Russia hold Group 5 hosts in check
Thursday, May 19, 2011
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Russia 0-0 Czech Republic
Neither side was able to fashion a breakthrough on the first day of Group 5 action with the two goalkeepers both in unbeatable form.
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Russia and the Czech Republic played out an entertaining goalless draw in the first round of matches in UEFA European Under-19 Championship Group 5.
The Czechs, who are hosting the mini-tournament, created the better openings but were unable to force a breakthrough as both teams made a clean sheet their first priority. The first half was an even affair with neither side prepared to take many risks, although the game opened up after the break.
The first good chance arrived on the hour as Jiří Skalák brilliantly dribbled through the Russia defence, but the Czech No9 was thwarted by goalkeeper Vyacheslav Isupov. It was then the turn of Isupov's opposite number Tomaš Koubek to excel, the Czech custodian producing a memorable stop to keep out Magomed Ozdoev's free-kick.
Isupov was at it again in the 89th minute as Tomáš Přikryl found himself with time and space inside the penalty area, but he was unable to find a way past the goalkeeper and the last chance had gone. The teams are next in action on Saturday, the Czechs facing the Netherlands while Russia take on Israel.
