Koller bows out with Czech’s on the brink
Czech Republic’s slim hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup are hanging in the balance after Ivan Hasek’s men could only salvage a 2-2 draw with the ten men of Slovakia on Saturday. The result leaves the Czech’s in 5th place in Group C, seven points adrift of the front runners with only a possible nine points left for the taking.
The under-achievement was all too much for veteran striker and all-time top goalscorer Jan Koller, as he once again declared his retirement from the international scene. The 6ft 7 striker decided to call time on his international career after being replaced by Milan Baros in the 55 minute, claiming “it was a mistake to come back”.
The first half ended goalless and as it were, Koller’s departure from the field of play seemed to spark a frantic last half hour of play, starting with Stanislav Sestak finally breaking the deadlock for Slovakia in the 60th minute. A teasing high cross was played into the box and the static Czech defence failed to pick up Sestak, as he ghosted in at the far post to side-foot past the poorly positioned Petr Cech.
Stanislav Sestak opened the scoring
However the lead was to only last eight minutes, as some good build up play down the right opened up the Slovak defence and Daniel Pudil found himself in acres of space with the ball at his feet. The defence really gifted him all the time in the world to pick his spot and slot the ball underneath the on-rushing Jan Mucha. Both goals highlighted a lack of cover at the back post which looks a real cause for concern for both managers and no doubt serious questions will have been asked at the final whistle.
It appeared to be a case of “anything you can do, I can do better” from now on as the Slovak’s set out to restore their lead as quickly as possible. It only took them five minutes as another lapse in concentration in their own box led to the Czech Republic conceding an unneccessary penalty. Jaroslav Plasil’s clumsy touch gifted possession to the opposition on the edge of his own box and in an attempt to make amends for his error Plasil did more damage as he inexplicably dragged the striker down in the area. It was a clear penalty and Ivan Hasek and his team could have no complaints as Marek Hamsik stepped up to make it 2-1 and restore Slovakia’s advantage.
Marek Hamsik suffered mixed fortunes
Hamsek did however, turn from hero to villain in the space of two minutes. Fresh from scoring the penalty in the 73rd minute, he went on to pick up a booking for dissent in the 74th. Just a minute later he was shown his second yellow and received his marching orders for a mis-timed challenge on Milan Baros. Referee Tom Henning Ovrebo has received a lot of negative press over the last year, especially after his horror show in the Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona, but this time he got all the major calls spot on and deserves credit for that.
With time ticking away, the Czech’s made their numerical advantage count as Milan Baros was left unmarked at the back post to nod home a forner in the 84th minute to salvage a point. Slovakia, who can consolidate their place in the World Cup against Northern Ireland on Wednesday, really will need to tighten up their defence in preparation for South Africa.
Milan Baros’ late effort spared the Czech’s blushes
As for the Czech Republic, manager Ivan Hasek summed it up after the match saying, “We have to fight to have any chance of advancing”.
