Koller and Baros double up as Czechs hit seven

SAN MARINO fell to another humbling defeat, conceding their 20th goal in two Euro 2008 qualifiers as the Czech Republic ran out 7-0 winners in Liberec.

Strike duo Milan Baros and Jan Koller were rampant for the hosts, each grabbing a brace as the minnows continued to live up to their status as Group D whipping boys.

As expected, the hosts, intent on compounding the misery of a side who took a record-breaking 13-0 beating at the hands of Germany in their campaign opener, started strongly.

Goalkeeper Federico Valentini, making his debut as a result of sweeping changes made by San Marino coach Giampaolo Mazza after that drubbing, was called into action twice inside the first three minutes.

The first chance, after just a minute, saw Marek Jankulovski test Valentini from 25 yards following a Tomas Rosicky corner and seconds later he again came to the rescue, tipping David Jarolim’s fierce strike around the post.

The home side soon found their shooting boots and, after good approach play from Tomas Ujfalusi and Jankulovski, Marek Kulic struck from the edge of the box to grab the opener. Seven minutes passed before Jarolim teed up Jan Polak to steer the ball beyond Valentini to double the lead.

The visitors had little to offer and the Czech defence had yet to be tested when the fit-again Baros added his name to the scoresheet.

Koller was the provider, setting up Baros from 12 yards before the Aston Villa man powered in a third with his left foot. The pair combined again three minutes before half-time with Baros crossing from the right wing and Koller heading in from six yards.

Carlo Valentini had San Marino’s first effort just after the restart but Petr Cech was equal to it and any enthusiasm was soon killed by two more goals in the space of four minutes.

Goal five saw Jarolim pounce as he converted Ujfalusi’s pass from the right flank and after 52 minutes Koller had a second, this time striking with his right foot.

A flurry of substitutions could not change the flow of the game and Baros soon joined Koller on two, heading home from close range.

CZECH REPUBLIC: Cech, Ujfalusi, Grygera, Rozehnal (Zapotocny 45), Jankulovski, Jarolim, Polak, Rosicky (Plasil 63), Baros, Kulic (Lafata 45), Koller.

SAN MARINO: Federico Valentini, Albani, Della Valle, Bacciocchi, Andreini (Mariotti 82), Carlo Valentini, Vannucci, Masi (Crescentini 69), Domeniconi, Moretti (Marani 54), Selva.

Attendance: 9,514

Referee: Vusal Aliyev (Azerbaijan).