Penickova boosts Czech campaign
Saturday, December 6, 2003
Article summary
Portugal 0-1 Czech Republic The Czechs moved into second place in Group 4 after the final qualifier of 2003.
Article body
The Czech Republic will end 2003 second in UEFA Women's Championship qualifying Group 4 after a narrow victory in Portugal.
Penickova for Czechs
Portugal came into the game on the back of a 13-0 defeat by world champions Germany in their last qualifier, and fell behind five minutes in to a goal from Blanka Penickova. However, that was the end of the scoring, and despite the sending-off of Gabriela Chlumecka in added time, the Czechs secured the three points.
Race for qualification
They now trail Germany - who have won all four of their matches - by five points, but are one ahead of third-placed Scotland in the race for a place in England in 2005. Portugal are fourth with four games to go. Group 4 also stages the first qualifier of 2004 in any pool, when Germany visit Portugal. The Czechs welcome Portugal on 9 May.
