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Lazarov and Ristovski save Macedonian squad in Zlin

Czech Republic - Macedonia 27:27 (18:11)

Following a disappointing loss for Czech Republic against France in their qualification opener, Sunday's home side were eager for a chance to make amends. With no clear favourite ahead of the meeting between the sides in Zlin, it was no surprise that the match was a close one. By midway through the first half the score was level (6:6), and the game was already looking to be dominated by both team's big back court shooters.

When play resumed after a time-out called by Macedonia in the 16th minute, Czech Republic returned with renewed determination, creating a four-goal lead in less than ten minutes and ultimately going into the half-time break ahead by seven (18:11). The second half continued much the same as the first, with the main on-court battle taking place on the back court (the top scorers on behalf of both teams were back court players). Macedonia were looking dangerous as they slowly narrowed the score line and when Kiril Lazarov scored his seventh goal in the 45th minute, the away side came within two goals of their hosts (23:21).

A goal by Macedonian centre back Filip Mirkulovski in the 52nd minute equalised the match (25:25), before an outright red card disqualified Czech Republic's Jan Sobol. A penalty shot was consequently awarded to the visitors, but Lazarov failed to convert and the score remained tied. Czech Republic pulled ahead twice more over the next ten minutes, but the score was always levelled soon after by the determined visitors. Macedonia's Mirkulovski received a two-minute suspension with less than fifteen seconds left on the clock, giving Czech a small window of opportunity to score a quick goal and seal the victory. A last-minute shot by Tomas Babak failed to find the back of the goal, ending the match in a well-deserved draw following what was a hard-fought match for both teams. Lazarov finished the match as the top scorer for Macedonia, with ten goals. Linhart and Zdrahala were the highest scorers for Czech, with seven goals each.

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