Home victory cheers Czechs

Czech Republic 3-1 Bulgaria
Karel Brückner's side secured a morale-boosting win against fellow UEFA EURO 2004™ finalists Bulgaria in Prague early this evening.

Second-half strikes
Hours before the Czech Republic coach confirmed his final 23-man party for the trip to Portugal, second-half goals from Milan Baroš, Jaroslav Plašil and Tomáš Rosický earned a first win in four internationals for the home side.

Last win
Brückner's team drew against Italy in Palermo in Febraury, before suffering one-goal defeats by Republic of Ireland and Japan in late March and April respectively. The proposed friendly against Liechtenstein was cancelled, meaning the Czechs had not recorded a victory since defeating Canada 5-1 in November 2003.

Baroš breakthrough
After a goalless first half, Liverpool FC striker Baroš broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half, beating Bulgarian goalkeeper Zdravko Zdravkov to put the home side in front.

Immediate impact
Both sides made a number of changes as Brückner and his opposite number Plamen Markov tried to keep their players sharp and fresh for the tests that await in Portugal. It was one of those replacements, AS Monaco FC midfield player Plašil, who doubled the lead 16 minutes from time, finding the net just four minutes after his introduction.

Late consolation
BV Borussia Dortmund playmaker Rosický added a third ten minutes later, although a Bulgarian substitute, Milen Petkov, scored a consolation goal three minutes into added time at the end of the match.

Portuguese opposition
The Czechs have been drawn alongside Latvia, the Netherlands and Germany in Group D at EURO 2004™. Bulgaria, meanwhile, are in Group C, with Sweden, Denmark and Italy.