Baroš hits four as Czechs stay alive
Wednesday 9 September 2009
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Milan Baroš was the star attraction for the Czech Republic (©Getty Images)
Milan Baroš scored four times in a 7-0 victory against San Marino which keeps the Czech Republic's hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup alive.
Ten men
The Galatasaray AŞ forward got the Czechs going in the 28th minute and had completed his hat-trick by the break thanks to goals in the 44th minute and first-half added time. Baroš completed his haul on 66, with Václav Svěrkoš (47, 90+5) and Tomáš Necid (86) also on target against visitors reduced to ten men following Simone Bacciocchi's 82nd-minute dismissal.
Rosický returns
Home coach Ivan Hašek made six changes to the starting XI which earned a 2-2 draw away to Group 3 leaders Slovakia on Saturday, the most notable inclusion being Tomáš Rosický as the Arsenal FC playmaker played his first competitive game since January 2008. Despite fielding a three-man attack, it took almost 30 minutes to break through as Baroš ran unchecked before slotting the ball in.
Penalty
A fine Tomáš Hübschman pass created the second, before Baroš picked himself up to score from the spot to complete his hat-trick. Svěrkoš deflected in the fourth while Baroš's 38th international goal was poked in from close range after Daniel Pudil's free-kick had bounced off the post. Bacciocchi picked up a second yellow card for time-wasting late on, after which Necid and Svěrkoš – who had missed a penalty – helped the Czech Republic equal their record margin of victory.
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