Czech Republic 3-1 Scotland
The Czech Republic were given a tough work-out by Scotland before two Libor Sionko goals helped them to victory in their last pre-UEFA EURO 2008™ friendly in Prague.
Sionko intervention
Having beaten Lithuania three days ago for their first victory since qualifying, the Czech Republic were hoping for another win as they contemplate opening the finals against co-hosts and Group A rivals Switzerland in Basel on Saturday week. But they had to wait an hour before Sionko burst through to break the deadlock. Michal Kadlec produced a late spectacular finish and although David Clarkson pulled one back Sionko scored again in the last minute.
Early chance
Karel Brückner's side had a chance within four minutes as Rudolf Skácel broke into the box but Gary Naysmith cut out his pass to Sionko and although the clearance went to Jan Polák, his cross was headed wide by Jan Koller. The tall striker also came close after a Sinoko centre, but the Czech Republic were being restricted by their visitors, though their was even fewer chances for Scotland's debutant striker James Morrison, a former English youth international.
Opening goal
Brückner sent on five substitutes at the break including attacking trio David Jarolím, Vaclav Svěrkoš and Kadlec and they increased the pressure on Scotland, which told when former Rangers FC player Sionko produced a sudden burst of pace in the box to run on to Zdeněk Pospěch's pass and confidently shoot past Craig Gordon.
Win sealed
Scotland's goalkeeper did do well to deny Svěrkoš in a one-on-one but was powerless on 84 minutes when Kadlec shot in from the corner of the box to open his international account. Scotland debutant Clarkson, who had only been brought on in the 72nd minute, immediately reduced arrears as he turned in fellow substitute Shaun Maloney's cross, but Sionko had the last word as he again ran through the visiting defence and gave Gordon no chance with his finish.
Czech Republic: Čech, Pospěch (Sivok 74), Ujfaluši (Kadlec 46), Kováč, Jankulovski (Rozehnal 46), Sionko, Polák, Galásek, Matějovský (Jarolím 46), Skácel (Plašil 46), Koller (Svěrkoš 46).
Scotland: Gordon, McNaughton (Berra 90), McManus (Dailly 58), Caldwell, Naysmith, Hartley, Fletcher, Rae (Clarkson 72), Robson (McCormack 83), Miller, Morrison (Maloney, 68).
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