Gent keep Zlín at bay

By Josef Ladislav

FC Zlín were unable to follow the example set by fellow Czech Republic sides FC Slovan Liberec and SK Sigma Olomouc by advancing to the UEFA Intertoto Cup third round on Sunday, after a goalless draw with KAA Gent at Letná stadium saw them eliminated from the competition 1-0 on aggregate.

Depleted Zlin
With Sandy Martens’ goal for Gent from the first leg separating the two sides, Zlín were dealt a further setback by the absence of key players going into the return leg at home. Midfield player Josef Lukaštík was suspended, Edvard Lasota was injured, while defenders Jirí Koubský and David Hubácek have departed the club for FC St. Gallen and SK Slavia Praha, respectively.

New faces
As a result, new coach Lubomír Blaha, who recently replaced Pavel Hapal, gave starts to right-back Vlastimil Vidlicka, recently returned from a loan spell with Wisla Krakow, and forward Jan Kraus, a new signing from second division side SK Hradec Králové.

Cincala miss
Zlín were aiming to eliminate a Belgian side for the second year running in the competition, after last season’s defeat of KV Westerloo, but they rarely tested the visiting side. Their best opportunity to score and put the game into extra-time came with eight minutes remaining when a scramble in the Gent penalty box resulted in the ball striking the post. Zlín were given a further opportunity to snatch a goal in the final minute but midfield player Václav Cincala missed the target with an open goal in front of him.

Spanish showdown
Consequently, it was Gent who advanced 1-0 on aggregate and they will now meet 2004 UEFA Cup winners Valencia CF in the third round. The first leg will take place on either 16 or 17 July with the return match scheduled for 23 July.