UPDATE 1-Soccer-Czechs lucky to scrape home 1-0 against Cyprus

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LIBEREC, Czech Republic, March 28 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic barely made up for Saturday's home loss to Germany and a controversial party that night when they struggled to beat modest Cyprus 1-0 in a Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

The Czechs remain second in Group D, level on points with the Germans, but their narrow home victory and unsteady defending did little to dispel doubts about the strength of the Euro 2004 semi-finalists.

Defender Radoslav Kovac headed the only goal from a corner in the 20th minute. The goal was originally attributed to striker Jan Koller but an official correction was announced.

The Czechs had a number of opportunities but lacked precision while Cyprus had some good chances in the second half.

Efstathios Aloneftis shot just wide of the left post from inside the box in the 67th minute, Ioannis Okkas sent the ball over the bar when he was alone in front of Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech in the 71st, and he missed again from close range seven minutes from time.

The Czechs' deserved 2-1 defeat by Germany on Saturday was followed by a controversial party that went on into the early hours of Sunday and earned the team a one million crown ($47,640) fine from the country's Football Union.