Smicer gives Czechs the advantage

Former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer was the hero as the Czech Republic beat Norway 1-0 in a World Cup qualification play-off.

The 32-year-old, who now plays his football in France with Bordeaux, scored in the 31st minute in a match which marked the return to international arena of Pavel Nedved.

The Juventus star has come out of national team retirement in a bid to help his country reach the finals in Germany, and the Czechs are now in a strong position going into the home leg on Wednesday.