Czechs cruise to victory

Czech Republic 5-1 Canada
The Czech Republic ended a memorable year in style with a 5-1 friendly victory against Canada in Teplice.

Brückner still unbeaten
The Czechs, who qualified for UEFA EURO 2004™ by topping qualifying Group 3 last month, are unbeaten in 19 games since coach Karel Brückner took over the squad in January 2002. Of those matches, 15 have been wins and there never looked like being any other outcome at the Stínadla stadium in the first meeting between the two countries.

Record night
Marek Jankulovski, Marek Heinz, Karel Poborský, Libor Sionko and Rudolf Skácel scored the goals for the home team, but it was Poborský's strike that was the most well received. The AC Sparta Praha playmaker was making his 90th appearance for the Czechs, equalling the record held by Zdenek Nehoda.

Radzinski denied
The Czechs had a bright start, with Stepán Vachousek, who was replacing the injured Vladimír Smicer in attack, hitting the bar in the first minute. However, the Canadians soon had a chance of their own when Tomasz Radzinski found himself in a one-on-one situation with Jaromír Blazek, only for the Czech goalkeeper to come out on top.

Koller fouled
The breakthrough finally came in the 27th minute when Jan Koller was tripped in the penalty area by Canadian captain Jason De Vos. Marek Jankulovski made no mistake from the spot and the Czechs were on their way. There were to be no more goals before the interval although home captain Pavel Nedved hit the crossbar.

Birthday celebrations
Half-time replacement Heinz extended the advantage just three minutes into the second half with a goal on his debut. Poborský then wrapped up the victory with a headed effort in the 55th minute, his seventh in Czech colours. Brückner, who celebrated his 64th birthday on Thursday, was able to experiment in this contest and another substitute Libor Sionko, back after 14 months away from the national side, rewarded his coach with a fourth.

Irish trip
Victory was complete when Skácel struck nine minutes before the final whistle although there was still time for Radzinski to score a consolation. The North American team will get the chance to make amends for their defeat with a trip to play the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.