Czech Republic 4- Armenia 1

Wednesday, 7 September 2005
by Ladislav Josef

The Czech Republic returned to winning ways as four
second-half goals helped Karel Brückner’s side to a
victory against Armenia which sees them regain second
place in 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 1.

Polák double
The home side suffered a demoralising 2-0 defeat by
Romania on Saturday and needed to bounce back this
evening in Olomouc but struggled to make headway
against a tenacious Armenia team. Marek Heinz finally
broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart and
further goals from Milan Baroš and Jan Polák (2)
helped them establish a 4-0 lead before Ara Hakobjan’s
late consolation.

Blažek intervention
An injury to Petr Cech saw Jaromír Blažek make his
debut in goal and the custodian did not take long to
make an impact, sprinting from his line to deny
Hokobjan as the striker threatened to give the
visitors a shock lead. Until then the Czech Republic
had dominated, something they continued to do in the
opening period without capitalising on a host of
chances.

Deflected shots
Not afraid to shuffle his side, Brückner brought on
Vladimír Šmicer at the interval and the midfielder
almost made an immediate impression, only to hit a
shot straight at Roman Berezovskij when well placed.
But the disappointment did not last long and within a
minute Heinz finally broke the deadlock, albeit with
the aid of a crucial deflection.

Baroš strike
There was also an element of luck with the second goal
five minutes later when Polák’s long-range shot was
also deflected beyond Berezovskij. Baroš made it three
just before the hour mark, tapping in after Jan
Koller’s effort was only half cleared, and the Aston
Villa FC striker turned provider on 76 minutes, teeing
the ball up for Polák to stroke home.

Late consolation
Hakobjan reduced the deficit late on but it was too
little, too late for Armenia who remain rooted to the
bottom of Group 1 – and will go to Andorra on 12
October needing a victory to escape last place.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic are second, a point
behind the Netherlands ahead of their meeting on 8
October – when victory will see them go top and clinch
at least a play-off place.