soviet union overpower czechs to reach final published: wednesday 1 october 2003, 8.50cet
two goals from valentin ivanov and one from viktor ponedelnik was enough for the soviet union to set up a final against yugoslavia.
the soviet union's robust style proved too much for czechoslovakia, a 3-0 victory booking their place against yugoslavia in the inaugural uefa european football championship final.
though czechoslovakia had rough diamonds of their own in ladislav novák and ján popluhár, and the skilful josef masopust could run all day – they were unable to match their opponents' penetration up front. two goals from valentin ivanov and one from viktor ponedelnik ultimately proved the difference in marseille.
after a tight opening period ponedelnik was the first to come close with a 24th-minute shot while andrej kvašňák was off the field receiving treatment. a clever run from ivanov brought the first goal and he added a second after another mazy dribble through the czech defence. ponedelnik scored the soviet union's third, tapping in after valentin bouboukine's shot had bounced back off a defender.
czechoslovakia's problems continued in the 67th minute when josef vojta, perhaps awed by lev yashin's reputation, shot wide from the penalty spot. the soviet union had established themselves as strong favourites for the showpiece.
