The match between the Czech Republic and Iceland was very close and top quality soccer. It started off quick with a goal just eleven minutes into the match. With Iceland at the top of the table and the Czech Republic holding the USWNT scoreless, it was expected to be a good match.
The first goal of the match came in the eleventh minute off of a set piece by Iceland. Natasha Anasi was able to head the ball right past the keeper into the back of the net. They added their second a few minutes later from Selma Sol Magnusdottir with a beautifully slotted pass that led to a goal off of a sixty yard run.
Czech Republic is a very defensive team. They lock down to keep the other teams from scoring, however, it makes it difficult for them to efficiently attack. Going into this game their plan was to attack more but when they did, their defense faltered, letting Iceland slip through for an easy goal. The Czech had several good opportunities in the first twenty minutes of the game but their finish was just slightly off allowing Iceland to maintain a 2-0 lead.
Compared to the game against New Zealand, the Icelandic side has been playing out of the back a lot more defensively to hold down the Czech side who spent the first half of the match looking for a goal to even the playing field.
In the 54’ minute the Czech Republic had a ball that barely deflected off the goal post, before being cleared back into the box by Iceland to keep the score at 2-0. Just a minute later they got a dangerous free kick right outside the box that was denied by Telma Ívarsdóttir, the Icelandic goalkeeper.
Goal from Czech republic in the 86’ minute by Michaela Khyrova. In the 89’ minute, a last minute header attempt to equalize just missed the goal. Overall the Cezech Republic outshot Iceland, 21 shots to 15 but only one was ultimately able to hit the back of the net.
Final Score: 2-1 Iceland
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