Group D Round-up: Two Kevin Kuranyi headers gave Germany a deserved 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday to move three points clear at the top of Group D.
Germany have 13 points after five matches, with the Republic of Ireland, like the Czechs, also on 10 points although having played a game more following their 1-0 win over Wales, also on Saturday.
"The defence was solid as a wall, the midfield played very intelligent football and the strikers troubled our opponents' defence," said German coach Joachim Loew. "I am very satisfied. It was a very high quality match."
The Czechs started the game with an attacking spirit and had the first real chance after three minutes when Jan Polak got into the box and passed to Milan Baros, but Germany captain Michael Ballack blocked his shot from close range.
The Germans gradually built up the pressure, spurning several chances before Kuranyi shrugged off two defenders in the 42nd minute to head a corner past goalkeeper Petr Cech.
The Czechs struggled in defence, especially when they pushed forward in search of an equaliser, leaving themselves vulnerable at the back.
Lukas Podolski nearly put the Germans two ahead just before half-time but his powerful shot hit the bar.
The Czechs improved in the second half and Baros had early opportunities but headed two Tomas Ujfalusi crosses over.
Podolski then wasted a great chance when he advanced on Cech and opted to pass instead of shoot - but soon afterwards Kuranyi put Germany 2-0 up from a Philipp Lahm centre in the 62nd minute.
Baros finally scored a goal in the 76th minute, deflecting in a shot by Jan Polak on the edge of the box, to give his side hope, but despite several chances they could not find an equaliser even with four strikers towards the end.
"It was a deserved victory for our opponents," said Czech manager Karel Brueckner. "We didn't get to anything really in the first half . . . We were hardly finding any way to stand up to them."
The Czechs host Cyprus on Wednesday, while Germany have a break until June 2nd, when they meet San Marino.
Meanwhile, Slovakia, Ireland's opponents at Croke Park on Wednesday, came from behind to beat Cyprus 3-1 after the home side's goalkeeper was sent-off just before half-time on Saturday.
Michalis Morphis was shown a red card in the 41st minute for bringing down Slovakia's Dusan Svento outside his area but Cyprus still took the lead when Efstathios Aloneftis shot into an empty net on the stroke of halftime.
Slovakia came back in the second period with Robert Vittek equalising in the 54th minute from the edge of the area before an unmarked Martin Skrtel scored from close range 13 minutes later.
Martin Jakubko made it 3-1 on 77 minutes with a header to wrap up the points for Slovakia who completed a double over Cyprus after a 6-1 win in Bratislava last September.
Slovakia stay fourth with nine points from five matches.
"I am disappointed because I expected otherwise, but we have to lift our heads, collect ourselves and move on," said Cyprus coach Angelos Anastassiades.
