Czech Republic win Gyor event
Thursday, September 5, 2013
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The Czech Republic look in good shape for UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 after winning the annual Four Nations Tournament ahead of play-off contenders Slovakia and Hungary.
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The Czech Republic look in good shape for UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 after winning the annual Four Nations Tournament in Gyor ahead of two play-off contenders – Slovakia and hosts Hungary.
Tomáš Neumann's side defeated holders Slovakia 5-1 and Hungary 4-2 before beating Poland 5-3. Hungary, under new coach Sito Rivera, lost 2-1 to Poland but drew 3-3 with Slovakia, who clinched second place thanks to a 3-0 win against Poland.
The Hungary game was a particular test for the Czechs, as they trailed 2-0 at half-time before turning the game. They also fell behind against Poland but led 4-1 by the break, Michal Belej striking twice, and held on.
Neumann said: "I am glad we have won all three games. The matches were difficult, but in all of them we managed to get to a successful conclusion. I have to admit the second half of the final game against Poland was miserable from my point of view, but the victory counts.
"There are things we may build up on. We managed to see all of our 14 players in action. In the final game we tried to line up without the Mareš brothers and we did well, especially in the first half. I have only positive impressions from the whole tournament."
In the UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 finals draw in the tournament venue of Antwerp on 4 October, the Czech Republic will be in the second of three seeding pots, and on the following two days will be in Serbia for two friendlies as they continue to prepare for tournament from 28 January to 8 February. Also hoping to be there are Slovakia, who face Croatia in their play-off on 18 and 24 September, and Hungary, up against Ukraine with the first leg a day earlier.