Czech Republic vs. Italy: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

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at Internationaled.org

Published: June 7, 2013

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The Czech Republic and Italy played to a 0-0 draw in Prague on Friday, each picking up one point towards qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil (via FIFA.com):



The first half of Friday's match was rather uneventful, as Italy dominated possession but failed to mount much of a threatening attack. The half would see the home side manage more opportunities on goal but come away empty on each try, per FIFA.com:



Frank Isola even took a shot at Italian forward Mario Balotelli: 



Balotelli would end up stealing the show in the second half, but for all of the wrong reasons. The talented but often confusing strikers picked up two yellow cards in less than five minutes, being sent off and putting his squad down a man with 20-plus minutes left to play (via Jonny Blain):



The Czechs would create some chances late, with substitute Daniel Kolar nearly scoring the go-ahead goal in injury time, but it was not meant to be.

Andy Bedingfield summed up Friday's lackluster qualifier best:



Czech Republic was out-possessed, but out-shot Italy 17-5 in the draw. Shockingly, the Azzurri failed to get a single shot on goal. 

Here's how Friday's result impacts Group B, per Azzurri: 



Italy's manager, Cesare Prandelli spoke on Balotelli's red card and the result after the match, per Football Italia:

Balotelli has to learn how to accept situations, and he needs to grow in that sense. We will drum that message into him. I was going to substitute him, but I didn’t have time. 

I wanted depth, and we did create some interesting moves, but we’re all lacking sharpness at the moment. The most important thing was the result.

The Czechs trail the Italians by five points in Group B with four qualifying matches left to play. 

 

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Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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