Sports News

In Sports News this Monday: Czech national football team faces Spain at Euro 2016; Czech tennis player Karolína Plíšková clinches her first title of the season; and Great Britain’s Andy Murray reunites with Czech-born tennis legend Ivan Lendl.

Czech football squad begin Euro 2016 with opening match against Spain

Czech Republic - Spain, photo: CTK

The Czech national football team plays it opening match on Monday afternoon at Euro 2016 (shortly after the taping of this programme). The squad faces two-time defending champions Spain, meaning the Czechs will have to be at the absolute top of their game. Named for the opening match are recently-returned captain Tomáš Rosický, goalkeeper Petr Čech and striker Tomáš Necid. Ahead of the match, the team’s manager Pavel Vrba admitted he was understandably a little nervous.

“I would say that every one of us is a little nervous. As the coach I think it will be more intense than the recent friendlies. At the same time, I will be looking for the players to be confident, to express confidence myself, and to make clear we can get good results hopefully to make it out of the group.”

No one doubts that Spain are the favourites not only on Monday but also among the favourites in the entire tournament. Under the circumstances, the coach suggested on Czech Radio, Spain’s recent stumble against Georgia was heartening, proof that even am ‘unbeatable’ or powerhouse squad can stumble. The manager again:

Pavel Vrba, photo: CTK

“The match against Georgia showed that even an underestimated or quote-unquote weaker side can win, so that is an inspiration for us.”

In Group D, the Czechs will face Croatia after Spain and Turkey after that.

Tennis: Karolína Plíšková wins Nottingham Open

Czech tennis player Karolína Plíšková has clinched her first title of the season. after beating Alison Riske of the United States 7:6, 7:5 in the final of the WTA tournament in Nottingham on Sunday. Another Czech, Andrea Hlaváčková, won the women’s doubles at the same tournament. Along with her partner, Shuai Peng of China they defeated the Canadian-Chinese pairing of Gabriela Dabrowski and Zhaoxuan Yang 7:5, 3:6,10:7.

Andy Murray reunites with coach Ivan Lendl

Andy Murray, Ivan Lendl, photo: CTK

British tennis player Andy Murray has reunited with his former coach, Czech-born tennis legend Ivan Lendl. The World No. 2 has confirmed that they will start work together again from Monday. Murray worked with Lendl for two years, from 2012 to 2014, and during that time won Wimbledon, the US Open and the Olympic gold medal. Since Lendl's departure, Murray has lost three Grand Slam finals.