since