Koller strike is enough for Czechs
PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Striker Jan Koller's first-half penalty secured the Czech Republic their first points with a 1-0 victory over Romania in their World Cup Group One qualifying match.
The Czechs, beaten 2-0 by the Netherlands in their opening game, were heavily depleted in midfield with the sudden retirement of Pavel Nedved and injuries to Karel Poborsky and Vladimir Smicer.
"We had to overcome some missing players, so I am satisfied with the result. We didn't make many mistakes, we couldn't afford to. I'm happy with how we played," said Czech coach Karel Brueckner.
With little danger generated from the middle, the job was left to Milan Baros to carve out scoring chances.
The Liverpool striker was denied a penalty just after the half-hour when he rounded Romanian keeper Bogdan Lobont and fell under his challenge. Referee Roberto Rosetti waved away the spot-kick appeals.
The Czechs were awarded a penalty five minutes later when Martin Jiranek was hauled down. Koller clinically fired into the top corner to net his country's first goal since Euro 2004.
"We knew we needed a strong defensive game and we got it. I thought it was a penalty, but the referee didn't see it that way. Fortunately, the next call was made and Jan was right on the mark," said Baros.
Romania enjoyed periods of good possession but an out-of-sorts Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu failed to shine as the visitors carried little threat.
Romania and Finland, who earlier beat Armenia, both have nine points at the top of the group. The Czechs have three.
Dutch are held
Meanwhile, Macedonia twice came from behind to hold the Netherlands to a surprise 2-2 draw in Skopje.
The Dutch, Euro 2004 semi-finalists and off to a good start in their World Cup campaign with a win over the Czech Republic, had gone close through Pierre van Hooijdonk before they were gifted a 43rd-minute lead.
Macedonian goalkeeper Jane Nikolovski, under pressure from Wilfred Bouma, slammed a Wesley Sneijder corner into his own goal.
The home side, spurred forward by the promptings of Artim Sakiri equalised just before halftime, Goran Pandev following up to net from close range after Ace Stojkov's effort had rebounded to him.
Nikolovski kept out a Nigel de Jong header but Dirk Kuijt restored the Dutch lead midway through the second period.
Macedonia secured a famous and deserved point 20 minutes from time when Pandev set up Stojkov, who fooled goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar to score at the near post.
