Czech Republic, Peru draw in Kirin Cup

The Czech Republic and Peru fought out a tame goalless draw in the three-nation Kirin Cup on Saturday. Peru, who also drew with Japan 0-0 in Niigata on Wednesday, ended the tournament with two draws for two points, while the Czech Republic will play the Asian Cup holders Japan in Yokohama next Tuesday. "We played better in these two games. Especially our defenders were better. We made more chances than our opponents. I think the fans enjoyed our performance," said Peru coach Sergio Markarian of Uruguay. "We are going to build up our team further through the Copa America and try to achieve our goal to reach the World Cup in 2014. We are not still perfect," he added. In preparation for the Copa America next month, Peru had the better of the play in the first half with Yoshimar Yotun and Michael Guevara sending in several fine crosses, but nobody got on the end of them. Their best chance came at the end of the first period when Luis Advincula hit the ball from close range, but Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech made a fine reflex save. The Czechs, who were loose in possession at times, had their first real chance soon after when forward Tomas Necid was played in by Kamil Vacek, but he was brought down on the edge of the area. The Czech Republic were better after the break but failed to create another clear scoring chance. After prolonged Czech pressure, Peru had a golden chance when midfielder Christian Cueva sent a decent cross into the area for Schalke striker Jefferson Farfan in the 82nd minute. But Farfan's towering header struck the post and bounced to safety. Czech coach Michal Bilek said they were able to shut out Peru because of Cech, who this week won the Czech Republic's annual Golden Ball prize for a record-equalling sixth time for being the nation's most valuable player. "I did what I must do not to give them a goal. I made no mistakes," said Cech. "We will play a stronger team next. We are tired after a trip of 20 hours and we are far from our best. But I want to win our next game."