Source: CRI

06-23-2006 11:06

Italy fought off the stubborn resistance of ten-man Czech Republic to secure a 2-0 victory in Hamburg to top Group E.

Italy fought off the stubborn resistance of ten-man Czech Republic to secure a 2-0 victory in Hamburg to top Group E.

Defender Marco Materazzi scored with a resounding header on 26 minutes before the Czechs had Jan Polak dismissed for two yellow cards. Filipo Inzaghi scored a late second.

Defeat meant World Cup heartbreak for the Czechs who are eliminated despite thrashing the USA 3-0 in their opening game.

Playing with only ten men for the whole of the second half, they were always struggling although Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved forced two fine saves from his teammate Gianluigi Buffon.

By contrast, as the Czechs tired, Italy created a string of chances with Inzaghi particularly wasteful until he latched on to a through ball to score the goal that sealed three points.

The Czechs had been dominant in the early stages and as in the second half, Buffon twice denied the never say die Nedved.

The Italians were forced into making a substitution in the 17th minute when central defender Alessandro Nesta limped off feeling his groin.

Materazzi came on and nine minutes later the Inter Milan hardman put Italy ahead.

Francesco Totti swung over a corner from the right and Materazzi jumped above his marker to plant a firm, downward header past Petr Cech.

The Czechs' task of overhauling Italy was made even harder when Polak was shown the red card in stoppage time after receiving a second booking for tackling Totti from behind.

 

Editor:Wang Ping