Baroš closes on World Cup

Last updated : 16 November 2005 By Pancho Villa

The Villa striker had a quiet game, but then so did most of the players as Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved, making his return to the international stage after 18 months of self-imposed leave, dominated proceedings. The veteran created countless chances for the likes of Vladimir Smicer and Tomas Rosicky before the former finally converted on the half-hour mark after Nedved had released Karel Poborsky whose cross was turned in. The Czechs dominated from there on in but were unable to add to their lead and were forced to settle for a one-goal lead to take into the home leg on Wednesday.