10-man Greece stand strong against Czechs

A shorthanded Greece was able to hold off a pesky Czech Republic. Led by superb keeper Nikos Babaniotis, Greece was able to preserve a 0-0 draw in Liberec, Czech Republic today. The Czechs saw much of the possession, especially after Greece star player, Sotiris Ninis, was sent off on a double booking by Luxembourg official Albert Toussaint.

The game began with Greece attacking sharply and winning two consecutive corners in the opening minutes. Shortly after the Greek surge, the game grew physical, seeing several fouls and Nikolaos Boutzikos being cautioned. The first half saw both teams exchange opportunities on goal, but the Czechs had the majority in possession. A shot by Ninis tested the Czech keeper, but the goalie was up to the task. The Czech Republic had chances of their own through Petr Wojnar and Lukáš Mareček. Despite the chances, both teams were incapable of beating either keeper.

The second half proved to be drama filled. Like the first half, Greece won another early corner, but the chance was wasted. Substitutions by both coaches, looked as if both team were going for the three points. The tempo of the match didn’t reflect each coach’s aspirations. Several shots sailed wide at both ends, until Greece captain Giannis Papadopoulos unleashed a shot that looked to trouble the Czech keeper. Moments later Greece suffered a blow, first Ninis was booked for a foul, and then booked a second time for simply requesting a booking — all be it seconds after the initial caution. The Greek mind set turned to defense from that point on, shorthanded the Greeks needed to stop the several waves of Czech attacks. First a break away chance was foiled by a sprawling Babaniotis. The Czech attack continued moments later with several shots and crosses whipping through the penalty box. The best chance came when a shot from Radim Řezník’s was pushed off the crossbar by the Greek goalkeeper.

With the draw, Greece gains a point for a total of 2. The Czechs also remain undefeated, but have 4 points to their name. The later game saw England and Italy play to the same scoreline, 0-0. Italy is level with Greece at 2 points. England is in the basement of Group B with 1 point.

The next matchday is set for Sunday, with Greece facing a must win game against England, at the same time Italy play the Czech Republic. No team is eliminated from the tournament in this group, but the same can’t be said for Group A. Two-time defending champions, Spain, are eliminated from the tournament after two consecutive losses against Germany and Hungary have foiled their chances for a 3rd consecutive title; Bulgaria have also lost both their matches, and like Spain are packing their bags early. Germany and Hungary sit atop Group A with 6 points, but a greater goal differential for Germany separates the two clubs who are destined for an encounter of Group A supremacy on Sunday.