Polák propels Czechs to victory

The Czech Republic returned to winning ways as four second-half goals helped Karel Brückner's side to a victory against Armenia which sees them regain second place in 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 1.

Polák double
The home side suffered a demoralising 2-0 defeat by Romania on Saturday and needed to bounce back this evening in Olomouc but struggled to make headway against a tenacious Armenia team. Marek Heinz finally broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart and further goals from Milan Baroš and Jan Polák (2) helped them establish a 4-0 lead before Ara Hakobjan's late consolation.

Blažek intervention
An injury to Petr Cech saw Jaromír Blažek make his debut in goal and the custodian did not take long to make an impact, sprinting from his line to deny Hokobjan as the striker threatened to give the visitors a shock lead. Until then the Czech Republic had dominated, something they continued to do in the opening period without capitalising on a host of chances.

Deflected shots
Not afraid to shuffle his side, Brückner brought on Vladimír Šmicer at the interval and the midfielder almost made an immediate impression, only to hit a shot straight at Roman Berezovskij when well placed. But the disappointment did not last long and within a minute Heinz finally broke the deadlock, albeit with the aid of a crucial deflection.

Baroš strike
There was also an element of luck with the second goal five minutes later when Polák's long-range shot was also deflected beyond Berezovskij. Baroš made it three just before the hour mark, tapping in after Jan Koller's effort was only half cleared, and the Aston Villa FC striker turned provider on 76 minutes, teeing the ball up for Polák to stroke home.

Late consolation
Hakobjan reduced the deficit late on but it was too little, too late for Armenia who remain rooted to the bottom of Group 1 - and will go to Andorra on 12 October needing a victory to escape last place. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic are second, a point behind the Netherlands ahead of their meeting on 8 October - when victory will see them go top and clinch at least a play-off place.