Vydra double helps Czechs win in Armenia

Two goals from Matěj Vydra and one from Daniel Kolář, along with a series of fine saves by Petr Čech on his 100th international appearance, earned the Czech Republic a 3-0 win in Armenia.

Vydra opened his account for his country two minutes after half-time and doubled the visitors' tally in Yerevan with nine minutes remaining. Michal Bílek's team, defeated 3-0 at home by Denmark on Friday, wrapped up a comfortable triumph – only their second in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group B – thanks to Kolář's effort in added time.

Vardan Minasyan's side had started brightly, however, and gave Čech a testing time on the occasion of his milestone cap. Yura Movsisyan had the best chance to break the deadlock in the first half, but was denied by the Chelsea FC goalkeeper from close range.

Marcos Pizzelli was next to check the 30-year-old's reflexes and Čech made another spectacular stop to keep out the playmaker's powerful shot from 18 metres. The Czechs gradually found their rhythm and began to threaten from out wide in particular. Indeed they ended the stalemate when Jaroslav Plašil's pinpoint cross picked out Vydra, who made no mistake with his header.

Home substitutes Artur Sarkisov and Aras Özbiliz both spurned opportunities to equalise, though Marek Suchý also went close to notching a Czech second. Bílek's charges did eventually engineer some breathing space courtesy of Vydra's expert finish from ten metres.

Armenia pushed for a consolation but ultimately had their wounds salted by a rapid run and finish from substitute Kolář in the fourth additional minute.