The first 45 minutes of play between the Czech Republic and Montenegro in their Euro 2012 qualifying playoff match weren't exactly a shock, but that doesn't mean we have to like it. The home side had more of the possession, but didn't do a whole lot with it. The visitors struggled to keep the ball, didn't want to commit numbers forward, and kept their shape well. The score is tied up at 0-0 at halftime of the first leg, and it would have been surprising if anything else happened.
However, the Czechs should have a lead. There's only been one clear-cut chance in this match, and it was an easy one. In the 33rd minute, Tomas Rosicky played Tomas Pekhart into the box with a great pass. Pekhart held up the ball and laid it off to the late-arriving Petr Jiracek. He was totally unmarked and had the goal at his mercy, but horribly mis-hit his shot high and wide when it was easier to score.
And that was it. Far and away the best chance of the match, and to be honest, the only real chance of the match that came on a set piece. The hosts, for all of their possession, only created two corners. It hasn't been a fantastic match so far, and Montenegro won't be displeased with that.
You can find live coverage of this match and all of the Euro 2012 Qualifying playoffs action in our Euro 2012 Qualifying playoffs, first legs StoryStream. For more on the entire world of football, check out SB Nation Soccer.
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