Greece 1-2 Czech Republic: Explosive start gives Czechs vital points

STV

Two early goals gave Czech Republic three points in their Group A encounter with Greece in Wroclaw, though a gaffe by Petr Cech made for a nervy second half.

In a whirlwind opening Tomas Hubschman threaded the ball through to Petr Jiracek and the Wolfsburg player coolly slotted the ball into the net to put the Czechs in front after only three minutes..

And just three minutes later the Czechs doubled their lead. With the Greek defence in disarray, defender Theodor Gebre Selassie cut the ball back from the byline and when the ball was bundled over the line, Vaclav Pilar claimed the goal.

Greece endured further woe in the 22nd minute when they were forced to make a change with goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias being replaced by Michalis Sifakis.

Though working hard to get back into the match, Greece were unable to create clear chances, with Giorgios Samaras being closely marked and Dimitris Salgipidis being ruled offside on several occasions, including when he thought he had pulled a goal back for his side in the 41st minute.

Seven minutes into the second half, Greece found a foothold in the match. Theofanis Gekas, a half-time replacement for Giorgios Fotakis, pounced on a slip up by Petr Cech to prod into an empty net.

But despite having a chance to haul themselves back into contention, Greece couldn't capitalise.

Kostas Mitrogliou was introduced to proceedings to give Greece four forwards on the park but the numbers failed to deliver the desired result with clear-cut chances at a premium.

The defeat leaves the Greeks needing to beat Russia in their third game to have a hope of progressing, while three points for Czech Republic helps wipe the memory of their heavy opening day defeat.

Watch the key moments

Jiracek opens the scoring
Pilar scores for Czech Republic
Cech slip-up hands Gekas a goal

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