Second-half flurry keeps Czechs on course
Wednesday 19 November 2008
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Second-half goals from Radoslav Kováč , Zdeněk Pospěch and Tomáš Necid earned the Czech Republic a workmanlike win in Serravalle to leave them second in a tight Group 3.
Welcome opener
San Marino are yet to claim a point in FIFA World Cup qualifying but, having made life difficult for Poland and Slovakia so far, are not to be underestimated on home turf. Indeed, it was still goalless at the interval after a frustrating first half for the visitors, who finally made the breakthrough two minutes after the restart as Kováč rose to head in Marek Jankulovski's free-kick. Pospěch soon doubled the lead to further loosen the shackles and Necid sealed victory seven minutes from time.
Thunderous shot
The Czech Republic side that walked off the pitch at full time bore very different appearances to those who had traipsed off at the interval. Petr Rada's charges had begun from the front foot, showing nothing of the rustiness that had limited them to four points from their first three outings. Yet for all their efforts, epitomised by Libor Sionko, there was no reward. Tensions rose among the visiting support but once Kováč had broken the deadlock they were swiftly lifted. Five minutes later, Pospěch made it 2-0 with a thunderous shot from the edge of the area, setting the platform for Necid to add the gloss for the Czech Republic as the 19-year-old controlled a corner with his chest and fired in.
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