Czechs bounce back after Russian hammering
Edited time: June 13, 2012 02:22
The Czech Republic, who were thrashed by Russia 4-1 in their opening Euro 2012 match, are back into the play-off battle after a 2-1 win over Greece.
Defense was a huge headache for the Greek coach, Fernando Santos, ahead of the match in Wroclaw.
Center-back Avraam Papadopoulos was injured and Sokratis Papastathopoulos was banned after being red-carded in the opening match against the Poles.
The Czechs needed less than three minutes to capitalize on Greece’s problems. Petr Jiracek exploited a massive hole in the Greek backline and beat goalie Kostas Chalkias to make it 1-0.
Three minutes later, the Czech Republic doubled their lead as Vaclav Pilar managed to slot home after Theodor Gebre Selassie’s low cross.
In the 23rd minute Greece suffered another blow, with their No.1 keeper Chalkias leaving the pitch with an injury.
And to add to Greek frustration they had a goal disallowed just before halftime due to a rather doubtful offside call.
In the second half they managed to get one goal back thanks to Petr Cech’s blunder as the Czech keeper dropped the ball into the path of Fanis Gekas, who put the ball into an empty net, 2-1.
The Czech Republic now have three points after two games, while Greece remain on one point.
Russia play co-hosts Poland later on, knowing they’ll not only bag a quarter-final spot if they win.
The last matchday in Group A is on June 16, with the Greeks taking on Russia, and the Czech Republic playing Poland.
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