SM
Man City vs. Brighton: 11 hrs 44 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
CR
International Friendlies
Mar 24, 2016 at 7.45pm UK
 
SN

0-1

 
FT(HT: 0-1)
Anya (10')

Ikechi Anya strikes against Czech Republic as Scotland cause upset in Prague

:Headline: Result: Ikechi Anya strikes against Czech Republic as Scotland cause upset in Prague: ID:269204: from db_amp
Ikechi Anya's 10th-minute goal gives Scotland a 1-0 win over Czech Republic in Thursday's international friendly in Prague.

Ikechi Anya's first-half goal separated Scotland and the Czech Republic in Thursday's international friendly in Prague.

The visitors, who have one eye on the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, were under large spells of pressure during the game, but Anya's 10th-minute strike was enough to claim back-to-back away wins for the first time since March 2014.

The hosts came close to opening the scoring in the eighth minute when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box following a foul on Vladimir Darida from Christophe Berra.

Borek Dockal stepped up to take it and his effort came close to rippling the goal, but he just missed the target as the ball clattered off the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Scotland were celebrating Anya giving the team the lead as he received a through-ball from Ross McCormack on the counter-attack and slotted it under the goalkeeper.

Despite taking the lead, Gordon Strachan's side were under intense pressure from the Czechs as the hosts attempted to find an equaliser.

Allan McGregor was called on to make numerous saves, one of which involved the Scotland keeper tipping Martin Frydek's half-volley over the bar.

The visitors had a handful of chances after weathering the storm, and debutant Kenny McLean came close at the back post after trying to latch on to McCormack's cross, but the ball was headed away by Tomas Sivok before the midfielder could get a touch.

Scotland had a decent five-minute spell as the first half drew to a close, with Robert Snodgrass delivering some teasing crosses into the box, but none of the chances were converted.

After the break, the hosts came out with attacking intent and immediately put their opponents under pressure as Pavel Kaderabek found space in the box before drilling a low shot, but it was deflected on the way and McGregor claimed with ease.

Scotland were forced to defend their box in quick succession as David Limbersky delivered a dangerous cross towards Tomas Necid, who was put off by Berra's presence while trying to connect with a header.

Alan Hutton, who was making his 50th international appearance, marshalled the defence well, and at the other end, McLean almost had a dream debut when he shot low from a tight angle, but his effort just trickled wide of the post.

Scotland began to pose a threat of their own and goalkeeper Tomas Koubek was called on to prevent a second goal when Snodgrass found Matt Phillips, who headed towards the net, but the keeper was able to grab the ball in the air.

The visitors felt that they were unlucky to be denied a penalty after Hutton was wiped out by Limbersky in the box, and the same fate was dealt to the home side after Matej Vydra went to the ground after a challenge from Berra.

Despite chances at both ends, the game ended in a slender win for the Scots.

amp_article__269204 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2016-03-25 09:37:53:
html db last update - 2016-03-25 09:37:53 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29217169274270
2Arsenal281510352242855
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest28156745331251
4Chelsea28147753361749
5Manchester CityMan City28145953381547
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2814594738947
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton28121064640646
8Aston Villa2912984145-445
9Bournemouth28128847341344
10Fulham2811984138342
11Crystal Palace2810993633339
12Brentford28115124844438
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs281041455411434
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd2897123440-634
15Everton2871293135-433
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2896133248-1633
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2865173857-1923
18Ipswich TownIpswich2838172658-3217
19Leicester CityLeicester2845192562-3717
20Southampton2823232068-489
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .