Petr Jiracek struck on the counter attack as the Czech Republic defeated Poland 1-0 on Saturday, advancing to the Euro 2012 quarterfinals while the co-hosts crashed out.
Jiracek fired a right-footer under the diving Przemyslaw Tyton in the 72nd minute in the do-or-die game in rainy Wroclaw, set up by veteran Milan Baros after the tiring Poles lost the ball in midfield.
The result saw the Czechs top group A with six points as they recovered from a opening 4-1 thrashing by Russia with wins over Greece (2-1) and Poland.
Greece beat Russia 1-0 in the other game in Warsaw Saturday to join the Czechs in the knockout round, tied with Russia on four points but winning their match. Poland were winless last with two points.
Keywords: Euro 2012, Euro 2012 soccer championship, Czech Republic, Poland
Congratulations to goal scorer Petr Jiracek.
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