Clinical Czechs off and running
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Article summary
Czech Republic 2-0 Denmark Martin Femin and Jakub Mareš found the net in the first half to earn an opening-day win in Group 4.
Article body
The Czech Republic began their UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying campaign in solid fashion as two goals in nine first-half minutes defeated Denmark in the first round of matches in Elite round Group 4.
Decisive spell
The Czechs sat out the qualifying round but were quickly into their stride at the Metalurg stadium in Donetsk with Martin Fenin slotting in the opening goal from inside the Danish penalty area in the 27th minute. Eight minutes later Jaroslav Horák's team launched a swift counterattack and out-numbered their opponents three-to-one, allowing Jakub Mareš to race clear and slot the second goal into the corner.
Friday fixtures
It might have been even worse for the Danes, who face Switzerland in their next fixture on Friday, but Kamil Vacek missed an 80th-minute penalty for the Czech Republic. The Czechs take on mini-tournament hosts Ukraine in their second match.