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Iceland hot Sverrisson sinks Czech Republic in Reykjavik
REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) -- Iceland captain Eyjolfur Sverrisson scored twice Saturday in a 3-1 home win over the Czech Republic that kept alive the small island nation's hopes for a spot in the World Cup finals. The Czech side's match began to sour in the 39th minute when Jan Koeller was sent off for spitting at Iceland midfielder Hermann Hreidarsson, putting the visitors a man down for the rest of the match. The win pulled Iceland to 13 points in Group 3, one behind the Czechs. Group leader Denmark had 15 points before the start of its Saturday match against Northern Ireland; and Bulgaria was at 14 before its game at Malta. Sverrisson scored his first goal in the 44th minute. A free kick by Petur Marteinsson dropped at the feet of the skipper, who put a shot past Czech 'keeper Pavel Srnicek from 7 yards (meters) out. The Czechs came out strong in second half, but their momentum vanished in the 66th minute when strong team play led to Iceland's second goal. Eidur Smari Gudjohnsen had a close shot blocked by Srnicek that popped back out to Gudjohnsen and was crossed to Helgi Sigurdsson, who passed it on to Andri Sigthorsson for an easy goal from close range. The Czech side appeared deflated, giving Iceland several good chances that led to a third goal in the 77th minute. Sverrisson took a free kick from 35 yards (meters) out that kissed the right post and went into Srnicek's net. The visitors avoided a shutout just before full time when Marek Jankulovski broke free about 22 yards (meters) out and hammered a shot passed Iceland 'keeper Arni Geugur Arason.
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