Slovakia – Czech Republic 2:2 in World Cup qualifier

The Czech Republic drew 2:2 against Slovakia in Bratislava on Saturday in the tightly contested qualification Group 3 of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. The Czechs had a very good start but did not convert any of several opportunities. Slovakia’s Stanislav Šesták opened the score after 60 minutes of play, but Czech Republic’s Daniel Pudil managed to equalize eight minutes later. Marek Hamšík put Slovakia ahead again with a 73rd minute penalty before Czech substitute strike Milan Baroš headed home with six minutes left to deny the Slovaks victory.

Saturday’s game was also the last appearance by veteran striker Jan Koller, who was disappointed with his performance and left the Czech national side.

While Slovakia stays at the top of the qualification group with 16 points and could qualify for its first major tournament, the Czechs remain fifth with nine points and still hope to finish second and reach the play-off stage.