Ghana outgun Czechs
Ghana outgun Czechs
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Saturday, 17, Jun 2006 08:22
Ghana have caused a massive shock in Group E with a comfortable 2-0 win over Czech Republic.
The group has been blown wide open as the Czechs will probably need to beat Italy in their final game to progress to the second round.
Asamoah Gyan was the hero for the Black Stars and his first half goal set the Africans on the way to a memorable win.
Gyan pounced on Tomas Ujfalusi's mistake with just 70 seconds on the clock.
The Czechs fought back hard in the first half but were never able to create much in the way of clear cut chances.
Roger Kingston in goal for Ghana offered the Czech Republic's best chance in the first half when he dropped the ball, with the resulting melee ending with a feeble Tomas Rosicky shot.
After the interval the expected cavalry charge from the Czechs never arrived. Pavel Nedved did put the ball in the back of the net with a fine header but it was chalked off for offside.
In fact as the half progressed a brilliant performance by Petr Cech was the only reason Ghana did not rack up three or four.
Ghana were awarded a penalty on 65 minutes after the hapless Ujfalusi hacked down Matthew Amoah as he was about to shoot.
The Czechs were reduced to ten men and while the referee was sending Ujfalusi off Gyan took the penalty. He despatched it into the top ciorner before realising that the referee was not ready.
Cruelly the official decided to yellow card the player and he will not be suspended for Ghana's game with USA. As if that was not bad enough Gyan then hit the post with his re-taken spot kick.
Undeterred, Ghana missed five or six wonderful opportunities to double their lead before Sulley Muntari blasted a second goal and the Africans could celebrate in style.