UPDATE 2-Soccer-Kuranyi goals give Germany 2-1 win over Czechs

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By Dusan Bucanek

PRAGUE, March 24 (Reuters) - Two Kevin Kuranyi headers gave Germany a deserved 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday to move three points clear at the top of Group D.

Germany have 13 points ahead of the Czechs after five matches, with Ireland also on 10 points having played a game more following their 1-0 win over Wales earlier on Saturday.

"The defence was solid as a wall, the midfield played very intelligent football and the strikers troubled our opponents' defence," said German coach Joachim Loew.

"I am very satisfied. It was a very high quality match."

The Czechs burst into the game with an attacking spirit and had the first promising chance after three minutes when Jan Polak got into the box and passed to Milan Baros but Germany captain Michael Ballack blocked his shot from close range.

The Germans gradually built up the pressure, burning several chances before Kuranyi shrugged off two defenders in the 42nd minute to head a corner past goalkeeper Petr Cech.

NO SURPRISE

"The mistake was how we played in the first half, and the goal from the corner was just evidence of how they were able to create opportunities," said Cech.

"Unfortunately, the Germans did not surprise me. We knew how we wanted to play and how they would play but in the end we could not manage it," he said.

The Czechs struggled in defence, especially when they pushed forward in search of an equaliser leaving themselves vulnerable.

Lukas Podolski nearly put the Germans two goals ahead just before halftime but his powerful shot hit the bar.

The Czechs improved in the second half and Baros had early opportunities but headed two Tomas Ujfalusi crosses over.

Podolski then wasted a great chance when he advanced on Cech and opted to pass instead of shoot but soon afterwards Kuranyi put Germany 2-0 ahead from a Philipp Lahm centre in the 62nd.

Baros finally scored a lucky goal in the 76th minute, deflecting in a shot by Jan Polak on the edge of the box, to give his side hope but despite several chances they could not find an equaliser even with four strikers towards the end.

"It was a deserved victory for our opponents," said Czech manager Karel Brueckner. "We didn't get to anything really in the first half... We were hardly finding any way to stand up to them."

The Czechs host Cyprus on Wednesday, while Germany have a break until June 2 when they meets San Marino.

Keywords: SOCCER EURO/CZECH