Czech Republic clinch finals spot

The Czech Republic secured their place at Euro 2008 when they thumped already-qualified Germany 3-0 in Group D last night

The Czech Republic secured their place at Euro 2008 when they thumped already-qualified Germany 3-0 in Group D last night. Libor Sionko gave the Czechs a perfect start when he tapped the opening goal past Timo Hildebrand in the second minute at the Allianz Arena.

Marek Matejovsky gave the visitors breathing space with a well-taken second in the 23rd minute and Jaroslav Plasil capped an outstanding display, individually and collectively, with the third in the 63rd minute.

Germany had become the first country to qualify for the finals in Austria and Switzerland with a draw in Ireland on Saturday and offered precious little in response. The result ended the hopes of Ireland and Cyprus.

Wales, beaten 3-1 in Cyprus at the weekend, struggled to a 2-1 win over the groups bottom team San Marino.

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John Toshack's team took the lead in the 13th minute thanks to a right-foot shot by Robert Earnshaw before Joe Ledley doubled the advantage for Wales in the 36th. Andy Selva curled in a 73rd-minute free-kick to pull one back for San Marino, who had Nicola Albani sent off five minutes from time.