Greece 1 - 2 Czech Republic ( euro 2012 )

Early goals from Petr Jiracek and Vaclav Pilar saw Czech Republic revive their Euro 2012 campaign with victory over Group A rivals Greece in Wroclaw.

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Fanis Gekas takes advantage of Petr Cech's error

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Theodor Gebre Selassie. The right-back was a bundle of energy for the Czechs, continuing to offer attacking support even in the second half when his country faded - indeed, he covered over 10km. He provided the assist for Vaclav Pilar as he got in behind the Greeks' defence before pulling back a cross that left goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias looking rather silly indeed.

Greece verdict: Twice now they have paid the price for starting matches slowly. Against Poland they were asleep for the first half, and this course of events repeated itself on Tuesday evening. In the second period, when the Czechs were not their bustling first-half selves, Greece upped the ante. And, again like Matchday One, a substitute proved effective as Theofanis Gekas popped up with a goal. Alas, they do not appear as if they have enough to make it to the knockout phase.

Czech Republic verdict: A response was required, and a response was witnessed. After a humiliating 4-1 loss against the Russians in their opening game, the Czechs played with the bit between their teeth, although they were aided by the aimless Greeks. Petr Jiracek epitomised a more gutsy display which puts them back in the Group A reckoning, yet an injury to Tomas Rosicky, who was replaced at half-time, is cause for concern.

Could do better: Petr Cech. Not a great match for goalkeepers as the injured Kostas Chalkias was replaced after 22 minutes having been at fault for both goals. Not to be outdone in the egg on face stakes, however, was Chelsea keeper Cech as he spilled the ball like a bar of soap to allow Gekas to pounce. Fortunately, it did not cost his side three points.

Stat attack: Only Peter Schmeichel (20) has ever conceded more goals at European Championship finals than Petr Cech.

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The Czechs were 2-0 to the good inside just six minutes as midfielders Jiracek and Pilar made the most of some generous Greek defending. Substitute Fanis Gekas pulled a goal back after a terrible error by Petr Cech, but Fernando Santos' side lacked the guile to carve out an equaliser.