Czech second-liners make German stars pack with 2-1 win

Czech send Germany back home

Czech Republic beat Germany 2-1 in their final Euro 2004 Group D match at the Jose Alvalade Stadium Wednesday in Lizbon, sending Germany out of the tournament.

The first chance of the match came to the Czech Republic, when Marek Heinz headed a brilliant ball in the fourth minute, but it was denied by a nice save from Oliver Kahn, who had to receive treatment after the play but eventually rose to his feet.

In the 14th minute, Czechs saw the another chance to surprise Germany when Roman Tyce who attempted to float in a free kick over the wall, but only saw the ball flying over the bar.

Czech oust Germany in Euro 2004

As the Czechs were thinking they would control the game, Germany managed to take the lead in the 21st minute through playmaker Michael Ballack, who opened his Euro 2004 scoring account by an fantastic volley from the range.

However, Germans' power swiftly went away on the half-hour mark when Heinz scored on a set piece to shock the world and make it 1-1.

The Germans, seeking a win to guarantee a place in the last eight, put on more pressure in injury time of the first half and came dangerously close to a second, but eventually the ball was cleared away and the Czechs escaped.

In the second half, Germany attacked more ferociously, but the Czechs, who had already entered the last eight, defended solidly.

In the 77th minute, Cezchs' hard work was paid back after their spearhead Baros conquered Germany defense and Oliver Kahn to score, which kicked Germany out of the tournament, while the Netherland crushed latvia 3-0 to overtake Germany as the runners-up of the group.

Source: Xinhua