TOMAS CVANCARA looked the calmest character in the vicinity of Ibrox yesterday as he sized up the penalty-kick that could take Celtic into the Scottish Cup semi-final.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Auston Trusty and Reo Hatate had made impeccable jobs of their kicks from 12 yards while Danny Rohl’s side had squandered two.
It was down to the towering Czech Republic international attack-leader to tuck his effort behind Jack Butland to bring the onfield drama to a satisfying conclusion and seal a place against St Mirren in the last four at Hampden next month.
With the swoosh of his right foot, Cvancara sent the ball unerringly into the right-hand corner of the goal while the keeper elected to go in the opposite direction.
SPOT ON…Tomas Cvancara sinks the fourth and deciding penalty-kick at Ibrox.
The on-loan Borussia Monchengladbach frontman, who had replaced Sebastian Tounekti just before the hour mark, smiled: “I feel happy that we got through to the semi-final.
“Obviously, it was a difficult game, but sometimes it’s not about how beautifully we play, but it’s about who is the winner in the end.
“And we showed again that we have the character to win these games and I am happy for the team.
“It’s not in doubt that we didn’t create a lot of chances, maybe we can play a little bit faster in the counter attacks.”
Cvancara, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “But, as I said, I’m just happy that we showed we have very good character.
“Even though we didn’t play the nicest football, we still keep winning and this is most important, not just for the title race, but also for the Cup games.”
On his walk up to strike the crucial spot-kick, Cvancara added: “To be honest, I just knew that it would be a big pressure.
“This can happen, so you have to be ready for that moment.
“I was just clearing my head and thinking about doing the maximum to focus on the penalty.”
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