Czechs defeat Belarus 2:0 in World Cup qualifier, make playoffs

The Czech football team defeated Belarus on Monday evening in their penultimate of eight World Cup qualifiers. With their 2:0 victory is the Group E runner-up and advances to the playoffs.

Patrick Schick scored 22 minutes into the first half with an assist from Michal Sadílek. Adam Hložek scored his first goal for the national team 65 minutes in after an assist from Schick.

Coach Jaroslav Šilhavý's charges still have the same number of points in Group E as Wales, who have played one less match. Only the group winner, most likely Belgium, will advance directly to the championship.

Monday’s match took place in neutral Russia as European airlines have banned flights to Belarus as part of sanctions.

Author: Brian Kenety