Czech defeated in World Cup qualifier

The Czech Republic suffered a 2:1 away defeat to Poland in a qualifying match for the 2010 World Cup to be held in South Africa. The result is a blow to the team’s qualifying hopes following on from a poor showing at the Euro 2008 competition and the departure of head coach Karel Brückner. Poland scored the first goal in the 27th minute, and followed with a second goal in the 57th minute. The Czech Republic managed to slightly recover after a late substitution, with player Mark Fenin scoring a goal in the 87th minute. The Czech team’s performance was almost universally derided as inadequate by commentators. The team will now face Slovenia on Wednesday. Czech goalkeeper Petr Čech has been ruled out of that match with a groin injury.