Czech Republic (5) v (10) Rwanda

By Finn Bradshaw

RWANDA beat the Czech Republic in a high-quality affair at the Melbourne Pitch to claim its first victory of the tournament.

With Djuma Niyigena starring, Rwanda's class overcame Czech power to win 10-5.

Niyigena ran rings around the Czech defence, finding the back of the net seven times, including the first and last goals of the game. The latter was a deflected free-kick from half-way in the final minute of the game.

The first half was a one sided affair, as the Rwandans ran riot, booting six goals without a riposte from the Czechs. The best of the bunch was a scorcher from the sidelines near half-way by Ally Uwimana.

Not only was Rwanda dominant in the midfield, but their keeper, Michel Ndayisenga, pulled out some stunning saves to preserve a first-half clean sheet.

The Czechs turned up the intensity in the second half, finding the back of the net with some long-range missiles and a rare headed goal from Jan Jasukevic, who finished with a hat-trick.

However, 7-3 was as close as they got, as Rwanda was able to capitalise the Czechs' need to push forward to keep a comfortable margin.

The win draws Rwanda level with Australia, Austria and the Czech Republic on three points in Group H. Portugal leads the group on nine points.

Photos: Photoworx