SOCCER-ARMENIA STUN CZECHS WITH INJURY-TIME WINNER
Yahoo Sports
Sept 6 2013
PRAGUE, Sept 6 (Reuters) – Armenia scored in injury time to beat the
Czech Republic 2-1 in their World Cup Group B qualifier on Friday,
severely denting the home side’s chances of making the finals.
The Czechs looked like they had salvaged a draw whenTomas Rosicky’s
long-range shot deflected into the net off a defender to level at
1-1 in the 70th minute.
But Gevorg Ghazaryan latched onto a pass deep in Czech territory in
injury time and found the net with a shot that bounced off keeper
Petr Cech and past a sprawling Michal Kadlec who was unable to clear
his lines.
“We had a good start and a bad end,” Czech coach Michal Bilek told
reporters.
The Czechs dominated possession but paid the price for squandering a
clutch of quality chances in a match that highlighted the home side’s
inability to finish.
Armenia took an early lead when a defensive error gifted the visitors
possession in front of goal and Karlen Lazarian’s fierce drive into
the top corner gave a diving Cech no chance.
The home side started the game brightly with midfielderPetr Jiracek
firing over the bar with only the keeper to beat.
Armenia keeper Roman Berezovski, who was forced off through injury
in the second half, also had to punch away a Tomas Sivok header later
in the first half.
Italy, who play Bulgaria later on Friday, top the group on 14 points
after six games, with their opponents second on 10.
Armenia have moved level with the Czechs in third on nine points
after seven games. (Reporting by Michael Kahn,; Editing by Toby Davis)
;_ylt=A2KJNF93JCpSCXEAiLXQtDMD