Cardiff stalemate for Czech Republic

Wales 0-0 Czech Republic
Wales produced a strong defensive display to hold the Czech Republic to a goalless draw in an international friendly at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Welsh recovery
The result continued the Welsh recovery under manager Mark Hughes, coming after a 1-0 victory over Belarus in October and a 1-1 home draw with Argentina last month. It is now just two defeats in the last eleven games for Wales, with the signs promising they will be able to mount a serious challenge when qualification starts in September for EURO 2004™.

Šmicer impressive
The Czech Republic, not attending this summer's FIFA World Cup finals after being beaten in a play-off by Belgium, were on top for most of the game and BV Borussia Dortmund striker Jan Koller had a goal disallowed for offside early in the second half. Liverpool FC's Vladimír Šmicer proved to be a constant thorn in Wales's side, while Tomás Ujfalusi and Vratislav Lokvenc both missed excellent opportunities for the visitors.